Raising a 'nappy free' baby, elimination communication or

natural infant hygiene

Babies were successfully raised without nappies for thousands of years and half the world's

population still practice this.

Known in Chinese as "kaidangku" (literally "open-crotch pants")http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-07/16/content_349150.htm

Like breastfeeding, helping your baby to sleep, burping etc, it's just another way of responding to your baby's needs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joostassink/3088322227/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kretyen/2388394049/

Nappies are often used as a back up. (Ideally the nappy will

be a cloth one!) 'Nappy Free' is just a concept, though many use it literally.

Ways of communicating with your baby about their need to go:

Timing and Elimination patterns

On waking

During or after feeding

Babies Signals and Body language

Often grunt and strain when trying to poo

A baby's signals are unique to them

Ways of communicating with your baby about their need to go:

IntuitionBeing aware of your baby's need

to eliminate often gives you the intuition to know when they need to go

Cueing your BabyNF is about two-way

communication

Using a shhh or ssss sound that they learn to associate with peeing

Grunting with them for a poo

Natural Infant Hygiene is a gentle process.

Not 'training' your baby

Communication between you about their need to go

Babies can communicate their need to go and can control their ability to 'release'

A Different Kind of Work

When to start?

Parents have had success with their babies up to 1 year. Starting before they can move is easiest

for both of you.

Tips for Midwives for introducing the concept

Babies are aware of their need to go and do signal (subtly) in some way.

It is a gentle process that can enhance the communication. Respect a 'no' from your baby.

Regular, part time elimination communication is very effective in helping a baby maintain their signals and avoid difficulties during toilet training.

It is a process, not an outcome. Have no expectations and enjoy!

Not all 'rosies,' but still worth it!

Many parents worry about the mess!

Many babies learn they have control and decide they do not want to go! Even if they need to.

Babies can wake themselves up to signal their need to go.

More information here:

http://annahughes.blogspot.com/2009/04/raising-nappy-free-baby-natural-infant.html

http://www.parttimediaperfree.com/ http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/ http://www.gentleparents.com/bauer.html

We love it!