Very funny names for something I'm trying out with my new baby, Carla Mae. It's not infant potty training really, but something along those lines! Embarrassing, but it comes with several pretty great benefits! Your baby, like my little doll, will never have another diaper rash! I could probably count on one hand the times I've had to use diaper cream on her. I use a lot fewer diapers and wipes than I did with my first daughter, with whom I didn't use this technique. In the first 6 weeks, I was already down to only 5 diapers per day. On average, infants usually go through 8-12 diapers per day. Based on that rate, I will save $300 by her first birthday alone. Additionally, the number of diapers per day should continue to decrease. You may find it surprising that today disposable diapers make up a significant portion of all the waste in our land fills! So, if you are interested in helping the environment, then this might be something you'll want to try.
How does it work? Simply place an insert from a children's potty below your baby when you feed him or her. When she goes, make a sound into her ear, such as "pssss". Make it a sound she won't hear otherwise, so that she connects it with what she's doing. Eventually, she will go when she hears you make that sound. She's already done it, and wow! That's really awesome!
I understand now the origins of the name "elimination communication". Imagine an infant responding to a command! I really didn't know if it was actually possible. Amazingly, she holds on until she is on her potty to go! I change very few poopy diapers, and sometimes she has completely dry diapers for hours at a time. It's shocking really that an infant can have such control. I am truly witnessing this and the times when she responds to the sound that I make are, without a doubt, worth all of the effort! Stay tuned for further updates.
