Elimination Communication, revisited

I started the Elimination Communication (EC) adventure with Jubilee last week, and we've had a lot of success.  I have to tell you, it's really exciting to be able to meet my baby's needs in this way. I think we started doing EC with Evangeline a little over a year ago when she was probably about five or six months old.  I had intended to do EC from birth (with Evie) but it totally slipped my mind... for many months! I wrote about EC here on this blog back then, so if you're curious about the method, you can read more about it by reading the posts labeled ELIMINATION COMMUNICATION. 

Last week, on the first try, Jubilee peed and pooed in the toilet, and we've been at it ever since.  I've always been really laid back about it. If we don't make it to the potty, so be it. I don't beat myself up about it.  I'm also not going to hold her over the toilet for five minutes hoping she'll go.  If she doesn't potty in about 10 or 20 seconds, I put a diaper back on her and get on with the day.

Evie has been doing pretty well too.  Hopefully she'll be completely potty learned by the time she's two.  That would be so awesome!  We went through some EC struggles, especially after she started solids (introducing solids changed everything as it slowed down the poo elimination process), and then she went through a phase where she didn't want to sit on the potty (but she would carry it around all over the house, silly girl). I bought her a package of underwear... so maybe she'll be wearing them soon!

Jubilee seems to know that, when I rest her over her little IKEA potty, it's time to let loose!  Here's a snapshot from this morning. The IKEA potty is perfect for EC as it rises up in the front and back so pee (or poo) doesn't spray OUT of the potty.  Plus, IKEA potties are so cheap, you can buy a couple and have them in different areas of the house.

Cloth diapering: Muttaqins

Evangeline wearing a Muttaqin fitted diaper (size large)

If you asked me which diaper I grab first, I'd say the Muttaqin.  It's been my all time favorite since we switched to fitted diapers.  (Note: fitted diapers require a waterproof cover.)

Not only are they extremely cute, they seem cozy, comfortable, and soft. They are made with top-quality fabrics and any snaps that would be on the inside of the diaper are hidden so they don't press against baby's skin. Not only are they wonderfully absorbent, but they also contain "messes" well.  I've never had a blow out with these babies!

"Mutts", as they are known in cloth diaper circles, come in a variety of designs.  One of their most economical designs is their unique one size diaper, which they call the 3 Step Rise 1 Size (referred to 3SR Mutts in the CD world). Because of their adjustability, they fit from 8-35lbs.

Those anticipating the arrival of a newborn may love their Newborn Sized diapers which come with a snap down umbilical area to avoid covering that fragile little umbilical stump. These diapers typically fit from 5-15lbs because of a special snap down rise which made.  When your baby outgrows these, he or she will fit wonderfully into 3SR Mutts.  Mutt's NB sized diapers are deliciously adorable. These will definitely hold in those newborn would-be-blowouts!  These are newborn diapers you don't have to feel guilty about splurging on since they fit a wider range.  I have a hard time buying diapers that only fit up to 8 or 9lbs, since my last two have been around eight and a half pounds!  Seems like a waste!

Mutt's Front-Snapping diapers are the ones I am most familiar with.  They come in medium and large sizes.  Evie, at the average size for a 16 month old, can easily fit in both medium and large sizes.  She never has red marks on her skin from the gussets or snaps (since the snaps are hidden).  I generally use a Thirsties Duo Wrap (size 2), Bummis Super Brite (Medium) or wool soaker (like EcoPosh) over these diapers.

Muttaqin also carries side-snapping diapers (which I'd love to test out! I'm new to side-snapping!), "Baby-shapped" diapers, and turned and top-stitched sized diapers (their other diapers are serged).

FYI, I am not being paid to post this review. This is just a personal review of some of my favorite cloth diapers!

Our Cloth Diaper Stash

I recently sold most of my pockets and built lil Miss Evangeline a new stash of cloth diapers made mostly of fitted diapers.  And, I've been working on building Molly Jo's cloth diaper stash, this time splurging a bit on a newborn fitted stash.  (With Evangeline, her newborn stash was flats and prefolds with Bummis Super Brite and Thirsties Duo Wrap size 1 covers)

{diapers nicely organized into bins}

Molly Jo:

11 Birds-Eye flats (I must have lost one)
4 Dark Green Edge prefolds
5 Gerber Prefolds

1 Cotton Sherpa Small or Newborn Kissa Contour
2 Small Floral Contours
2 Small Sckoon fitteds
5 Diaper Drive Thru Newborn fitteds
4 Newborn Patooshie Fitteds
1 Gussie Pocket (made by me) fitted
8 Small flannel diapers (7 made by me) [Evie outgrew these around 6 months old]
2 Small Organic Hideaway diapers
3 Medium Stage 2 Drybees (adjustable)
1 Medium Piper's Closet diaper
5 Medium Thirsties Fab Fitteds
8 Tinkle Trap Converted Prefold Fitteds

4 GroBaby/GroVia diapers (I have a 5th.. somewhere...)

1 Black OS Tweedlebug Pocket diaper
2 Small Fuzzibunz pocket diaper (white)
3 Pink OS BumGenius pocket diapers (fit on the small side, IMO)
2 Blueberry OS pocket diapers

1 OS Wool cover
1 small wool cover
2 small pair of fleece longies
4 Thirsties Duo Wraps size 1 [Evie outgrew these around 6 months as well]
1 Weehugger cover size 1

Evangeline:

3 wool soakers (covers)
2 Bummis Super Brite wraps (1 medium, 1 grand. Grand is still a little too big.)
1 Lavender Thirsties Duo Wrap (size 2)
1 Kushies cover
2 Snapless Fleece wraps (made by me)
1 Fleece soaker (made by me)
3 Fleece "capris" (made by me)

3 Nifty Nappies fitteds
6 Large Muttaqin fitteds
4 Large Sandy's ME fitteds
2 MEOS (Mother Ease One-Size) fitteds

To share (but mostly for Evie):

3 OS Muttaqin fitteds
2 Bumpkie Bottoms Snapless OS fitteds
2 OS Cheeky Cloth fitteds
2 Bugga Bugga Boutique fitteds (OS)
1 snapless zebra/floral BSRB
1 Egg & Bacon Soothe Baby OS fitted
1 Tinkle Trap side snap fitted
3 Good Mamas

and a bunch of inserts, mostly bamboo or hemp. I'm sure I have more diapers here and there I forgot to mention, but this is what was among the things I was organizing (or was waiting to arrive in the mail). I purchased the majority of my diapers in excellent used condition from other cloth diapering mamas. Therefore, I have some really great high-quality diapers without paying a high-quality price! :)

A lot of my friends have exclaimed that I have a large stash- if only they knew how big the average cloth diaper stash is! I know many women who have far more than I have... and for only one child!

I'd really like to get a dozen more diaper for Evangeline so I don't have to wash as often.  Since Evie has not been interested in using the potty at all lately (there's your Elimination Communication update!), we've gone through a lot more diapers, so I usually have to wash every other day. It's not a big deal, but it'd be really nice to wash every three days instead.  However, since for years I had a tiny stash and was accustomed to washing every day, I am thankful that I can nearly squeeze in three days out of Evangeline's stash.

Our current stash- this photo is missing a little over 2 dozen diapers from our stash.

I'm going to start reviewing some my favorite diapers, so you'll know what I love about my new stash! Check back for that if you're curious about cloth!

8 Green Gifts that $ave money!

Here are eight great gifts that are actually useful.... and "green"! All of these items come from various Etsy shops, so you are not only being green, but your money is staying in the US! Buy for yourself or someone else!

Produce bags from generationMe. ($2.75)

We all know grocery store produce bags are such a waste. They're flimsy to begin with!
The other day I plopped a bag of sweet potatoes on the check out, and the bag ripped, sending the potatoes rumbling and rolling all over the place. Bleh.

Cloth wipes from Lover of Life Designs

16 2-ply flannel wipes for $15

or 30 1-play flannel wipes for $20

These wipes are great for those who are cloth diapering, but also for wiping dirty faces and runny noses and could be used as bath rags as well! So soft!

"Unpaper Towels" from LittleWondersDesign
$25 for 24 towels made from Birds Eye Cotton

Remember the days when people didn't use paper towels? Maybe you don't! Check out these towels. They are slim and can tuck into a drawer or fold into a pretty little basket on the countertop. You could use them as napkins, kitchen towels, or even use them on your Swiffer Mop!

The Flower Farm crocheted coffee sleeve $9.95

I wish I could crochet, but I can't. Well, I could... if I tried, but... then I'd have to steer my patience from one area to another, so....  hey, look.. aren't these cute? The Flower Farm has a variety of crocheted coffee sleeves that will make you want to pick up the java-habit if you haven't already. Great gift for a friend who can't go without her morning cup of joe. (I know, this doesn't save you money, but... can we pretend it does? It does save you from wasting those little cardboard sleeves!)

Reusable To-Go Tumbler from Poppy & Pearl Co , prices vary upon size & quantity.

I love mason jars, so I definitely love these cute tumblers that have a nifty little lid and come with a reusable, BPA-free straw!  These make perfect kiddo cups as well!

Upcycled Wool diaper covers by Laura Blossom $12.50 - $24.00

Not too long ago, I ditched pocket diapers, PUL, and microfiber for a more natural diapering system. The first wool cover I bought was from this little Etsy store!  You see, wool covers can be extremely expensive, and when you are on a budget, well.... the idea of spending $40 on one wool cover seems a little *eek*, especially when you aren't sure whether you'll really love using wool or not!  I am so grateful that Ms. Laura sells these inexpensive, upcycled covers in her little Baa Baa Baby Etsy shop! I have to give her extra credit because she sends them out already lanolized so you can begin using them right away! These would make the perfect gift for a cloth-diapering mama!  This one wool cover has replaced the 5-8 PUL covers I would normally use in one day! See, money saving and cute!

Wool Knit Play Fruit from clothdiapermommy $15.00

Okay, so this isn't actually going to save you money either, but it's a super cute handmade gift that any child should love! (I know mine would!) They are soft, safe, and perfect for toddlers and "big girls" alike, in my opinion!

Waterproof Labels by stickaroundlabels $19.95-24.95

Now this is a smart idea! These waterproof labels not only work on sippy cups, lunchboxes, books, and shoes, but can also be put on cloth diapers, jackets, and other wearable items! (Read directions on placement.) Choose from a variety of designs.  Child have an allergy? Purchase a special sticker stating your kiddo's allergy for their backpack or lunchbox. Great for children in daycare or school.... or adults whose stuff seems to disappear from the office!

Cloth diapering: Inexpensive wool covers

Our family is in the process of switching over to wool cloth diaper covers and natural fiber fitted diapers since we have been having a lot of trouble with microfiber, PUL, and the like (and, quite frankly, doing all that diaper stripping and such is tiring).

When I started cloth diapering Evie, I had a stash of one-size pocket diapers leftover from Keagan, but I wanted to look at all my options. We started out with flatfolds and Bummis covers because I didn't think I could afford wool (and I wasn't sure I was up for caring for wool- I didn't know how easy it was!).

Maybe some of you are interested in easy, care-free cloth diapering and would really like to try out wool covers but are stunned by the pricing.   Many hand-knit wool soakers are between $30-50 which seems like a huge price to pay for a cover.

However, it's important to understand that you can get by with just a few wool soakers since they do not have to be washed after each use unless they have poo on them. If they haven't been soiled, you can continue to reuse them for a week or two (I have some friends who wash them every 3-4 weeks!), doing a simple lanolizing soak. You can read more about that here in my post on MandyMom.com titled: Fleece tips, Wool, & How to make your own wool wash.

Therefore, one wool soaker (cover) can outdo and outlast fleece and PUL covers (including pocket diapers), as they do not have to be washed nearly as often, and therefore you can have fewer wool covers than you would of fleece or PUL.  Wool also is a great "back-up", as it can hold up to 40% of it's weight in liquid, so if your diaper leaks, the wool soaker will save the day.

So, in the grand scheme of things, $30-50 for one wool cover really isn't a huge cost, since it will replace at least 3-5 of your other covers. BUT, for those of us who are frugal minded, seeing such a huge price tag attached to such a small booty cover, it can be difficult to make such a purchase.

Which is where sites like Esty come in handy.  You see, I do have sewing talent and have sewn some of my own wool covers, but I still have to shell out at least $5 for a wool sweater from the thrift store.  So, when I see a beautiful upcycled wool cover for only $10-12, I think it's a pretty darn good deal.

When you're just testing the waters of cloth diapering, you probably don't feel it's wise to invest a huge chunk of money in a cover you aren't sure you'll even like! Take my advice and look into these Etsy sellers who have a beautiful array of wool covers for a great price.

I just bought my first not-made-by-me wool shorties from LauraBlossom.  I'm waiting for them to come in.... and am very eager to put them to use! She seems like a very sweet person.  She had a great sale going on CyberMonday, but when I checked out, the code didn't work.  However, the shorties were so cute (and still a great price), I decided to go ahead and purchase them anyway. I left her a note that the sale code didn't work, and she refunded the 20% discount to me!  She also has other deals and discounts, which is a great way to catch this gal's eye and consumership! I'll keep you posted on the quality of her products. She has positive feedback, so I'm pretty sure I'll like what I purchased!

Gramma Tuck has a beautiful assortment of wool shorties, longies, and even skirties.
Celia Screams makes lovely hand-knitted (crocheted?) soakers... and they are incredibly priced. Her small soakers go for $10!
JoyfulGirlDesign makes upcycled wool longies and more- and even sells "Seconds" at a great price. (Seconds are products that have slight imperfections but are still functional.)
Nana's Knickers knickers are wonderfully priced and absolutely adorable! Her soakers remind me of the old vintage style I've seen in photos from long ago!

So, now you need a cloth diaper to cover up!  One of my favorite Esty gals is Tiffany.  When Evangeline was a baby, she sent me one of her beautiful creations to test out and review. You can bet I'll be using it when little Molly Jo makes her entrance!  Check out Tiffany's shop, True Baby Designs.  (You will need to pin her fitted diapers, or use a Snappi.)



Aw, look how small my Evangeline Rose was!

If you're handy with a sewing machine, you could even make your own fitted cloth diapers.  I prefer cotton flannel, and usually sew in at least 6 layers for a newborn and 8-10 for an older baby. (Helps to make a set-in soaker, or one that is only sewn on in the back so that it dries quicker after washing.)  Here are a few of my own early creations:




Oh, and I wanted to add- if you are looking for a great insert to give you more absorbency, try out my friend's awesome bamboo soakers over at Cotton Cheeks!  It may seem pricy at $6, but these are my favorite, favorite inserts/soakers.  I promise, I use these regularly! (I actually should buy more!)

Sewing Fleece Diaper Covers

Evangeline has outgrown her size one Thirsties Duo diapers.  I'd say they're pretty much my favorite because they are adjustable and blow-out resistant because of their double gussets.  They come in two sizes.  The size ones fit her comfortably from newborn to six months.  She could still fit in them at seven months (and now, at eight months), but I have to keep the inserts slim, which means less absorbency. Even though I try to take her out of diapers to the relieve herself, this doesn't always happen, especially during naps.  And, the tighter the fit, the less room to hold poo when there's a massive, um... release.

Here's the thing, folks. If you are having troubles with blow outs (whether in cloth or disposables), it may be because the diaper is too fitted against the heiny.  There needs to be a little wiggle room there, some space, really.  If the insert or the disposable is pressed tightly against the bum, there will be no where else for the poo to go... other than out the gussets.  Just a tip for those having these issues. If you keep having diaper blowouts, it's time to go up a size in diapers.

Anyway, so I decided it was time to make some new covers for Evie.  I really like Thirsties Duo Wraps, so I did purchase one in size two (which also adjusts and will last the rest of her diapering days), but I also knew that I could make my buck stretch further if I made my own.  I really like fleece diapers.  They're more breathable than PUL (which is what Thirsties and most diaper covers are made of), and they're easy to care for.  You can wash them with the rest of your wash, if you need to.  No special care.  So, if a little poo gets on them, I can toss them in with the rest of my wash, regardless of whether I'm using free and clear detergent.

They're easy to make and significantly cheaper than purchasing covers from a shop, especially if you happen to have an old fleece blanket laying around!  Let me give you the breakdown.  One yard of fabric will give you two diaper covers.  Each diaper cover is made of two layers of fleece (extra protection!).  If you purchase the fabric full price, then you are paying about $4.50 per diaper.  I never buy it full-price.  When they are on sale, each diaper comes out to $2.75.  If I buy fleece off the clearance remnant section (50% off), it costs me $2.25 per diaper.  Add in the cost of elastic (.25 per diaper, typically), and that's a pretty cheap, handmade diaper.  If I use a 10% off total coupon, well.. I can get it even a bit more cheaper.  (I shop at Joann, btw. They have great sales in store and online.)  Plain fleece is cheaper, but not by much.  If I use plain fleece, I like to use some pretty fabric to dress it up, which usually ups the cost a bit, unless that fabric is repurposed or from my scrap bin.  This diaper below probably cost me about $4.00 to make.  When I saw this delicious quilting fabric, I had to have it.  It's just too adorable!  I was a cupcake fan long before cupcakes were the "in" thing, and, believe it or not, one of my favorite colors is brown.  (I know some people think brown is a ugly color, but I love it.)

Evangeline looks so adorable in it- chunky legs and all.  She's just so sweet, I want to nibble her up!  It's been a while since I've had a chunky baby to snuggle since Keagan was super tiny.  I mean, her legs are way chunkier than his were.  He had little stick-legs.  Her body is chunkier than his was at a year!  (And I love it! I just love all those soft squishy rolls!)

 



Fleece is super comfortable. I recommend buying anti-pill fleece because it stays looking nicer for longer.  But, hey, if you have an old fleece blanket laying around, use it.  I don't have a snap press, so I just use a Snappi or pins.  I'm thinking about making a fleece cover that ties in the front.  I'll have to ponder a pattern for that one. I have an idea in mind!  There are also patterns out there for pull-up fleece covers, so you don't have to worry about snaps, Snappis, or pins.

I don't have my own pattern posted- but you can find free patterns all over the internet. A fitted diaper pattern will work just fine as a fleece cover pattern, although you may want to make your cover just a bit larger (maybe just 1/2 an inch larger all the way around).

Diapering preferences

I'm often asked which cloth diaper system and product I like the most.  There certainly are many to choose from, and, for the beginner, the choices can seem overwhelming.

We started cloth diapering because we wanted to save money.  This means my diapering system needs to be one that gets the most bang for my buck. However, I don't think I'd really stick with it if it were not for the cuteness aspect, so I do "splurge" a bit to get colors and prints I like.

With Keagan, we used one-size pocket diapers, and while I was grateful for them, I found them to be a bit of a hassle.  Later, I changed to Bummis Super Brite covers with inserts instead of using pocket diapers. I bought Keagan two covers, which will lasted us a whole day since they are wipeable and can be used over and over, unless there has been a bit of a blowout, then thrown into the wash at the end of the day. 

I had been given microfiber inserts and had bought a few more of my own, but I disliked how they held the stench and seemed to require extra attention because of this issue (more rinses, stripping, etc.).  I ended up switching to natural fibers.  Bamboo became my favorite insert. They are very absorbent and soft- much softer than cotton, actually.

I decided to use the same system with Evangeline- covers and inserts. I fell in love with Thirsties Duo Wraps. They come in two adjustable sizes. At eight months, Evangeline is now nearly out of her size ones, so I am beginning to build my size two stash which should last her until she is out of diapers.  I like that TDWs come in two sizes because the size ones will comfortably fit a newborn, where as most one-size diapers are too big and bulky on a newborn.

I purchased my first TDW size two yesterday, and she is able to wear it on the lowest snap, so I know it should accommodate her until she is diaper-free as she has plenty of room to grow.

I personally prefer the Aplix version (think Velcro) over the snaps, because the aplix not only allows me to put the diaper on quicker (my fingers fumble with snaps), but seems to make a snugger fit around her waist.

We do still use disposables, and, as I've mentioned before, we also use the method of Elimination Communication. We have found that a combination of the three work best for us.

I think pocket diapers work best for night time, especially if you have to wake up to nurse and change your baby in those wee hours. Pre-stuffing pocket diapers for this occasion makes it less of a hassle since you'll likely be quite groggy at that hour. I don't know about you, but I don't like having to fiddle with a cover and insert when all I really want to do is snuggle back under those covers!

That is the upside to pockets- if we prestuff them once they been washed and dried, they make diaper changes just as easy as disposables.  I like Bumgenius Aplix pocket diapers. A friend of mine gave me some hand-me-down BG pockets, and I love them! I also like Blueberry's pockets.... and they have some adorable prints!

I used folded up birds eye flats as inserts when Evie was a newborn. (Similar to prefolds, but with more options, since they are not "prefolded".) These are perfect for newborns. Don't be afraid to buy inserts in newborn sizes- you can always use them as a "booster insert" as your child gets older and requires me absorbency.   As I previous mentioned, I prefer bamboo inserts. That is what we mainly use now. My bamboo stash is small though, so when I run out, I use birds eye flats or prefolds.

EC Question and Successes!

Anyway, real quick on the Elimination Communication Subject.  I want to address a question:

So with EC, when does she start doing it on her own without you having to put her on the potty? It just seems like you'd be doing this soooo much for up to a year or two.

I think most people have some preconceived notions when it comes to EC.  First of all, most people probably imagine that we're running her to the potty a zillion times a day, or that we're sitting by the potty for long amounts of time trying to get her to go.  I suppose that may be what happens for many when they are first starting out, but it's certainly not like that for us.

Take this morning for example: Keagan woke up and needed me to change his diaper. I took it off, cleaned him, then sent him to the bathroom.  While he was in the bathroom, I set Evangeline on her potty (right outside the bathroom in my bedroom).  Keagan quickly pottied, and I put fresh pants on him.  When he was finished, I removed Evie from her potty and put a fresh diaper on her. 

Taking your child to the potty really isn't that big of a hassle. I mean, okay, it is when you're in the middle of cooking dinner or in a deep discussion with a friend who stopped in for a short visit, but, in the grand scheme of things, it's really not the pain-in-the-rear that it often sounds like.  I used to think the same thing, though.

Once you get used to their "routine", it's really not a big deal. I know Evangeline is going to need to potty three times in the morning- once after her first feeding, again about fifteen minutes later, and again around thirty minutes later.  She always needs to go more frequently in the morning.  She will play for a couple hours, then be ready for a nap, so I'll feed her, take her to the potty, and then she'll snooze.  Every time she wakes up, she'll want to nurse and then potty.

One thing I realized is that a lot of the time when she is fussy and I believe I have met all her needs, she really is fussing because she needs to go to the bathroom.  Previously, I believed it was because she was still hungry or she was just being figgity.  I read someone else's EC story online, and she mentioned this... so I began taking Evangeline to the potty when she was fussing and wiggling around.  Sure enough!

It's interesting, because I had almost made this connection beforehand, but fallen a bit short. When she was fussy and I knew she wasn't hungry and she didn't want to lay down and go to sleep, I would check her diaper.  If she had fussed for a while, it would be wet, but in the beginning, it would normally be dry.  So, she would fuss because she needed to go to the bathroom (and Momma wasn't getting the hint!), and then she'd fuss because she didn't want to sit in a soiled diaper!  I had caught on to her fussiness about not wanting to sit in a wet diaper, but it had not clicked that the fussing had started because she needed to go and did not want to go in her diaper.

Smart kid. Dull mom.

The way I figure is, I'm already in the habit of frequently changing her diaper. It's not really more of a hassle to take her to the potty.  When we had just started out, she would sit on the potty for a maximum of 5 minutes, but now it usually takes less than a minute- at most, two- for her to go.  It really did not take us long to get into a nice little routine, and she will usually go when I set her on the potty, even if she only needs to go just a little bit.

Thing is, I know many of us are kind of lazy about changing diapers. We are used to disposables which tell us they are more absorbent and hold more- and so this causes us to leave our babies in a soiled diaper longer.  It may be more difficult for someone using disposables to switch to the EC mindset because you likely aren't used to changing the diaper as often.  Cloth diapers usually need to be changed more often, unless you have loaded it up for overnight.  But, in order to keep a cloth diapered heiny trim and dry, you'll need to change it more often, which causes you to pay more attention to when your baby is wet.  Then you get more of a feel for how much they go... and often when they go.

Here's another way to think about it.  I am saving about 6 diapers a day. Six diapers. That's 42 diapers a week. For disposables (the store brand), that's about $15 saved.  Double that for brands like Huggies.  In cloth-speak, that's a lot of laundry I don't have to do (and it's money saved on water, energy, and detergent)!

It's most definitely worth it to me.

And, since we're also potty-training Keagan, I can use Evangeline as his "timer" as well.  If he goes to the potty almost every time she goes to the potty, he'll be dry all day.  So, while she sits on her little potty, he sits on the big potty- and hey, two birds, one stone.

Currently, Evangeline uses one diaper at night- this normally gets her through the whole night.  This absolutely amazes me!  She wakes up in the middle of the night- dry- and wants to nurse. I nurse her, she falls asleep in my arms. If she fusses, I'll get up and put her on the potty.  Normally, when we wake up in the morning, her diaper is wet, but it is not soaked as it used to be.  I'll nurse her, put her on the potty, and she'll fill that sucker up.  (I have tried putting her on the potty before she nurses, but she won't have it. She demands nursing first!) She soils about three diapers a day (including the one at night), sometimes four if we're out and about. For a baby, this is pretty significant (in my opinion).  Keagan soils 3-4 diapers a day as a toddler... without using the potty.

I'm really not sure when Evangeline will be able to take herself. I mean, she'd have to be able to walk- right?  I suppose, once she is able to walk, she may be able to toddle over to her little puppy potty and plant her little booty on it.  The goal isn't really to potty train her though.  I guess you could say it is a by-product of using this method.  The goal is simply to provide for her need. She doesn't want to sit in a soiled diaper, and she's made it clear she doesn't usually even want to pee in the diaper.

I realize EC is not for everyone, but it really works with our family, so I'm going with it.  Obviously, we still use a diapers, and a combination of these things is what works for us.

Today, Evangeline went for the first time while we were out running errands. I held her over the public potty and she tinkled- A LOT! I noticed she was fussing and arching her back. Her diaper was dry, so we hurried to the potty, and boy, did she have to go!

I was so proud of her! I'm sure Evangeline is thinking, "Yay! I'm sure glad my mom is finally getting this all figured out!"   What can I say, I finally decided to listen to what my Granny has been telling me! She used this method on my father!

Eliminaton Communication: Theoretically...

I loved this theoretical parallel, definitely makes me think....

What if your mother was in a nursing home, and she called and told you about a policy change at the home.  The nursing home decided that due to a staff shortage, all the residents who can not go to the bathroom without assistance must wear Depends.  They will be changed on a two hour schedule.  Your mother complains that she sometimes goes to the bathroom a few minutes after her Depends has been changed but must sit in it for the next two hours because the staff refuses to give her a clean one, even if she requests it.  Wouldn't you be appalled at that treatment?  Why?  Because human beings should not have to sit in their own waste.  Now isn't your baby as much of a human being as your mother?

[Source]

Part 1: What is Elimination Communication (EC)?

Is it a form of potty training?

I suppose, for some, it is- but I believe babies are already fairly potty trained when born. It's the parents that need the training!  EC is simply responding to your baby's need to pee or poo, just as you would when your baby is hungry and needs to nurse.

Just as a baby communicates her hunger to her parents, a baby also has ways of communicating her need to eliminate.  If you already have a baby, you've probably already seen some of these signals, like baby grunting or bearing down while holding her breath when she's trying to poo.

How will I know my baby needs to go?

You likely already know baby's signals for when she needs a diaper change, right?  When Evangeline soils her cloth diaper, she fusses and wiggles- and if I ignore these signals or misinterpret them, she'll continue getting louder and louder until I get the message.  (We do not use a "stay-dry" layer- the layer which wicks moisture away from the skin.)  So, you see, you've already learned how to read baby's cues when she needs her diaper changed, so you can definitely learn how to decipher her signals when she needs to go to the potty!

You may have also figured out that your baby has a routine. You may have noticed he poos at a certain time each day or needs to be changed after every nap.

Most babies need to relieve their bladders soon after they awaken and shortly after nursing.  I already had an idea of Evangeline's elimination routine, so this helped when we began. 

Some people begin EC at birth, but many start at other points during the baby's first year or so.  When I was pregnant with Evangeline, I considered doing it but promptly forgot about it once she was born!

DiaperFreeBaby.org has wonderful tips on how to tell if your baby needs to go.  I love that they point out that intuition can be a great indicator as well, because sometimes I just "know" she needs to go, and I have no other explanation for it.  Click here to read about signals and cues.

There are loads of tips available on the internet, and the EC section on the Mothering.com forums are a great place to get feedback and advice.

Little bodies on little potties

I am really surprised by how quickly Evangeline has caught on with Elimination Communication. I say that, but I realize it's actually me who has caught on, and not her.  She's probably surprised by how long it took me to catch on!  We only used three diapers yesterday! Three!  I had a hard time catching pee after she napped because I didn't get to her in time.  She's the sort that normally slowly wakes up- she lays there for a bit and stares at the ceiling or runs her hands over her blankets.  Sometimes she'll quietly play with a toy or her pacifier. So, when I'm busy about the house, I don't hear her wake-up until she's already wet her diaper.  So, our three wet diapers were from nap times, which- hey, is pretty good for a beginner.

When I started cloth diapering, cloth was very, very addictive. It still is, but I simply don't have the money to purchase more diapers. There are better things to spend my money on, even though I would like to buy a couple more covers since she is rapidly outgrowing her Thirsties Duo Wraps (size 1).  Still, I have other cloth diapers she can fit in, although they aren't super cute and are rather plan. They do the job, and that's what matters.

Elimination communication is very addictive. It's absolutely thrilling to be able to provide for your baby's needs in this way- just as it is thrilling to be able to feed my baby from my own body.  I honestly felt like there was this missing bond between Evangeline and I- not that we don't have a great bond, but it was just not as close as the bond Keagan and I had.  Yesterday, I realized that I felt like that gap in our bond had been filled since we were spending more time together and bonding over... well.. elimination.

I realize it sounds completely goofy, and I know some of you are just rolling your eyes here.  That's fine by me, because it's not your baby, she's mine.  I'm not telling you that you need to try it, so I hope none of you feel like you have to justify why you don't.  Really, I get it.  After all, it took me seven years to even begin to consider the idea and over six months to really put it into practice!

I realized last night that Evangeline will hold her breath a bit and get very concentrated on the potty right before she's about to tinkle.  You almost miss it if you're not paying attention because it's one of those expressions that is gone in the blink of an eye, but I recognized it... and was excited about it.   She definitely bears down to go, which tells me she definitely knows how to hold her potty and knows how to release it as well.  I get a little giddy over this because I have heard some babies lose this ability over time because they realize (on some level) they can go any time they want and the diaper will catch it.  This is what led many doctors to believe that children don't learn to control their bowels until they are around the age of two- because many of them seem to lose the ability, but regain it in the toddler years.

Evangeline loves her potty, and sometimes I'll sit her beside it (usually bare bottomed on a folded up birdseye flat or a prefold) and let her play with it.  She pounds on it like a drum, sings to it, pokes at it.... it's pretty funny to watch.



We bought this Puppy Potty for Keagan when he was about two or so, but he hasn't really used it much.  It's just easier for him to be on the toilet.  I would still like to get one of those IKEA potties I mentioned in a previous entry because, 1, they are so cheap, and 2, they are small and easier to take with me.  Definitely more convenient in that aspect. I think I may venture out and get one today- braving the Good Friday crowds!

What does Brandon think about it?  He loves it. Last night as Evangeline was sitting on the potty one last time before bed, I asked, "Do you think I'm crazy?"
"No, actually," he replied. "I think it's great. It makes sense!"  He had told me this before, but I thought he was just making me feel better. Ha!  He's read some of my research on it and we've talked about it- I always try to keep him informed on why we are doing what we are doing because I want him to be able to whole-heartedly support it and to "defend" our choices reasonably if need be, instead of saying, "Uh, because my wife wanted to..."  I'm very fortunate in that my husband truly trusts my decision-making when it comes to our children. He has never questioned whether we should homeschool or not vaccinate (we would do selective vaccinations under the right circumstances).  But, I've also never asked him to just blindly agree with me (although, I believe in some areas- like cloth diapering and EC- he would just let me do whatever I wanted).  I especially think that going through our Unassisted Birth journey (Keagan) really bonded us together in this area even more.  I mean, he was flat out against it ("Ew! I don't want baby splooge all over our house!"), but I just piled up a huge binder of information, and continued discussing it with him.  I did such a good job that he didn't want to have a midwife assisted birth with Evangeline!

Anyway, he thinks EC is completely logical, so I'm glad he's on the same page as I am.

Last night, when Evangeline woke up for her feeding, I realized she was completely dry. I really felt giddy about it- I mean, completely dry!  Ideally, I would have liked to nurse her and then set her on the potty, but I figured doing so would make getting her back to sleep difficult, so I nursed her and put her back to bed.  Still- getting through the night in just one diaper (with a feeding at 10pm and 4am) is pretty amazing.  When she woke up at around 7-ish, her diaper was wet, but not completely soaked as it is when she sleeps through the night without a feeding.  I nursed her and set her on the potty.

She did a lot of tooting. The first time she tooted on the potty it was hilarious- I mean, she looked up at me with an expression of shock, then twisted around to check her rear.  Now it's not as shocking to her, and she just goes about her business, checking out her book or gnawing on a toy.  I recognized her pee expression, and went to take her off, but she wasn't having any of it.  She continued sitting there and tooted a few more times.  It probably feels better to toot in the potty rather than a diaper pressed against your butt.

She had peed quite a bit in the potty- double the usual amount, so I know she was trying to hold her pee once she woke up, which is pretty amazing to me.

I set her up a little area by her bed, which is also by a window where there is plenty of natural light flowing in. She liked setting her toys on the window sill and being able to watch the birds perched upon our fence.  I think this is the best potty spot- and it's also a convenient area for me to sit.


And a wipe box makes the perfect foot rest!  Having something to prop her feet on helped her hold the book better.  She loves books. :)


See, she really loves books. Really.  The other day, she sat there (just like that!) for 30 minutes while I read to her. NONE of my other babies have loved being read to as much as she does.

Anyway, I hear her fussing- I think the needs another sit on the potty!  (Excuse any typos!)

Have a blessed Friday, y'all! Resurrection Sunday is coming!

-Mandy

Note:  EC is not potty training. This is not an attempt to potty train our child, but rather provide for her needs, just as breastfeeding provides for her needs (and both also strengthen our bond as a result!).  This is not a new practice. It has been used for thousands of years and is still widely employed in other countries, such as Africa, India, and China.

More information on Elimination Communication is available on these sites:

http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/
http://www.bornpottytrained.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elimination_communication
http://www.tribalbaby.org/

Elimination Communication?

Excerpted from Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: The wisdom and science of gentle choices in pregnancy, birth, and parenting by Sarah J Buckley MD www.sarahjbuckley.com


Is it really possible to raise a baby without diapers? Can our babies actually communicate their elimination needs?

Well, how do you know when your baby needs to breastfeed?

Perhaps you recognise a certain gesture or cry. Perhaps your baby is restless, fist or finger sucking, or has a newborn's blind rooting behaviour. Maybe you also consider when your baby last fed, and whether they might have a special need for the breast because of tiredness, teething or being in an unfamiliar environment. As well, you might think about your infant's activity level; the weather; his or her routine; your routine; and many other factors that you instinctively take into account when you interpret your baby's signals.

And when you offer your breast, you usually get a "Yes" from your baby, but sometimes they will decline, or be only half interested, whether or not you are reading the signals correctly.

However, gradually and gently, you and your baby learn to fit together, communicating with each other and having a mutually satisfying nursing relationship — not to mention saving on all the cost and activity that formula feeding can imply.

Now imagine the same process, but with a focus on what your baby produces, rather than what they take in. This is elimination communication (EC) — also known as elimination timing (ET), natural infant hygiene (NIH), and infant potty training (IPT), among other names — in which we learn to communicate with our babies about their elimination: peeing and pooping.

Just as our babies know their own bodies, and their needs for food and breast, they also know the bodily sensations that go with the need to pee and poop, and they can, and usually do, communicate these needs. They tell us through body language, noises (from the bottom end as well as the top), fussiness, and also by the subtler, psychic communications that result from the intimate sharing of body space between mother and baby.


Read the rest of this article here: Mothering, Mindfulness, & a Baby's Bottom

[Photo of Evangeline, 7 months, on her "puppy potty"]