by Rose Small

Created on: February 28, 2008

To suggest that an infant cannot know and communicate when they need to empty their bladder or bowels is the same as suggesting that they cannot know and communicate when they are hungry, tired or otherwise uncomfortable.

Keeping them in diapers 100% of the time, and only changing them after they have soiled themselves quickly teaches a baby to ignore their needs. I am certain this is why a young infant cries when wet, but an older baby will contentedly sit in a diaper for several wettings. The older baby has been trained that elimination must be ignored.

There can be no harm in allowing a baby the chance to potty somewhere other then in their pants. This is not potty training in the traditional sense. There is no scolding for accidents, there is no bribery to encourage use of the potty, there is no expectation to "hold it". There is simply a caregiver paying attention to a baby and recognizing that baby's cues that the potty is needed. This is no different then knowing that your baby is hungry or tired. It is simple communication which is a natural part of every relationship.

Perhaps people would not so violently oppose Elimination Communication if they were able to separate it in their minds from Potty Training. It is not the same thing, although by doing EC, one effectively eliminates the need for Potty Training later in toddler-hood. As far as comments go that it is "Mommy Training" no one would ever suggest that it was less than a good thing that any mother were "in tune" with their child and fed it before it started screaming in hunger, it is the same thing. Simply take the idea of "training" completely out of the practice. It is simply paying attention to your child's needs. Think of a diaper as a way to peacefully ignore one of your baby's many needs until it is convenient for you to deal with it, and you may get an idea why EC is completely natural and safe. China, India and many other cultures don't EC because they can't afford diapers! They do this for the hygiene of the babies. Pure and simple.

I was a late starter, at about 6 1/2 months. My Baby girl is pleased to have the chance to use the potty, but after a couple weeks, I still don't pick up on all her cues. That said, if I ask her if she needs to potty, and use the sign, if she does have to go, she will smile and show pleasure. If she doesn't have to go, she will ignore me. I have determined this by putting her on the potty anyway, when she has smiled at me she goes right away, when she has ignored me, she sits for only a few seconds before trying to stand up. Pretty clear communication if you ask me!

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