To start elimination communication, begin observing your baby’s timing and signals, offer a potty or container at likely toilet times, use a simple cue sound, and keep a nappy or diaper as backup while you learn. You can start from birth or later.
First, make sure you know what elimination communication is. EC is gentle and noncoercive — you’re assisting, not forcing.
Step 1 — Watch. For a day or two, notice patterns: after feeds, on waking, during transitions. You’re collecting clues, not sitting exams.
Step 2 — Offer. At a likely moment, hold baby out over a pot, sink, or outdoor spot (newborns) or use a potty once they can sit. Rinse, flush, move on.
Step 3 — Cue. Use a short consistent sound (“psss”) or word. Where there’s Whiffy (a toot), Poo is never far behind — treat signals as invites, not orders.
Step 4 — Backup. Keep nappy backup. Most ECB parents do. Part-time EC counts — see part-time elimination communication.
Step 5 — Adjust by age. Newborn hold differs from sitting potty after solids. Browse guides by age or dive into the four stages on the about page.
For a full walkthrough, the Elimination Communication Babies book and video course cover each stage with tips and gear lists. Misses happen. Gold stars for every catch.