I was reading a blog by a mom today about potty training and I commented on her blog about how much I hated potty training. I just think it is a major pain. It is nice when your kids finally get the hang of it but getting there is no fun. It reminded me of something I saw briefly last week about infant potty training. I went back and found the article on MSNBC and read it. If you haven’t heard about it you have to read this. I followed a link from the article to a website that promotes what they call Elimination Communication (it cracks me up just to type that). I don’t know if it was because I have had a long day and get really giggly when I am tired or if these people are really that crazy but I laughed out loud at this website. I have to admit that some of the pictures of these little babies being held over potties are really cute but I am reading this and thinking, “Are they serious”? They promote a no diaper baby. Basically, you begin potty training at birth and your baby doesn’t wear diapers and as the parent you learn to be in tune with your baby and his/her Elimination Communication.
Here is a quote from that article . . .
“She says finding a supportive daycare center is the biggest challenge for
parents who choose not to use diapers. Other problems include finding tiny
underwear for diaper-free infants.
Isis Arnesen, 33, of Boston, has a
14-week-old daughter, Lucia, who is diaper-free. She said it can be awkward to
explain the process to people, such as when she helped Lucia relieve herself in
a sink at a public restroom.
“Sometimes I don’t know what’s gonna happen and
it doesn’t work, and sometimes I feel a little embarrassed,” Arnesen said. “It
makes her happy though, right? She smiles, she’s happy.”
Doesn’t that just crack you up! Can’t you see a 3 month old baby in little undies and being held over the sink at WalMart. I don’t want to seem judgemental, I am sure that moms that try diaper free babies love their babies as much as I love my kids. So don’t send me any negative comments. Here is another quote from the diaper free baby site. This was under the heading 75 reasons to practice EC
“. Conventional toilet training starts with learning to “hold it” while EC
starts with learning to “let go.” This can make a big difference in a baby’s
perception of elimination and of life in general.”
OK potty training is on thing – but a whole new perspective on life?
I would have to agree that the improvement of diapers and the pull ups has very much delayed the potty training age and it can be done at a much earlier age. With each of my 3 kids the potty training age was later. I was busier with each one and pull ups are easy. But I really don’t think they will have trouble “letting go” or have any resentment toward me for making them wear diapers. Recognizing that other cultures who do not have diapers use this method really doesn’t make much of an argument. The reason they don’t use diapers is because they don’t have them!
Just one more quote
“EC leads to happy babies and happy parents because: A diaperless baby smells
wonderful!”
That’s not always true you can ask my friend Boni.
She has a brand new baby boy and she was changing his diaper today and if you have boys you know if the diaper is off for more than a few seconds somebody is going to get a shower! Boni bent down to put his diaper back on and John peed up her nose! Now – how is that for Elimination Communication!