EC is NOT potty training
Elimination Communication (EC) is NOT potty training. It is a gentle, natural, non-coercive process by which a baby, preferably beginning in early infancy, learns with the loving assistance of parents and caregivers to communicate about and address his or her elimination needs. This practice makes conventional potty training unnecessary.
Parents and caregivers who practice EC are often surprised by just how quickly they begin to experience clear and consistent communication with their infant; next to this, early potty independence is seen only as a frequently-occurring side benefit. Many EC'ing families experience first-hand what families in traditional cultures around the world have known for centuries: that by the age at which American parents are told to watch for supposed signs of "readiness" for toilet-learning, their children have already achieved toilet independence.
What about the studies showing babies have no control?
Based on the evidence of human history, it is unlikely that the natural age at which babies are ready to become actively involved with responding to their elimination needs is as late as currently practiced in our society. Certainly, the exclusive dependence on diapering during the first year of a child's life can influence his ability to control his bladder and bowels.
Does this mean you don't use diapers at all?
DiaperFreeBaby celebrates the ability of babies to be "free" from (not dependent on) diapers and does not require or expect all families to avoid the use of diapers altogether. Rather, DiaperFreeBaby recommends parents and caregivers use whatever clothing and/or diapering system that best allows them to pursue communication about the child's elimination needs without undue stress on either party.
Please refer to these resources for more information:
