What is elimination communication? The beginner's guide for tired Aussie mums

If you've landed here, you've probably heard the phrase "elimination communication" floating around a mums' group and thought, hang on, are people really pottying newborns? Short answer: yes. And it's nowhere near as intense as it sounds.

Let me explain.

First, a bit of perspective

In 1958, most Australian babies were out of nappies by around 12 months. Today, the average is closer to 3 to 4 years. That's a big shift in a couple of generations, and it's not because our babies changed. It's because our nappies did. Somewhere along the way, we stopped reading our babies' cues and started training them to go in a nappy instead.

So what actually is EC?

EC means responding to your baby's natural need to wee and poo by offering them a potty, instead of relying on a nappy for every single one. You tune in to their cues, or lean on predictable moments like after a nap, and you offer. That's it.

It is not about a nappy-free newborn or catching every wee. It's about connection and progress, on your terms.

Why bother?

A few honest reasons parents love it:

  • Fewer nappies. Less spending, less washing, and a lot less landfill.
  • More connection. You get fluent in your baby's signals, and they learn they're understood.
  • It's gentle. No pressure, no rewards charts, no battles at three years old.

How to actually start (without overthinking it)

  1. Learn the basics. You're offering the potty at easy moments, not sitting on high alert all day.
  2. Watch for cues. A little grunt, a squirm, a focused face, or simply the moment they wake up.
  3. Pick your moments. After waking, after a feed, before a nap. Predictable is your friend.
  4. Get the right kit. A newborn-friendly potty like the Potty Plane (which rests on your legs) and clothes that come off fast make this so much easier.
  5. Start tiny. One or two offers a day is a genuine start. Accidents happen, for both of you, and that's completely fine.

The bottom line

You don't have to be perfect, home all day, or particularly "crunchy" to do EC. You just have to be curious and willing to give it a go. Your baby is more capable than the last few decades have led us to believe.

Let's make this sh*t easy, one bum at a time. Larissa xx

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