EC on the Rise

EC is short for elimination communication and apparently it is becoming more and more popular in the country.

Elimination communication is also known as Natural Infant Hygiene, Infant Potty Training and Elimination Timing. By using timing, cues, signals and intuition you can know when an infant is going to eliminate themselves. The practice in which you offer the infant the option to eliminate themselves without a diaper on is considered to be EC.

Elimination communication is the norm in many cultures but hasn't been that common in this country. While there are more and more moms and dads in the US who have embraced elimination communication it isn't a decision that is made on a whim. Many people who did not grow up in a elimination communication practicing house or are not exposed to it don't know what it is. For the people who are aware of it they often do a lot of research before they dive into the diaper-free approach to parenting. Even though it is ideal to start practicing elimination communication from birth, or within the first weeks of a baby being born, it isn't a requirement and "late starters" to EC often have just as much success.

Anne McConnell, a mom who lives in Annapolis, has two children and with her second child John, now 16 months, she began to watch for her son's subtle signals, like a squirm or a sound, to determine when to take him to the bathroom. On top of the McConnell toilet little baby John has his own special little seat. His mom either holds him over it or he sits on it all by himself.

Many people are intimidated by EC. "There's definitely some trial and error," Anne says. However in time, one can have great success at elimination communication.

Though her first child, Leah who is now 5, was diapered she considers herself to be a reluctant advocate of EC.

"A few people have heard of it, but most people are like, 'What?' " Anne said. "Some have questions. Some are confused. I don't feel the need to tell everyone. But it's a pretty cool thing. It's the coolest thing I've ever done as a parent."

There are no health related issues or psychological issues related to elimination communication it is actually very healthy though moms still get ridiculed by people because of it. Lori Smith of Severna Park, a friend of McConnell, used EC with her daughter, Kelly who is now 4.

"Friends still laugh," Smith said. "They probably still think I'm Looney Tunes. My daughter was just about potty trained by 9 months old."

Dr. Robert Graw of Davidsonville Pediatrics had this to say about EC. "I think it's a family commitment, number one," and added. "It takes a special kind of family. I've had some parents who've done it and it's certainly an option." Dr. Elizabeth Fronc, pediatric hospitalist, from Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie reports, "There's no medical reason to use diapers," and adds. "I really think it's convenience."

Elimination communication is cheaper than using disposable diapers for obvious reasons and it doesn't use as many resources as cloth diapering. Health professionals report it helps create better relationships between a baby and their parents like breastfeeding does for a mom her baby.

You can find more information on elimination communication at DiaperFreeBaby.org.