#120 Clean-up

Can elimination communication and early potty training actually be part of respectful parenting? I say YES. In this episode, we're looking at the idea that waiting until a child decides they're "ready" is automatically the gentlest approach…and why that might not be the whole story. Babies and toddlers communicate with us long before they can talk. Diaper resistance, interest in the toilet, body language, and other little cues can all be information. And responding to those cues? That can be incredibly respectful. We'll also talk about why potty learning is a lot like teaching your child to brush their teeth: it's a normal hygiene skill that we gently guide them toward learning. Listen in for a different perspective on EC, potty training, independence, and what respectful parenting can look like. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/130 Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Do you know a pregnant or brand-new mom who you REALLY want to tell about elimination communication...but you're worried about sounding pushy? In this episode, I'll show you how I explain EC to someone who has never heard of it before. We'll talk about what elimination communication actually is, why it doesn't have to be all-or-nothing, and some super-simple ways a new parent can try it with their baby right away. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/129 Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Does your child need to be able to say "pee" or "poop" before you can potty train? Nope! Babies communicate with us LONG before they can talk...and pottying is no different.In today's episode, I'm talking about why verbal communication is NOT a prerequisite for potty training, how babies and toddlers communicate their potty needs without words, and why doing EC before your baby can talk actually makes a whole lot of sense.If you've been waiting for words before ditching diapers, you'll definitely want to hear this one! Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/128 Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Has your baby suddenly started stiffening their body, straightening their legs, and refusing the in-arms EC hold? We call this "bucking"...and yep, it can happen even when EC was going beautifully before! Your baby isn't suddenly "bad at EC." There's usually a reason behind the resistance. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 reasons your baby might suddenly start bucking during potty time...plus 17 things you can try to get things flowing again. Maybe your baby is working on rolling, crawling, or standing. Maybe they want a little privacy. Maybe they have WAY better things to do than sit on the potty right now. Or maybe their natural timing has simply changed and you're offering too soon. Whatever the reason, I've got plenty of practical things for you to try. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/127 Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Just finding EC and your baby is already 12–18 months old? First of all: you are NOT too late! I don't even love the term "Late Start EC" because...late according to who? Starting EC with a young toddler definitely looks different than starting with a newborn, but you can absolutely start now—and there are some pretty cool advantages to starting at this age, too. In today's episode, I'm sharing exactly how I recommend starting EC with a 12–18 month old, what to do about observation time with a busy toddler, and how to start building those potty independence skills. If you've been thinking, "Shoot! I wish I'd found EC sooner!"...this one's for you. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/126 Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook