The Basics of EC

Very often people are hesitant to begin EC due to the misconception that Elimination Communication requires constant vigilance to try to catch each and every pee or poop in the potty, requiring a full time commitment.

You do not need to practice EC full time at all times. Many families practice EC at different levels and even shift between them depending on their convenience.

Below is an overview of the different types of EC practices.

FULL-TIME EC

Families that practice EC full-time are committed to being aware of most of the elimination needs of their baby. They may opt out of using diapers as a backup and are more in sync with recognising when the baby needs to eliminate. Just like all other aspects of parenting, EC too is not linear in progress. Depending on the developing milestones of the baby, his/her EC-ing progress also differs.

PART-TIME EC

Part-Time EC-ers are generally committed to practising EC consistently but not necessarily constantly. As per their convenience wherever they are able to accommodate it they practice EC. Even Part Time EC is beneficial as the baby is aware of his elimination needs.

Part time EC-ers usually use a diaper backup but try to accommodate some "Diaper-Free" time regularly. Many Part Time EC-ers begin to practice Full-Time after gaining some sense of awareness of the baby's elimination needs and as the baby starts to go longer between elimination and signals more clearly.

OCCASIONAL EC

For those who are hesitant to begin practising EC, Occasional EC is a great option to open up to EC as they can flexibly explore its feasibility and convenience as per their family's needs. Usually, they begin with the easy catches such as right after waking up, easy poop signals or giving diaper free observation time right before or after a bath. It may even involve simply seating the baby on the potty during the time for diaper changes. This enhances their awareness and helps recognise the value of mutual communication. As occasional EC-ers figure out how EC works and gain more knowledge and confidence, they may gradually increase potty opportunities are proceed to practising Part-Time or even Full-Time EC.

Having said that, these are just rough categories and you do not have to find yourself being able to fit into one of these. You can always practice EC are per your convenience. EC is greatly beneficial to both, the parents and the babies regardless of the degree to which it is practised.