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In India most families start elimination communication with infants and some start potty training later when the baby starts talking and expressing well. In this article I shall give you two perspectives and one can decide what to choose and how to start.

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What is Infant Elimination Communication?

Infant Elimination Communication is a traditional practice that starts early, as early as one month. It is a simple process of understanding baby’s expressions or cues to poop or pee which can happen only by spending a lot of time with babies, by parents, guardians or care takers. One can observe that a baby makes faces or farts before eliminating and by following the cue they can help baby poop on a sheet, in a toilet or a bathroom.  This practice is more about facilitating elimination than training them how to use the toilet.

When my daughter was 3 months old, a time when their poop count is visibly reduced, my mom started timing her poop time and supporting her by lifting her thighs, pressing it delicately on the abdomen and making shoo sounds. We initially used sheets and a cloth over it on the bed. And when my daughter was around 5 months my mom used to squat down and make the baby sit on her feet and place a paper on the ground for the baby to poop. Again making shoo sounds, facilitating my child to poop. This worked really well for me and my husband when we got her home as we could time her poop and bathe her post that every morning before he could leave for his work. This may be different in different cultures, but this wonderful practice in India exists. So many families in colder places like Delhi, my mom said, have a hole or buttoned up pants for babies (split crotch pants) which help them clear their bladder when moms or caretakers made shuuuu sounds.

What is Potty Training?

Potty training is a process of teaching a child of an age 20 months or above or even lesser to learn how to use a toilet and go diaper free. A child who has been using diapers regularly to be switching to regular undergarments and using the toilet isn’t an easy task. Some parents start around 2 years and some after 3 years completion. A child should be able to communicate verbally or with signs, should be able to sit in a place for 2-5 minutes, whose cognitive skills have developed to at least understand and act upon words like sit down, open the door, put it back etc.

Tips to start Potty Training

1. Explain him in simple words about pee and poop and importance of using toilet

2. Understand your child’s cues, and talk to them what it means and what to do then.

3. Buy a potty chair or just an adaptable toilet seater

4. Follow a routine

5. Do not be harsh upon accidents, and rewarding for a simple daily routine isn’t needed.

6. Night routine may take time, do not hurry and continue to use thick undergarments, sheets or diapers.

7. Do not confuse the child by using diapers one day and not the other day.

You can buy the products related to potty training here

  • Potty Training Chair – https://amzn.to/3ndQ5bD
  • Toilet Seater Adapter – https://amzn.to/31JrBiP
  • Foldable Toilet Seater – https://amzn.to/3zKSxv7

Difference between Infant Elimination Communication & Potty Training toddlers

  IEC Potty Training
1

 

Babies learn their body signals
and react to it very early

 
By the time it is started the child has forgotten natural signals and acting upon it. Hence they need to start afresh.
2

 

Immense monitoring needed
and is stressful

 

 One’s goal matters, and can delay it if needed
3

 

Can be done part-time

 

 Has to be full time, otherwise delayed learning
4

 

Can be done with diapers

 

 Need to ditch diapers completely
5

 

Save lot of diaper money

 

 Mother nature is affected a lot

 

Remember in both the cases you have to respect your child and understand each child or baby is different. With my older child it was easy and there was no looking back after we started it at 3 months. With my son, we both were working and we had a caretaker who was never understanding how to follow IEC. Hence, my son is to be 3 and still potty training and mishaps happen. It is ok to decide what suits you.

Video: Infant Elimination Communication and Potty Training

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