Actually it's more like parent training, and I'll explain why. The idea behind EC is that the parent(s) learn to interpret their infants "elimination" (pee/poop) cues so that instead of the baby going to the bathroom in their diaper, the parent can hold them over a potty and "catch" their elimination. EC-ers believe that a baby's elimination needs are just another facet of baby care. To quote http://godiaperfree.com/: EC is "a gentle, non-coercive way to respond to a baby's natural pottying needs, from birth, which enables her to follow her instincts to not soil herself, her caretaker, or her sleep space."
Contrary to popular belief, babies are born with bladder and sphincter control, so they are ready to begin EC as early as day one. It may sound overwhelming and difficult, but in my experience it can take be more of a hassle to clean up poopy diapers (and (I wouldn't have believed it before experiencing it) I've actually gotten used to not changing poopy diapers! :0). Also, bare in mind that half the babies/parents around the world do EC (although in other countries this natural practice likely doesn't bare that fancy new age title :P), and these babies are usually potty trained by 12 months, as opposed to the average of 3 years in the west! Babies in our society are generally taught to go in their diapers and often times it's not an easy habit to break! (EC-ers recommend you start between birth and 6 months).
The way that many people suggest first going about learning your baby's cues is to have some time every day for your baby to be diaper free, and observe what happens before they pee or poop. We're all familiar with some of the poopy cues I'm sure (scrunchy red face, grunting, etc...), and your baby may have some even more specific cues like squirming, kicking, etc. The pee cues are often harder to interpret, so using this diaper free observation time can really help. I know Clay has to pee when he continuously kicks out his legs (rather aggressively I might add!) and if he's feeding he bobs on and off the breast. When you notice your baby is eliminating, this is the time to make a "cueing sound" that they can begin to associate with potty time (we use "Pssssssss", but you can use whatever word or sound you like, and stick to that sound).
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| Eric "pooping" Clay (lol) |
You can do this every once in a while to get a good understanding of the cues they use every time (they can change as your baby grows), and you can start to pay attention to when they usually eliminate (after feedings, when they wake up, etc...) and then you can move on to the potty. You can use anything for EC; the toilet, the sink, a potty, an ice cream tub, a tree, etc... Remember, we're not really potty training the baby, just responding to their cues. You can still use a diaper if you wish to avoid an accidental mess, or you could use a diaper cover over a onesie, or you could avoid coverage altogether, it's really up to you (there are actually clothes that are used specifically for EC, check it out: http://godiaperfree.com/gear/). When you notice your baby has to go, simply strip down their bottom layer and hold them over your receptacle (You can hold there legs in a squatting position, and make sure that you support their back and head with your own body). Make the cueing sound, and wait.
This is the suggested way of going about learning EC, but we had a somewhat different approach, since the first little while was a hectic learning curve into becoming a new mom. I was on the fence about EC for a while... I planned on doing EC during my pregnancy, but after I had Clay I kept thinking, diapers seems WAY easier and much less time consuming... but part of me was committed to it, and although I let him go in his diaper, whenever I noticed he was peeing or pooping I would make our cueing sound: pssss... so he could get used it. (So, I kinda skipped the diaper free step at first). After Clay was a couple weeks old we started trying the potty part of EC. Those first few "catches" were SO satisfying, and then I realized it's really not that hard! The only thing it takes is being aware of yet another one of your baby's cues, which, as parents we get quite good at as it is anyway! Now that we've been doing EC for a little while I've gotten used to not changing poopy diapers!!! He still has pee accidents every once in a while, but there have been days where he only uses one diaper, even at night! EC saves on diapers/or diaper laundry, helps prevent bladder infections, saves on fussy time as babies try to hold it in, helps prevent diaper rash, helps babies potty train much quicker than average, encourages continuous communication between parent and baby, helps keep track of the amount and look of baby's pees and poops, saves on wipes (you can just us toilet paper for catches), doesn't require lots of supplies, it's less messy and most importantly, it impresses and amazes other people ;D lol
EC fits in perfectly with all other aspects of attachment parenting, like baby wearing and bed sharing/co-sleeping. By being so close to your baby it's much easier to be aware of their signals. It's not something you have to do all of the time, either. You can do it exclusively or once a week, it's totally you're call! We do night time EC too, but it's not for everyone. Do what works for you and your family and have fun with it!
I'm happy to have contributed to the growing online community of EC-ers and how to guides. I hope this helps you on your journey to and through EC, and if this is the first you've heard of it I hope my writing was comprehensive and helpful, maybe even a tad bit inspiring? (whoa, now lets not get ahead of ourselves! ;])
Enjoy!
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