Elimination Communication (EC) is sometimes referred to as Infant Potty Training, but it is NOT potty training - you can't potty train an infant, but you can get in sync with your baby so the two of you are aware of when it's time to "go".
Here's How I Started:
1) I bought a Bjorn Potty Chair. Originally, I purchased an Elmo one off of Amazon but it was too big for him - most chairs are made for toddlers, so stick to Bjorn2) I wrote down when he went to the potty for 2 days. You'll be surprised how precise their schedule is - this makes you more in tune with when they have to go.
3) I put him on the potty:
**Every time he wakes (nap or morning)**About 5-15 minutes after he eats
**When I change his diaper
**For 2-5 minutes max - you will know if they don't have to go b/c they'll arch their back or fuss
4) I told him "potty" or "sssss" or "poop" and do the signs for potty or poopTHAT IS IT!And REPEAT everyday. In time, he will be able to signal to me in some way that it's time to 'go' - either a word, sound, sign, facial expression (dead stare) or action. Grey has recently started grunting but not 'going' until I put him on the potty, and he will sometimes crawl over to the chair if he has to 'go'.I wish I would have started earlier because HE LIKES IT SO MUCH MORE than going in his diaper. It's the truth! You can tell what your baby wants and doesn't want. And he does not want to go in his diaper if he has the choice. And lucky for us, he doesn't complain either way - diaper or no diaper :) That's why YOU CAN DO IT PART TIME and it won't make a difference either way. They are still learning more and more each time you do it!
ALL BABIES NEED A POTTY CHAIR. They are necessary for all babies b/c all babies get constipated. If they are constipated, laying them on their back and bicycling their legs doesn't do squat! Sitting them on a potty or helping them squat or hover over a toilet or sink WILL HELP THEM! Think about it - if you were constipated, could you go laying on your back or sitting in a car seat???
Every other country does this but ours. Most babies in the world (outside of the U.S.) are trained by 18 months. Here, it's 30-60 months!
Tricks for Babies Who Get Bored (like Grey):
**Have a magazine or book to read together. Tear out a page from the mag & let them crinkle it.
**Have toys nearby they can play with with you
**Have a movie or TV show they like on. I usually practice EC in the living room.
You will know they are done or don't have to go by the way they act. If they fuss or arch their back, take them off and try again later. You never force them to sit there.
Options that Work:
**Use the sink or a regular toilet. These work fine but are more difficult to maneuver. I did this once when Grey was constipated and we didn't have the potty chair. The sink can work well if it has a mirror in front of it. They like to look at themselves :)
**Go Diaper-Free or use cloth diapers. I try to go diaper-free once a day to air him out. If he does wet, it surprises him making him more aware of what is going on. Make the "ssss" sound or give the potty sign when they have an accident. Eventually, when he can tell me he has to 'go', I'll put him in cloth diapers during the day and regular diapers at night/when we go out.
Benefits:
**Easier and less time than changing diapers. Try it - you'll see!
**Saves money
**Trains your kids earlier (12-18 months instead of 40 months), thus saving money
**Good for the Earth
**It's cleaner and more hygienic for your baby and your home
How Does Matt Feel About EC?
"I like that it gets him accustomed to going on a potty instead of diapers.
Hopefully that means the transition will be easier.
