What to Know About Elimination Communication

For new parents looking to forgo diapers, the practice of elimination communication may be appealing.  "The basic concept relies on recognizing cues and then relying on reflexes," said Jenelle Ferry, M.D., a board-certified neonatologist at Pediatrix® Neonatology of Florida. When the baby signals that they need to pee or poop, the parent takes them into the bathroom and holds them safely over the toilet (sans diaper). "Elimination communication essentially relies on reflexes to release bowel or bladder function when naked," said Dr. Ferry. "This is different than potty training, where a child recognizes the signals of needing to use the bathroom and chooses the appropriate time to coordinate sphincter release.”

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