E.C.

Infant Potty Training or Elimination Communication

(modified from wikipedia)

Elimination communication (EC) is a form of nurturing in which a caregiver uses timing, signals, cues, and intuition to help an infant address his or her elimination needs, partially or completely avoiding the use of diapers. The emphasis of EC is placed on communication. When one practices EC, they are in essence trying to communicate as much as possible with their child about the elimination process helping the child to be aware of their own bodies.

The term Elimination Communication was inspired by traditional practices of diaper-less baby care in less industrialized countries and nature-based cultures. EC can begin at birth and is usually started before six months of age, although it can be practiced at ANY age. If started in the later months or after age one, babies are more likely to be "diaper trained" and may be less aware of and/or able to communicate their elimination needs. The term "late starter" refers to a baby who starts EC after six months or after age one.

Origins
While the terms "Elimination Communication" and "Infant Potty Training" have become somewhat synonymous, many caregivers who practice EC do not consider it to be a form of "training," per se. EC is viewed primarily as a way to meet the baby's present needs and to enhance attachment and communication in general. In that sense, EC is often likened to breastfeeding. "

Toilet mastery is, of course, an inevitable consequence," writes Bauer, author of Infant Potty Training. "Yet it's no more the goal of Natural Infant Hygiene than weaning is the goal of breastfeeding."

Timing:
Infants Timing refers to identifying the infant's natural timing of elimination. Newborns tend to urinate every 10-20 minutes, sometimes very regularly, which makes timing extremely useful. Older babies may still be very regular, or may vary in timing based on when they have last eaten or slept. As infants get older, the time between eliminations will increase.
Timing: Crawling
By six months, it is not uncommon for babies to go as much as an hour without urinating while awake (babies, like adults, rarely urinate during a deep sleep). Timing varies radically for defecation, as some infants may have several bowel movements a day, while others may only have one every few days.

Signals from the Baby
Signals are the baby's way of informing a caregiver of an elimination need. Some babies signal very clearly from the beginning, while others may have very subtle signals or no signal at all. These signals vary widely from one infant to another, and include a certain facial expression, a particular cry, squirming, a sudden unexplained fussiness, as well as others. Babies who are nursing will often start delatching and relatching repeatedly when they need to eliminate. For defecation, many babies will grunt or pass gas as a signal. Older babies can learn a gesture or sign language sign for potty.

Cueing from the Caregiver
Cueing consists of the caregiver making a particular sound or other cue when the baby is in an appropriate place to urinate or defecate, in order to develop two-way communication. At first, the caregiver can make the cueing sound when the baby is eliminating, to develop an association. Once the association is established, the cue can be used to indicate to the baby that he or she is in an appropriate potty place. This is especially useful for infants who may not recognize public toilets or unfamiliar receptacles as a "potty." Common sound cues include "psss psss" or a quiet whistle. Older babies (late starters) may respond better to more word-like cues. Cues do not have to be auditory.

Intuition
Intuition refers to a caregiver's unprompted thought that the baby may need to eliminate. Although much intuition may simply be subconscious awareness of timing or signals, many parents who practice EC find it an extremely reliable component.

Benefits

Dramatically reduces/prevents the occurrence of diaper rash.
Teaches baby how to communicate with caregiver and have his/her needs met.
Better for the environment: less trash, less consumption, uses fewer trees and less water and landfill space.
Awake potty training around 8-16 months.
Conflict-free approach to potty training.
Avoids/eliminates bed wetting.
Eliminates embarrassing accidents for toddlers.
BIG savings on diapers and laundry costs.
All caregivers can learn to communicate with baby.
Reduces the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).
LESS WORK THAN DIAPERING!!!

Tools for the Home: (Not necessary, but handy)

Baby potty:

Many parents find it is easier to have a baby potty in each major the rooms for easy access. This is especially useful for infants and new parents who are still learning the cues.