Elimination Communication, September 02, 2005

For those of you who don't know what Elimination Communication (EC) is, here's a definition from my friend Emily's website (http://www.theECstore.com). " Elimination Communication, also known as Natural Infant Hygiene or Infant Potty Training. It's a wonderful way to respond to a baby's natural instincts to stay clean and dry. EC reduces diaper use, reduces diaper rash, can lead to earlier potty independence, and so much more. " Basically it's noticing when your baby needs to potty, and letting them do their thing somewhere besides their diaper.
I had plans of using EC with Eli along with cloth diapers full time. Well, I have to say that parenting a newborn and a toddler took a bit more out of me than I expected!! So, I have used some cloth diapers (Eli grew so big so fast that he has outgrown my newborn stash of diapers and covers), but mostly I've used disposables. I keep thinking about EC, but without figuring out a way to incorporate it into our lives. Today I had a bit of success in that area :)
Eli hadn't pooped for the past two days, so I knew we were due for a BIG one... possibly a blow out diaper and a significant amount of laundry. Late this morning, he was pretty fussy, but he didn't want to eat. I thought I'd try to put him on the potty to see if he'd poop. Let's just say that he DID need to go... He was much happier after, and took a little nap :) So, if nothing else, I saved a couple of diapers today.