Elimination Communication Is a Great Start for Potty Training

Does it makes sense to start potty training a newborn? Actually, yes. And it’s not as crazy and “esotheric” as it may sound. Elimination communication brings a lot of benefits — reduces the risk of diaper rash and tummy aches, it’s a great start for potty training and teaches you a lot about your baby. How to approach it?

What Is Elimination Communication (EC)

The Elimination Communication (EC) method is described as an alternative to diapers. Its objective is for parents to find a way of communication with their baby about their need to pee and poop. Parents learn to read their newborn’s signals and predict when they need to eliminate — offering them a potty at the right moment to relieve themselves.

Here comes the inevitable question: How do I recognise the signals? Sorry, can’t answer. Every baby is different and so are the signals. Some babies become restless. Some get red in the face. Some whine a little. It’s up to you as a parent to observe your baby and find out what their signals are.

That’s why it’s best to start practicing the EC method right after birth, when you’re getting to know your baby. Don’t worry, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Sonner or later, you’ll get to know your baby very well.

When practising elimination communication with newborns, it’s recommended to associate a sound with the moment your baby pees or poops. Over time, this sound becomes an invitation to eliminate — you’ll be surprised how quickly even newborns learn to understand this verbal signal to pee or poop.

It's important to be patient and not to expect your child to respond immediately. This is a process that requires time and attention, but with time, you and your child can build effective communication.

Does Elimination Communication Mean Go Diaper Free?

Not necessarily. Most parents who practice the EC method do use diapers — because you can’t observe your baby all the time or put them on a potty anywhere you go. That said, you definitely use less diapers when practicing Elimination Communication and they’re rarely soiled with stool (it’s easier to catch signals for poop). Many EC babies are on cloth diapers because it makes so much sense — you need fewer of them and don’t need to deal with stool.

Some EC parents are happy to use Potty Training Pants for their babies instead of regular diapers as they’re easy to pull down for the potty.

The Benefits of Elimination Communication

The EC method brings multiple benefits, both for babies and for parents:

• Reduced risk of diaper rash and irritation caused by the use of diapers — especially disposable ones.
• Prevention of other potential diaper-related problems such as urinary tract infections (especially in case of disposable diapers).
• Prevention of tummy aches — pooping into a potty in a squatted position is less demanding than pooping when lying on your back. It’s a better relief when it comes to gas.
• Environmental friendliness — one of the most obvious impacts of disposable diapers is the waste they produce and switching to the EC method helps reduce environmental pollution.
• Early parent-child bonding — when parents respond to their baby's needs, it helps build a strong bond between the parents and the child.
• Better control over elimination — parents who use the EC method can generally predict when their child needs to eliminate, which helps reduce the number of used diapers.

Want to learn more about potty training? Read our article with Potty Training Tips.