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.