"In 1947, 60% of babies were potty trained by 18 months" - Contemporary Pediatrics, Mar 2004
"More than 50% of children around the world are toilet trained at about 1 year of age"
- Contemporary Pediatrics, Mar 2004
4.3 million tons of disposable diaper waste were added to landfills in 2015 (USA) - US EPA
Elimination Communication (EC)
So, what is Elimination Communication anyways? Simply put, it is the practice of pottying your baby from as early as birth. Cultures all over the world have done this traditionally, and many still do until today. Sadly, in western culture, the wisdom of this practice has been forgotten as the rise of disposable diapers has slowly brought our culture to a place where pottying later is the norm. Elimination Communication can be done part time or full time, and it is non-coercive, gentle and inherently respects your child. It is a fantastic way to communicate with your baby and build trust as you learn baby's signals and respond to them. It helps you to understand your baby's needs in a new way, and aids in diagnosing the cause of your babies cries. Did you know 30% of a newborn's cries are related to elimination needs? Babies aren't born wanting to soil their diapers. We condition them to stay in a wet diaper, and we can reverse that by helping them maintain sensitivity to wetness in their diapers by changing diapers often and using cloth diapers if possible. This encourages signaling and helps baby understand the cause and effect of soiling their diaper. If we think of diapers or the back-up of your choice as just that, a back up, we help our babies learn to not use diapers as a toilet. Instead of letting them get used to diapers as a toilet, and then expecting them to suddenly not do that anymore at the ages of 2 or 3 years old, we stay consistent in the learning process and this eases a much more gentle progression to diaper independence, and usually a much earlier arrival to diaper independence as well.
Experience The Benefits:
• Reduce or eliminate the need to clean up poopy diapers
• It’s more hygienic to not have to sit in soiled diapers!
• Parents can gain a deeper connection with baby
• Reduce the number of disposables in landfills and use less water to wash cloth diapers
• It’s fun for baby and parents!
• It’s more hygienic to not have to sit in soiled diapers!
• Parents can gain a deeper connection with baby
• Reduce the number of disposables in landfills and use less water to wash cloth diapers
• It’s fun for baby and parents!
Non-Coercive Potty Training
This gentle but firm method of potty training your child is usually recommended after the age of 18 months. Whether you have been practicing Elimination Communication or your child has never been on a potty before, this method is applied in, more or less, the same way. It is a gentle way of potty training that respects your child, and is usually completed in an average of 7 - 10 days.
If your child is walking and is 18 months old, your child is ready to train! Sadly, our society has taken on the "wait for readiness" mantra and potty training ages have become later and later in recent years. For a good overview as to why potty training earlier is actually better for your child, the environment and even for you, check out this excellent article.
If your child is walking and is 18 months old, your child is ready to train! Sadly, our society has taken on the "wait for readiness" mantra and potty training ages have become later and later in recent years. For a good overview as to why potty training earlier is actually better for your child, the environment and even for you, check out this excellent article.
Cloth Diapering
Did you know cloth diapering is one of the best ways to encourage your little one to start gaining independence from diapers? See our Potty Supply List section for ideas on some ideal options for back-ups for your child.
Want to Learn More? Attend a Class!
Have an 18+ Month Toddler and ready to ditch the diapers?
Your toddler is likely ready for a potty training experience! It is important to be prepared before you start potty training, and a great way to get prepared is to read a good resource on potty training. Learn more about our non-coercive potty training method by getting a copy of The Tiny Potty Training Book at a discounted price in our Store or take one of our Classes. Our Potty Board Books are also a great way to curb resistance in the stubborn toddler!
Looking for a great resource to learn how to up your Elimination Communication practice?
We sell some of the best resources to support your EC practice including the Go Diaper Free book and two very helpful Potty Board Books to help encourage your little one to potty. All at our discounted prices!
Would you like to join our local Facebook Potty community for Calgary and surrounding areas?
This free support group connects you with like-minded parents in your local area. You will also be kept in the loop on local events, deals and lots of EC & Potty Training tips!
Do you live in Edmonton or surrounding areas? Join our sister Potty community to the north here!
Other Helpful Resources:
godiaperfree.com/how-to-send-your-young-toddler-to-preschool-without-diapers-daycare
godiaperfree.com/dangers-of-early-potty-training-do-they-really-exist/
godiaperfree.com/dangers-of-early-potty-training-do-they-really-exist/