Parents are now buying training potties for their new babies. Although the idea sounds strange a growing number of parents are practicing EC, elimination communication.
Elimination communication focuses on parents recognizing their child’s need to poop and pee. Just as parents recognize when their child is hungry or tired, EC experts agree that parents can recognize bowel signs as well.
Instead of using diapers, which EC parents point out helps the environment; they hold their child over a potty when they recognize the signs. Surprisingly many parents have found the method successful. It does require that a parent be more in tune with their child’s needs and close at hand to recognize the signs.
According to the support network Diaper Free Baby; the practice is growing with about 50 Internet based support groups.
Parents who practice EC say that they feel more connected to their baby and it has increased the communication and bond between mother and child. It also helps reduce the number of diapers and eliminates diaper rash.
Obviously the challenge is recognizing the signs and may be difficult the first few months before communication is recognized. Messes do occur and have to be dealt with. Dr. Gary Curran, who practices family medicine doesn’t see anything harmful about the approach, but does say, “I do think it will take committed parents to work with the baby and deal with the messes that might result.”
Many parents use diapers when leaving the house or at nighttime. But the goal is to eliminate diapers altogether. Proponents of EC deal with these issues by taking buckets for use in the car and frequenting restrooms. Nighttime eliminations can be practiced or special wool cloths placed under the baby to absorb any messes.
The practice isn’t for everybody, but if you would like more information about elimination communication visit the site www.diaperfreebaby.org.