FAQ — Elimination Communication Babies

Observe timing and signals, offer a potty or container at likely times, use a simple cue, and keep nappy backup while you learn. Deepen with the book or video course.

From birth is ideal; after six or twelve months is still welcome — you begin at a later stage. Read what EC is, then start with the book or course.

Yes for many families: progress means fewer blowouts and shorter nappy years, not perfection. See parent stories and the EC primer.

Yes when it stays noncoercive — assisting, not forcing. Babies are born ready to be assisted; you don’t need to wait for a toddler “developmental readiness” window. Most families use nappy backup. More in what EC is.

Combine timing (after feeds, wakes, transitions) with signals like stillness or fussing, plus a consistent caregiver cue. Video demos in the video course.

Yes — mornings, weekends, or easy windows still count. The video course and book show how to keep it light.

EC assists from early infancy with timing and cues; traditional potty training usually starts later as a toddler shift out of nappies. See what EC is.

Yes! Our book and course is not a diaper-free approach. You're welcome to do that, but most of our parents use a diaper/nappy and in EC terms it's called 'back-up'. Your baby will wear their back-up until you are ready to toilet train around 14–20 months.

The Elimination Communication Babies book is a step-by-step guide from birth to toilet independence — a quick, easy read outlining the ages and stages of potty learning (best for babies/toddlers up to 18 months, with value for older toddlers too). Browse editions in our book shop page — including the UK English colour edition on Amazon — or see all books and ebooks.

Our video course helps you start elimination communication quickly. It includes five simple videos covering the four stages of toilet learning (introduction/winning formula, holding baby out, sitting potty, toilet independence, and nighttime dryness), plus seven downloadable handouts with tips, tricks and gear lists. The course is US$10. Buy it on the course page (or via the shop), then access videos with AuthorDirect sign-in.

The book is a step-by-step written guide from birth to toilet independence. The video course is five videos and seven handouts for parents who learn best by watching. They pair well together — the course page recommends the book as the perfect companion if you want the full guide. Start with whichever suits you, or get both from the shop.

Elimination Communication can easily fit into your normal daily routine. It cuts down the time your child wears diapers or nappies considerably, so this would ultimately be a time-saver for you. It is also much less messy, saving you time cleaning poop off your baby. We firmly believe Elimination Communication is a time-saver — the video course and book show how easy it can be.

It's never too late to start — we will just be starting at a different stage and your baby will need to adjust where they associate going to the toilet from their nappy/diaper to the potty/toilet. With your consistency and assistance, your baby will learn. Start with the video course or book.

No, but you will need to consider how easy it is to remove clothing. Babies and toddlers are best to wear comfortable, stretch options. You can get specific clothing for Elimination Communication such as split pants and leg warmers, but these would be optional.