What is Elimination Communication?
And Does It Work in the Western World?
If you’ve ever heard of “Elimination Communication” and thought it sounded like a New Age parenting trend—or something involving crystals and a potty—you’re not alone. But this method of toileting babies without diapers has roots deeper than any trendy parenting blog, and it’s not as woo-woo as it might sound.
What is EC?
Long before disposable diapers and even before cloth nappies were widely used, babies all around the world were raised diaper-free. In many parts of Asia, Africa, and Indigenous communities, EC is (and has long been) the norm.
Let’s dig into what EC is, where it comes from, how it works, and whether it’s a practical solution for Western families today.
What Is Elimination Communication (EC)?
Elimination Communication, or EC, is a toileting practice where caregivers learn to recognize a baby’s cues for needing to pee or poop and respond by offering them a potty (or sink, toilet, bowl, etc.) to eliminate in—rather than relying exclusively on diapers.
Think of it as a communication-based approach to hygiene needs, similar to how you learn your baby’s hunger or sleep cues.
The History of Elimination Communication
Long before disposable diapers and even before cloth nappies were widely used, babies all around the world were raised diaper-free. In many parts of Asia, Africa, and Indigenous communities, EC is (and has long been) the norm.
The concept we now call “EC” was brought to Western attention through the work of Ingrid Bauer, who coined the term in the early 2000s in her book Diaper Free: The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene. But really, EC is the ancient norm—not the new idea.
In places like rural China or parts of India, babies are held over the ground, toilet, or bushes from infancy. This is often paired with a cue sound (like a "psss" or whistle), which the baby comes to associate with peeing.
How Does Elimination Communication Work?
The four main components of EC are:
Timing: Understanding natural rhythms (e.g., after waking or feeding).
Signals: Recognizing cues like fussing, grunting, or wriggling.
Cueing: Using consistent sounds or words (“pee-pee?” or “psss”) when offering the potty.
Intuition: Tuning into your own gut feeling about when baby needs to go.
Caregivers offer the potty at predictable times or when they notice signs. Some parents go completely diaper-free, while others use diapers as a backup.
Does EC Work in the Western World?
Short answer: Yes—with flexibility.
Long answer: It depends on your lifestyle, mindset, and support network.
Where EC Can Work Well:
✅ Stay-at-home or work-from-home parents
✅ Parents willing to learn and watch baby’s cues
✅ Families who are motivated by reduced diaper waste or early potty learning
✅ Households with cultural or familial ties to EC traditions
Where EC Can Be Challenging:
❌ Daycare or shared caregiving environments
❌ Parents under high time pressure
❌ Lack of support or understanding from pediatricians, family, or peers
❌ Parents with less bandwidth for observing cues or cleaning up misses
That said, partial EC is a fantastic middle ground—using it for mornings or poops only, or just starting with potty awareness early.
Is EC Potty Training?
Not exactly. EC is not about independence, stickers, or rewards. It’s more about building a connection and awareness before a child is developmentally ready to manage toileting themselves.
That said, many EC families find their kids potty train earlier, often before age 2, with less resistance.
Benefits of EC
Less diaper rash and fewer blowouts
Earlier potty awareness
Reduced waste (environmentally and financially)
Stronger parent-child connection
Encourages bodily autonomy from infancy
But... Is It Realistic?
It’s okay to be skeptical. EC doesn’t fit every family’s lifestyle—but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth learning about. Even integrating a few EC elements (like offering the potty after naps) can build potty awareness and reduce diaper dependence.
Final Thoughts:
Elimination Communication isn’t a parenting competition or a badge of honor. It’s a practice rooted in global traditions that invites Western parents to think differently about toileting. It’s not all or nothing—it’s about what works for yourfamily.
Whether you're curious, committed, or just researching alternatives, EC can be a powerful reminder that babies are capable of more than we often assume—and that communication starts long before words.
