Diaper Free! Review

The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene

Diaper Free! written by Ingrid Bauer, should be required reading for all mothers - not just those considering natural infant hygiene (elimination communication is another name for it.) Diaper Free! is a wonderful book about being connected and "in tune" with your baby. The suggestions and applications for communicating with your baby go far beyond simple toileting.

Diaper Free! also does an excellent job discussing natural infant hygiene (NIH). NIH is being consciously aware of your baby's need to eliminate and being available to help your baby go to the bathroom somewhere besides a diaper. Bauer discusses possible places in depth in her book. (Some possibilities include a small container or nestled in your arms and held over an adult toilet.)

A Stunning Reference

The layout and presentation of the book is very clear. I was especially impressed by the extensive and detailed Table of Contents. Bauer has made it very easy for her readers to quickly refer to the section of the book they need.

The first part of the book is devoted introducing the concept of NIH. Bauer discusses her personal experiences and gives an overview of infant pottying around the world. She explains why it is so important to try and meet all of a baby's cues and explains why babies are naturally able to communicate their elimination needs with us.

A detailed section of benefits lets the reader know just how good NIH is for mother and baby (and others). I feel it is important to note that while early "potty training" does often result from NIH, it is not the goal. The goal is to help your infant eliminate in a natural, healthy, and hygienic way. Lack of diaper rash and comfort for baby are just a couple of the benefits that she records.

There are chapters devoted to the physiology of elimination and actual physical processes involved with it. Bauer takes two chapters to debunk modern potty training "wisdom" and give a clear picture of the reality of baby toileting - children have to be "potty trained" only because we have trained them that the appropriate place to use the bathroom is their pants. They have to "unlearn" soiling themselves.

Bauer explains all of this in firm and confident, yet gentle language. She doesn't make the reader feel at all guilty for choices already made, but she does encourage the readers to truly seek within and decide how they want their babies to grow.

Getting Into the How-To's

The second section of the book deals with all the practical matters of NIH and it does a great job of it. Bauer covers getting started - parents starting with a newborn will love her clear discussions of the early days. She also has plenty of information for those beginning in the early months and some helpful pointer for parents who are starting with older babies.

Bauer covers just about everything she possibly can and she does it concisely - the book is easy to read and not too long. Included within the "practical section" are suggestions on positioning your baby, sleep and nighttime issues, going out, other caregivers, clothing, and "part-time" diapering.

In addition there is information for a few special situations such as large families and sick babies. Diaper Free! has plenty of information for overcoming difficulties and has a nice "question and answer section" covering the most common questions Bauer has gotten from parents over the years.

Coming Full Circle

Bauer devotes a chapter to encouraging the mother to take care of herself, an important but easy to overlook essential in every new mother's life. She stresses that an exhausted mother can become an overwhelmed mother. Bauer is also an advocate of gentle parenting and devotes a chapter to that.

Diaper Free! is wrapped up with an extensive list of references and resources for all kinds of natural parenting issues. It's a fitting close to the book, which is packed with information itself. The book is a pleasure to read (it's also a pleasure to look at due to a very attractive cover).

Diaper Free! was everything that I need to begin successfully practicing natural infant hygiene with my own baby. It's truly an accessible guide that will help any mother considering NIH to feel confident and ready to begin communicating with her baby. Clear and beautiful pictures only enhance the amazing information given in this book - it is definitely worth having a copy on your shelf!

Click to Get Your Own Copy of Diaper Free