by Diana Busby

Created on: March 19, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

How many diapers does a child go through in the first two or three years of life? How long does a child need to use diapers before it is no longer considered acceptable"? What would you say if I told you that there are some parents who believe there is no need to use diapers at all, ever?

There have been millions of women around the world, through the centuries, who have not used diapers. Amazingly, this practice has not caused disease, nor has it been particularly dirty. Parents of undiapered children seem to be more attuned to their child's subtle elimination cues and never have the need for diapers.

Author, Ingrid Bauer, coined the terms, "Natural Infant Hygiene," and "elimination communication," to describe an ancient, natural childcare practice in which parents become in-tuned to a baby's elimination habits by listening and responding to his or her present needs rather than allowing the child to soil its undergarments and then cleaning up afterward.

According to her research, Ms. Bauer concludes that the focus is not in teaching the child to "hold in" the bodily functions; however, it is a way to understand the communications of babies and meet their needs as they arise. In time, the child will determine her ability to regulate the need or urge to eliminate. Once parents are aware of their child's rhythms it is easier to prevent accidents and inconveniences.

One of the easiest ways to practice Natural Infant Hygiene is to have an absorbent cloth or diaper nearby or under your naked child to catch eliminations before they come into contact with clothing or furnishings. "Make a cuing sound as soon as you notice your baby going so she learns to associate the signal with the act of "going potty." Eventually, when the child is able to hold itself upright, you can graduate to a small bowl or potty.

It may seem a little unconventional in the beginning but you will discover the transition from stage to stage an easy one to handle.

REFERENCES:

Bauer, I., Diaper Free: The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene.

http://www.goddessunplugged.com/articles/dia pers.htm

http://www.natural-wisdom.com

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