Any parent will probably tell you that potty training is no small feat. With the process comes months (or years) of misunderstandings, mistakes, and messes, both for you and your toddler. But what if we told you that your child could start learning toilet independence much earlier than the typical 3-year-old?
Baby elimination communication (also known as baby potty training) is the practice of learning your baby’s toilet cues and avoiding a dirty diaper by taking your baby to the toilet when they need to go. This doesn’t mean your child will never have to use diapers again, but it means freedom from diaper dependence. And while it may seem strange to those who have never heard of it, it is quite common outside of the US, including in China, India and other countries in Africa and Central and South America.
“We noticed less money spent on diapers, no issues or worries about diaper rash, super easy transition to potty training. And it made me feel happier as a mom. I reduced waste and felt more in tune with my daughter,” Tawny, Mom of two, says POPSUGAR. She admits the only downside to the method was the learning curve in the beginning – “learning to read the signals, getting the timing right so as not to worry about them pooping on us, feeling like we knew what we were doing and how we could physically support our child on the toilet.” In the end it came down to patience. “We were pretty flexible about letting our kid poop and pee while we were gone and were pretty compassionate about the process, so it didn’t feel like a huge adjustment,” she says.
Elimination communication has many benefits beyond the obvious: fewer diapers and cleaner buttocks. It is also a great way to promote trust between a parent and child and for a baby to gain self-esteem. When a baby realizes that his needs can be met by expressing those needs, the baby gains a sense of autonomy. EC can also help explain other types of fussy behavior – sleeping and feeding problems can all be indicators that a baby needs to “eliminate”.
It takes more time and dedication (at least in the beginning) and will involve its own mess while you’re still learning, but in the long run, elimination communication may be the best choice for both you and your baby. Keep reading for an overview of the process and best practices you should consider implementing.
What is Elimination Communication?
Elimination communication (EC) is a method of learning your baby’s cues to teach them from an early age that the potty is where they should pee and poop, says Mike Sevilla, MD, a family practice physician at the Family Practice Center of Salem in Salem, Ohio. Other terms used to describe this method include “natural potty training,” “natural baby hygiene,” and “potty training for kids,” because traditional potty training usually begins around age two.
“Through a lot of observation and interactions with your baby, you learn certain signals, cues, and timing that tell baby to go to the bathroom,” says Dr. Seville. “Then the caregiver holds the baby over a toilet or other waste container. Yes, it will be messy at first, but with time and experience, EC should start to show some benefit.”
Once mastered, this process is cleaner and easier than diapers and creates a strong bond between child and parent, according to Elizabeth Gillard, early childhood educator and head of schools at Playgarden. “By observing your baby closely, you become more attuned to their rhythms and needs, and you learn to trust your child to let you know when to go instead of making their own decisions,” she says. “It can help with confidence when using the bathroom, which will be especially important when they go to school!”
It also helps keep your baby comfortable and can even help you avoid early agitation by identifying the reason for his discomfort. “Remember that when a baby’s diaper is dirty, more often than not they will cry; this is a sign that they don’t want to sit in their waste,” she explains. By letting your baby’s cues dictate when to go, you can promote confidence by helping them successfully exit the toilet and avoid the discomfort of soiling their diaper.
When should you start using elimination communication?
Many families start using EC from birth, Gillard says, while others will wait until the 18-month mark; either can be successful, depending on your family’s needs and timing. “Normally, EC is only used for ages 0-18 months as it can become more difficult to introduce these concepts to your little one after that. However, EC techniques can be introduced to potty training your child at any age,” she explains out. “EC requires time, patience, and dedication, so you should consider your regular routine before starting.” Some families practice EC full time (including at night), while others only practice it at a certain time of the day.
Using elimination communication in potty training
Getting started with EC starts with observing. Give your baby diaper-free time to get to know his natural toilet times, and note any cues that may be given when the need to urinate arises. Keep a potty nearby (whether it’s a real toilet, baby potty, sink, Tupperware container, or other small container) so your baby can be quickly placed in the seat if he shows signs of needing to go . You can even start introducing cues when your baby is actively using the bathroom so he will associate those cues with evacuation.
In addition to giving your baby something to curl up in, there are other baby items that may come in handy, such as a waterproof play mat, crotchless pants, baby nightgowns, and other clothes that are easy to remove.
You can start EC by paying attention to your baby’s natural potty times. Gillard says the usual times for babies are after waking and after eating. In the first few days of trying EC, she suggests letting your little one play on a waterproof mat just to be on the safe side. From there, have a toilet nearby and take your baby to the toilet if he shows signs of needing to use the potty.
“For some families, this eliminates the need for diapers altogether, while others continue to use them as a backup,” adds Gillard. “You use your baby’s body signals, daily schedule, and your own intuition to guide you through the process, as it’s unique for each child.” Every family is different, so be sure to choose an elimination method that best suits your family’s needs.
How do you know if elimination communication is right for my baby?
While there are plenty of benefits to EC — such as less waste and easier transition to independent toilet use — it can also cause unnecessary stress and strain on parents, says Natasha Bhuyan, MD, a family physician at One Medical in Phoenix. “The downside is that parents have to be very attentive to their child, which is difficult for parents who work,” she explains. Either way, she recommends that parents work with their GP to determine the best course of action.
When considering EC it is essential to do your research and think about your lifestyle first. “Remember, this is a shared journey with your child and accidents are part of the package,” says Gillard. “Enjoy learning as much as mastering, as you build a close and communicative relationship along the way, usually before your child has spoken. You learn to trust each other and work together to succeed in a common goal that will benefit both of you and strengthen the love you share!”
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