Elimination Communication: Is it Really Possible to Potty Train an Infant?

What is elimination communication? It's also referred to as infant potty training or Natural Infant Hygiene. Basically it's allowing your small baby to be diaper-free for the majority of the time and following their cues as to when they need to go to the bathroom. Just as you learn their cues for hunger, sleepiness, pain and discomfort you can look for signs that they need to urinate or have a bowel movement. Then you pick them up and hold them over the toilet, hoping it happens.

It really isn't "training" your infant but rather picking up on their communication and signs that they need to go to the bathroom. Many times people wrongly assume parents who practice elimination communication are pushing their babies into early toilet training which is known to be detrimental. But it is a gentle approach and seems to work well for those who do it.

So why would parents take the time to do E.C. with their child? Reasons vary but many will tell you it promotes communication and awareness between child and caregiver, allows the baby to become aware of their bodily functions at a younger age, avoids diaper rash and the hassle of diaper changes, saves money on diapers and laundry of soiled clothing.

How exactly does E.C. work? Well first off it's important to learn your baby's signs that they are about to eliminate. It varies depending on infant but some common cues may be grunting, red face, squirming, fussing, vocalizing, facial tension, frowning or concentrated look, stopping their movement, etc. These are just examples the more you work on EC the easier it will be to realize your baby's signals. Older infants my start to move towards the potty or hold their genital area as an indication that they need to go.

Timing also plays an important role in determining when your baby needs to go. Many times they develop somewhat of a schedule for example pooping every morning around 10:00 or peeing 5 minutes after nursing. You might be able to see a consistent pattern and follow those as well, or try holding them over the toilet every 30 minutes if this works for you.

When you think there's a chance your baby may be ready to go to the bathroom you can securely hold them over the toilet or their potty. Many parents who practice EC come up with a signal at this point to communicate with their infant that it's time to use the toilet. It may be gently blowing on their neck or more commonly making a "ssss" sound similar to that or urinating. If your baby does end up going pee continue to make this sound so that they can relate the two events. Over time your baby will learn to hold their bladder until they are in the position and have heard their cue.

The more you practice EC the easier it gets for both caregiver and baby. You will be surprised at how effectively the two of you can communicate and how successful infant toileting can be. It's important to never force your baby to try and use the potty. If they show any signs of protest such as crying, arching their back or frustrations put them down and take it as an indication that they don't need to go at that time. You definitely want it to be a positive experience.

What about the mess of going diaper free? Babies don't usually like to be wet. They will soon realize that if they pee in the toilet it won't end up on their body. Of course their will be accidents at first but just as diapers leak and get on clothes, floors and so on, you clean it up. Wiping a bottom after your infant has pooped in the toilet is much easier then cleaning them up after sitting in a soiled diaper. There will be less mess on their skin so it's not as big of a deal. Some parents go all day without using a diaper and others use them and take them off when they are dry and think it's the right time. Generally diapers are used during naps, nighttime and outings. You might ease into EC and do whatever feels right for your family.