Potty Training: Understanding Elimination Communication
Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant
Potty training is often viewed as a milestone in a child's development, but it doesn't have to be a stressful or rushed process and there are different options to get started. One of these options, Elimination Communication (EC), also known as infant potty training, nappy free or natural infant hygiene, offers a gentle and intuitive approach to helping babies and toddlers learn to use the toilet. In this blog, we'll explore what elimination communication is, how it works, its benefits, and tips for getting started.
What is Elimination Communication?
In its truest sense, Elimination Communication is a practice that involves observing and responding to a baby's cues for elimination, such as squirming, grunting, or facial expressions, and assisting them in using a toilet or potty. It's based on the belief that babies are born with natural instincts to communicate their elimination needs and that caregivers can tune in to these cues to help them stay clean and comfortable. Elimination Communication can also be where the caregiver offers times throughout the day where it is ‘nappy off’ time and encourages their little one to spend some time on the potty or toilet. This might be where they will read a story, sing songs etc and see if their little one needs to do a wee or a poo.
How Does Elimination Communication Work?
The premise is simple: caregivers learn to recognise when their baby needs to go for a wee or a poo and provide them with opportunities to do so in an appropriate place. This can involve holding the baby over a toilet or potty, while making a cue sound, such as "ssss" or "psss," to help the baby associate the sound with the act of going to the loo.
By paying close attention to their baby's signals and offering them consistent opportunities to use the potty or toilet, the idea is that caregivers can gradually reduce reliance on nappies and support their baby in developing awareness of their bodily functions.
Benefits of Elimination Communication
Promotes Bonding: EC can help build connection between caregivers and babies as they learn to communicate and respond to each other's needs.
Reduced Nappy Dependency: EC can lead to fewer nappy changes and less waste, making it an environmentally (and financially!) friendly option.
Supports Early Toilet Learning: Babies who practice EC from an early age may learn to use the toilet independently at an earlier age compared to those who rely solely on nappies.
Improved Hygiene: By addressing toileting needs promptly, EC can help prevent nappy rash and discomfort associated with prolonged exposure to wet or soiled nappies.
Enhanced Communication Skills: Babies who practice EC may develop stronger communication skills and body awareness as they learn to recognise and respond to their own bodily cues.
Getting Started with Elimination Communication
Observe and Learn: Start by observing your baby's natural toileting patterns and cues. Pay attention to signs such as squirming, grunting, changes in facial expressions or natural timings. For example, is your little one doing a poo around the same time each day? If so this might be the time to try holding or sitting them on the potty/toilet.
Establish Cues: Choose a cue sound, such as a gentle "sss" or "psss," to use when offering your baby opportunities to use the toilet or potty. Consistency is key in helping your baby associate the sound with the act of going for a wee or poo.
Timing is Key: Offer your baby opportunities to use the toilet during key times, such as upon waking (first thing in the morning and after naps), after feeding, or when transitioning between activities (e.g. before bath time). Be patient and allow your baby time to relax and release.
Invest in equipment: such as a potty, toilet seat adapter, or nappy-free clothing options to make the process easier and more comfortable for both you and your baby.
Stay Positive: Approach EC with a positive attitude and be prepared for setbacks or accidents along the way. Remember that every baby is unique, and progress may vary.
Tips for Success
Be Patient: Learning EC takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself and your baby as you navigate this learning journey together. There will be accidents and that is ok!
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to success with EC. Stick to your routine and cues to help your baby establish patterns.
Celebrate Progress: Celebrate small victories along the way, such as successful toilet trips or increased awareness of bodily cues.
Seek Support: Connect with other parents practicing EC for support, advice, and encouragement. Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups can be valuable resources.
Be Flexible: Be open to adapting your approach as your baby grows and their needs change. What works for one baby may not work for another, so stay flexible and adjust as needed.
Do it your way: for some families it might not feel right to go completely nappy free and that is ok. You can still use nappies but offer times during the day where you have nappy free time (this is when you might also offer the opportunity to sit on the potty or toilet).
Elimination Communication offers a gentle and intuitive approach to potty training that prioritises communication, connection, and respect for your baby's natural instincts. Remember, every baby is unique, so if you decide to give EC a go approach it with patience, positivity, and an open mind!
For more information on Elimination Communication listen to the podcast episode we recorded with Katherine Ryan (Potty training and Parenting). Katherine potty trained all 3 of her children using the EC method and is a great advocate for it. Listen here (or wherever you get your podcasts – just search for ‘Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between’).
If you want more information about potty / toilet training have a look at our other Toilet Training blogs or download our step by step video guide.
We can also help with potty training at one of our parent consultations - click here for more info.