What Is Elimination Communication Anyway?

This is one topic I've not addressed here on the blog. I don't know why. I just never have. Today is the day I fill in this gap of natural parenting.

Elimination Communication, also known Natural Infant Hygiene, is a process by which the parents help a child to address his/her elimination needs using timing, signals, cues and intuition. Basically, it's about raising your babies without diapers.

As we've discussed in previous articles regarding crying, instinct and being attuned to your child's needs, we know that babies communicate their needs. All we, as parents, need to do is listen. Elimination communication is pro-active. Rather than await the smell of a diaper to know your child "went"; you rely on your child's signals and cues to know he/she needs to "go". Elimination Communication is quite natural. Most people in the world do not use diapers. Many have never heard of diapers. As with all of the other aspects of natural mothering such as homebirthing, natural medicine and breastfeeding, it is mainly the western world who finds it shocking or unusual. It is common practice the world over.

Like breastfeeding, it requires a mother to understand her child's cries and respond to them rather than ignore them. It requires her to see those little facial expressions and tightening tummy. It is, in all respects, another branch of attachment parenting because you must be in tune with your child. Those who practice EC most always also co-sleep, wear their child and other forms of attachment parenting. Also like breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby-wearing, homeschooling and other aspects of natural parenting, each family varies on exactly how they use EC. Some may start at birth while other start at 6 weeks or 6 months (it is recommended to have it started no later than 6 months). Some may use diapers at certain times such as trips out; other never own a diaper. It's best to investigate and decide what works for you and your lifestyle.

Elimination communication is not a form of potty training. Some would like to think so as diapers are not used and the child is being directed towards some other area for pottying. But it's no more a form of potty training than breastfeeding is a form of weaning.

For more reading on Elimination Communication, I recommend the following sites:

Elimination Communication

Free to EC!

Diaper Free!