Easy Start Guide for Elimination Communication

NOTE: “Diaper-free” does not mean naked all the time peeing anytime, anywhere. It means free from
100% reliance on diapers, meaning you are aware of a bigger picture. Most parents use a diaper “back-
up” once they’ve learned any signals and rhythms. Just FYI!

Noticing Stuff 5 Common Signals

Do naked diaper-free observation in the
beginning to become aware of:
how often your baby pees/poos
after waking
how often your baby pees/poos
after eating
what signals baby emits before
peeing/pooing (if any).
You’ll also build sound association
during observation. For newborns,
observe over a waterproof pad & cue
along (pss/mm-mm). For mobile babies
& young toddlers, observe in an easy-
to-clean space or with a sumo-style
back-up. This is the nutshell version.*
A signal is something that many babies use to
tell the parents it is time to pee/poo, and they
don’t want to do it in their clothes/diaper.
Sometimes it’s so subtle that we can’t
consciously detect it!
Common signals include:
sudden fussiness or stillness
grunting or bearing down
trying to escape the carrier
grabbing diaper or pants
moving toward potty/big toilet/bathroom.
If baby doesn’t signal, there are 3 other ways
to know baby has to pee, so don’t sweat it!*

4 Easy Catches 5 Smart Positions faves 7

Some great pottytunities for easing into 5 7
my f the k
a low-stress start with EC include: o o
out y bo
at every diaper change
in m
upon waking
every poop
after taking baby out of the carrier,
classic hold over sink classic over toilet
high chair, or car seat.*
It’s important to offer these opps

holding on mini potty

to potty in a calm manner, matter-


of-factly, without a lot of talking or

explanation, and with confidence!
Babies pick up on our energy and

will resist if we do EC with doubt,

fear, or anxiety. (When you start

top hat potty in car classic squatting
from a single point of knowledge,

you’ll do much better!)

*This is a super-rough overview. For PS…grab these freebies on my Resources page:

more in-depth, visual guidance,
please see my book, Go Diaper Free.
Supply List + Observation Log
xx
godiaperfree.com © Andrea Olson