What is it?
Elimination Communication is also referred to as Natural Infant Hygiene, Infant Potty Training and Elimination Timing.
“For us the most important thing about EC is that its not about catches (or misses) or less dirty nappies, but it’s a way for us to get to know our baby better and a great reminder that she is ALWAYS trying to communicate with us" (Jade, mother of 1)
“I can't recommend EC enough. I think it actually makes life easier. And once you get used to it, you can't keep them in nappies (or ‘pee bags’). It's also fantastic in hot weather - right now my son is asleep in the sling completely in the nuddy. It’s comfy for him and comfy for me!” (Filippa, mother of 1)
"Just as parents learn to read their baby's signs for sleep and hunger, they can also learn to read their baby's signs for needing to eliminate. In fact, most parents already know what some of these signs are, such as the straining facial expression or the telltale grunting and bearing down that precede a soiled diaper. Practicing Elimination Communication (EC) is just a matter of responding a little differently to these signals from your baby. Taking your baby to the potty can be easy and rewarding!
Why EC?
A few common reasons that parents choose to practice EC are: to recognize and respond to baby's self-awareness; to promote close communication between child and parent; to prevent diaper rash; to avoid struggles often associated with diaper changing and toilet training; and, as side benefits, to save money and use fewer environmental resources.
Don't the experts warn against potty training babies before they are ready?
It's important to note that this is Elimination Communication, not training. This is a gentle process that follows the infant's cues and needs, and is never coercive or punitive. As such, this practice is consistent with the baby's development and maturity"(Source).
New Zealand TV segment on nappy-free babies
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Books
Australian Supplier
The Potty Shop is a Sydney mum’s business that stocks EC-related books from overseas, to help Australians interested in EC to save on shipping.
Titles
Diaper Free! The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene by Ingrid Bauer
This book is very attachment parenting oriented and emphasizes the bonding/communication aspects of EC. Support the author by ordering directly from her website.
Infant Potty Training & Infant Potty Basics by Laurie Boucke
Laurie Boucke's books are very well-researched and include lots of details about the different stages of EC, using potties,etc. Infant Potty Basics covers the basic techniques. Infant PottyTraining also includes information about different cultures and how theypractice EC and the history of infant potty training techniques in ourculture. Support the author by ordering directly from her website.
Early-Start Potty Training by Linda Sonna
This is a mainstream book which challenges the 'readiness' approach and instead advocates loving, gentle toilet 'learning' methods instead. It is a practical, hands-on- guide with sections from newborn to over two year olds. A great book to intriduce EC to mainstream audiences (including sceptical mother-in-laws).
Part Time Nappy Free Online Course
Part Time Nappy Free! by Sydney mum, Chandra Josling
Online Forums
Australian
OzNappy Free is an Australian online forum which provides an Australian source of information, contact and support about natural infant elimination methods for parents raising their babies in this way and those who wish to learn more about it.
International
Natural infant hygiene for newbies
Infant Potty Training for Late-Starters (for babies over 6 months)
Happy Pottying (Blog)
Websites
Australian
Tribal Baby describes an Australian
parent’s journey with EC. Its packed with lots of useful ideas and guidance. Clear headings make this information
quick and easy to access. This is an excellent resource.
International
Diaper Free Baby is a non-profit organisation that facilitates a network of free support groups promoting a natural approach to responding to babies' elimination needs. It also produces a quarterly newsletter.
Free to EC One family’s journey to EC
Articles
Australian
Mothering, Mindfulness and a Baby’s Bottom: An introduction to Elimination Communication by Dr Sarah J Buckley
Breastfeeding my nappy free baby by Charndra Pile
International
Shaping self-initiated toileting in infants by P M Smeets et.al.
EC clothing
See the Natural Parenting Directory (on the left hand side of this website) for a list of suppliers of EC clothes.
Noonee Wilga
Noonee Wilga is a Sydney mum’s website which provides information on EC as well as EC clothing, including:
Tiny underpants
Training underpants
Pants cut for no nappy or for cloth nappies
Split crotch pants
Baby leg warmers
Sleeping skirts
Prefold belts
The EC Store
The EC store is a US site with clothes, potties, books and more. While most of this stuff can all be purchased in Australia (see Noonee Wigla and The Potty Shop), they have unique items like baby woollen leg warmers.
EC Clothing on Tribal Baby
EC Clothing Options on Tribal baby has a more extensive list of EC clothing manufacturers.
A Directory of EC Pants and Training Pants
There are now many types of EC pants available to add to your convenience - designed and made by parents who have practiced EC, so they know what you need for easier potty breaks and puddle prevention!