Elimination Communication (EC) is a parent responding to their baby’s needs to potty.   Instead of forcing the baby to become diaper trained, the parent attempts to communicate with the baby about the elimination process .
I begin EC at birth.  Most parents begin before the baby is six months old.  If started later, especially after age one, the baby is already diaper trained and is less aware and sometimes even unable to communicate their elimination needs.

Sometimes the term “infant potty training” used. That is really a poor term, as it suggests that the parent is training the baby, when in fact it is the parent who is learning.

Just as a parent listens to a baby and responds to its needs when it comes to feeding, cuddling, and sleeping, a parent is simply responding to the baby’s elimination needs.

Even parents who diaper their children can often tell when their child is about to have a bowel movement, either by the baby’s facial expression, sounds, or habits.  A parent practicing EC often uses these signals, as well as timing and intuition.

Parents who practice EC are often pleasantly surprised at the bonding that develops between them and their baby as they communicate and learn from each other.

How I do it
(everyone does it differently)

Birth
When the baby is newborn I don’t worry about “catching” his potty, but simply make a specific sound when I know he is having a bowel movement.  Practiced repeatedly, the baby learns to associate this sound with having a bm.  This sound becomes our cue sound.

1 week
At about one week of age, I have a basic idea of my baby’s bm timing and signals.  I begin to hold him over a receptacle (a potty seat, toilet, or small bowl) and give him the cue sound.   I find that cloth diapers support EC better, simply because the baby can more readily feel the result of urinating and remain aware of his body.

And beyond…
I continue adapting to my baby’s signals and timing, and he continues to respond to the cueing.

Helpful Links
Diaper Free Baby
Natural Wisdom
The EC Store
Free To EC