Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Elimination Communication Positions

You can pick any position that works for you and your baby. I'll outline some of the most common positions in this article. Pick and choose from them or decide to use one that works just for you and your baby!

• The Cradling Hold: The most basic position for you to hold your baby in is the "cradling hold." In this position you hold your baby with his back to your chest. Place one hand under each thigh and hold him securely with his legs spread slightly.

  You're basically holding your little one in a supported squat. He feels cozy and secure because his back is firmly against your chest and your hands are holding him steady.

  This squatting position makes it easy for your baby to eliminate without straining.

  You can use a finger to "aim" your baby boy's penis into the potty or bowl you're using for him. You can also angle your baby a little forward to prevent splashing.

• Variations of the Cradling Hold: You can vary this cradle hold in many ways. You can use it standing and holding your baby over a sink or outside. You can sit with your baby on the toilet seat (scoot way back or straddle the seat backwards). You can also sit with a bowl in your lap.

  You can kneel in this position with your legs spread slightly or you can squat yourself. This is ideal for outside pottying. You may also want to squat in front of a toilet while you hold your baby over it to potty.

  You can also modify this position with a tiny baby by holding her more along one arm, as if you were going to nurse her. This allows you give her even more security.

  It is also a viable position to nurse your baby in if you expect her to have a bowel movement while nursing. You can position her over a little potty bowl or an open prefold diaper to catch the stool.

• Reclining HoldSmall babies may enjoy the reclining hold. This is similar to the cradling hold except you let your baby lie down along your forearms. You are still supporting him firmly under the knees. His body is just lying along your forearms.

  A variation of this position is used in many traditional cultures. The mother reclines the baby on her legs so that his bottom is resting near her feet. With her legs and feet slightly spread this makes a comfy, clean position for the baby. It works well outdoors.

• Seated and Leaning Baby Forward: In this position you are seated in a chair or on some other raised surface (such as a bed). You lean forward and lower your baby down to eliminate. This works well if you're outside with her.

  It's also ideal for nighttime use. You could have a wide, shallow bowl at the side of the bed. At night you simply sit up and lean baby down over the potty bowl, then lift him back up and nurse back to sleep.

• Baby Under One Arm: Once your baby is bigger you may want to try out the "under the arm" hold. This is a great hold if you need to have another hand free to tend another child.

  Simply tuck your baby under one arm, supporting her under her knees with your hand and forearm. You can angle your baby any way that you like and you have one hand free to clean baby when she is done.

• Squatting Baby: A stable baby with good head and body control may like to squat to potty. You can place your baby's feet on the edge of the toilet and hold him under his arms while he squats over the bowl to eliminate. I'm currently using this position with my 1 year old - it's his favorite position. You can also help your baby to squat and go outdoors.
• Standing Baby: A good position for older baby boys. Your little one may like to stand on the edge of the tub or large sink and pee. This works especially well if the baby can see himself in the mirror while he goes...such an interesting experience!
• Leg Positions: I already discussed letting the baby lie along your legs. But there are a couple of other leg positions. An older baby can sit on your legs when you're sitting in a chair. Just keep your legs open slightly and firmly on the ground. A bowl between your thighs catches pee. '

  Another traditional leg position uses the feet to position baby. You sit on the ground with your knees bent and your heels on the floor. Spread your feet slightly apart and place baby facing you, with her back against your feet. This creates a perfect little seat for the baby and is a good position to use outdoors.

• On the Potty: You can support your baby on the potty in a number of ways. If you'd like to move towards early potty use, you may want to start with the potty on your lap. Hold your baby in the same cradling position you normally would, only also have him on the potty.

  You can move to having the potty on the floor (or counter) and supporting your baby while he uses it there. It won't be long before your baby can sit unassisted on the potty, but he still may desire your help for quite some time.

There are many different positions that you can choose from. And, of course, you can always make your own up! Be flexible and figure out which positions work the best for you and for your baby. They may change over time and as your baby grows. It will always be an adventure!

You can find excellent pictures of these positions in Diaper Free! and Infant Potty Training (Infant Potty Training has an especially large assortment of color pictures from around the world).