T Rex Family

T Rex Family

Monday, July 18, 2011

Elimination Communications - Is it time to transition to potty training?

I first told you about our experience with infant potty training or elimination communication here

My goal from the beginning was to make our daughter think all just was simply part of her daily routine. This goal has certainly been accomplished. She fully expects to sit on the toilet first thing every morning, as well as after breakfast, after lunch, after nap, and before bath time. We've had many days where she only uses one or two diapers in the day. Sometimes we will go a week or more without changing a #2 diaper. That is saying a lot from a girl who does 2-3 BMs a day.


We started toilet training T Rex at around 14 months and he was mostly done with diapers around 18-20 months. My memory is a bit fuzzy since I was in my first trimester of pregnancy with Bebe Sister and suffering morning sickness basically 24/7. I do remember we were highly motivated to not have two kids in diapers or be paying for two kids in diapers either.

Until recently, I would say our daughter was at about the same point our son was at this age. The big exception, and I feel this is the best part, it that it has been so unbelievably stress-free with her. 

With T Rex, there was always the feeling that it was a chore to take him to the toilet. Plus, we were constantly running there. T Rex was not always happy with us constantly interrupting his toddler activities to take a restroom break. With the process we've followed for our daughter, it is more Zen-ful and tranquil and just easier. She knows the routine and does it.

Significantly, in the last week, she has also learned to do #1 on demand. This is huge. She is clearly at a more advanced stage than her brother was at the same age. When T Rex mastered this, we were set. After that, it all fell into place. Hence, this is where I believe elimination communication has given her the edge. It could possibly be a girl thing. I have read and heard anecdotally that girls potty train easier than boys. I'm not sure.


We could probably be 100% if we pushed for it. But honestly, we're not ready to cart a portable potty chair on outings for use in public restrooms. (She cannot stand on the toilet seat like her brother used to.) She is far too small to use a toilet without a seat. Often, she just waits to go when we get home. I think a time is coming soon when she will make the transition to training pants instead of diapers. However, I have already been using a fitted diaper that allows her to feel moisture. I use this on her with just a t-shirt. If I loosen the snaps, it works perfectly as training pants. She is still too small for most training pants, too!



I know a few folks thought we were crazy when we introduced the idea of toilet training via elimination communication with a baby, but I can now report nothing but smiles all around. Well, except that I do get a little sad thinking that all my cute cloth diapers will probably be going into storage soon. 

What kind of process did you follow with your kids? How long did it take? Did you have any motivating factors like us or was it just time?

11 comments:

Boise Wiebers said...

Have you considered a folding potty seat. Here's an example of what I'm talking about http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14909486.

- Trisha

T Rex Mom said...

Thanks, Trisha - we do have a folding one that we used for T Rex. It's actually a little big for our daughter. And it does have a tendency to unfold while in use (I don't want to traumatize her). I'll have to see how the BBB one compares. Thank you for your always helpful suggestions.

Boise Wiebers said...

You're welcome. When I Googled looking for the item we used when my oldest was little I saw there are many more options out there including printed seats. I agree, you don't want to traumatize your sweet little girl. Out and about pottying will happen when it is right for your daughter. By the way, don't you wish public toilet seats didn't have that darned split in the front/center? I hate having to always put my little ones side saddle on the toilet. =)

Caitlin said...

VERY COOL! Go Baby sister!!! I have to say that my lack of EC/potty training of any kind for Isaac is PURE LAZINESS! I even sometimes put a disposable on him first thing in the morning because I know that he always poops after breakfast! AH! I'm actually blushing!!

So kudos for you because you are now seeing the pay off! And kudos to baby sister for being so advanced and clever and zen! And cute to boot! You lucked out with that one!

Guess you will have to get cute underwear next...

Courtney said...

She looks so grown up sitting there! I'm so proud of her!

I think it's about time I got P. a potty seat if only just to introduce it. My big boys weren't trained til 2.5ish.

T Rex Mom said...

At Trisha - yes, the split in the middle of the public toilets is not my fav but the automatic flushers are my un-doing. Talk about traumatic! I think when we master public GPing (going potty) we'll be transitioning to trainers or underwear. Until then, a diaper just to be safe.

Tat said...

You are so not crazy, EC-ing totally took the stress out of potty training for us. We were just going with the flow until one day my daughter demanded to be taken to the toilet (before she had actually gone) and that was it. Potty training? What potty training?

And isn't it annoying how you can't get small undies anywhere! Unless you want to have them custom made and pay a fortune (or have a go yourself).

Boise Wiebers said...

Check out this link http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/tag/elimination-communication/ for ideas on EC Wear. It's my understanding that EC Wear are tiny underpants for those who EC.

And yes, the auto flush toilets are awful. I don't really like them for me either. I hate it when they flush before I'm ready. I don't want any 'invisible' nasty toilet water spraying me. :)

septembermom said...

You are so much better at potty training than I was with my kids. Bravo to you!

Kim said...

I applaud you for your efforts. I know how hard it was trying to get Deaglan to the toilet back in the day. And I'm all for anything that cuts back on diapers! Yay Bebe Sister. I'd heard that girls were somewhat easier in this area. Love the picture of her. Her hair is getting so long.

Julie Kieras said...

You are definitely so good at this... Unbelievable how willing she is to go on the potty. A. Talks about the potty a loge but when I put him on his seat he just says potty and wants to get down. I think I need to out him on more regularly but right now i just do it before bath time and if he seems like he's having a BM. Sigh. I should try harder, but it seems like we are always on the go... You mentioned not having her use the public bathrooms, so did you feel like you had to stick around the house a lot while you've been doing EC??