Elimination Communication - it's quite a mouthful! You can call it ECing for short ;)
EC is also called infant potty training, natural infant hygiene, and diaper free.
It's about listening to your baby's cues for elimination needs - with or without diapers.
Here's a video of me and Galen when he was 5 days old (Scott is commentating from behind the camera!):
Our newest little one, Corwin (baby #6), is having EC fun too!
Check out the posts I made about elimination communication with Honor, our 5th baby
Here are the posts I made on EC adventures with Galen, our 4th baby:
Read about my experience using elimination communication with our 3rd baby in Brennan's EC Journal and see his EC Charts.
You can grab EC Simplified, read through the first couple of sections, and immediatly have success EC'ing your baby.
Available for downlaod immediately, you get step-by-step, easy-to-use instructions and 70+ color photos and line drawings to succeed with EC today.
Read more about the BEST Guide to Elimination Communication on the internet.
People the world over have cared for infant elimination without diapers. They even do it without the baby wetting or soiling everything!
This natural means of caring for babies also brings baby and caregiver in tune with each other. It's a powerful way to connect with your baby and it's simple to get elimination communication started.
Babies are very responsive to having "potty help." They're aware of elimination, despite what you've been told. Babies are adaptive and learn to go where parents and other caregivers teach them - if they haven't been trained to use diapers!
You can begin from the moment of birth to observe your baby's elimination communication. It's much the same as watching for hunger cues. You can also begin EC with your older baby!
In the early days you may rely on timing in relation to feeding. You can give a vocal cue, such as a gentle "ssssss" sound, when you notice your infant eliminating.
Babies can learn to use the big potty, a small potty seat, sinks, or small containers designated for their use. They will even come to understand that the supportive position you hold them in is a "potty position!"
Read more about when to start elimination communication.
If you choose to EC your baby will use a container - be that a toilet, a child's potty, or a small bowl. You'll be able to flush away your baby's waste without another thought.
You won't need to carry diapers around or worry about finding a clean changing table. You can just EC while you are out. If your baby wears a diaper while you are out you can still offer the potty - or you may come home with dry pants!
Your baby stays clean. He doesn't have to sit in urine and he doesn't have to have his own waste smeared all over him. You can wipe your baby with toilet paper, give a quick swipe with a wipe, or do a quick rinse under running water - and that's it!
In March of 2009 I did an "EC Q & A" session with Marija of ECWear.com - this exclusive Q & A is yours free as part of the Natural Baby Resource Kit.
Surely soft cotton diapers are more comfortable than paper and plastic disposables. But no diaper at all is the most comfortable. Your baby is free from wetness and waste and has no uncomfortable bulk between his legs or belly.
Some mothers have noticed that their babies spit up less when diaper free and seem more content in general.
It's much more comfortable for a baby to use the bathroom when held in a gentle squatting position than when in a diaper. Imagine trying to go to the bathroom when sitting on the floor, or when lying down!
Even nighttime and naptimes can be comfy diaper free experiences with a little planning.
Elimination communication is a natural and wonderful way to respond to your baby's elimination needs. It is deeply satisfying and helps build an intense bond with your infant. And remember you can always use diapers as backup.
Check out the Elimination Communication FAQ
Elimination communication is something you should consider - but I know it can seem overwhelming. EC Simplified is a fantastic book available for instant download - you'll learn a simple method that works for you and your baby today. Go ahead and read my complete review for more info!
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