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The Diaper-Free Baby: The Natural Toilet Training Alternative Editorial Review:
Imagine infants free from painful diaper rash, new parenthood without thousands of dollars wasted in diapering costs, toilet training that is natural and noncoercive, and, most important, happier babies and parents
As Christine Gross-Loh reveals in her progressive, enlightening book, all this is possible and more. Infants are born with the ability to communicate their need to "go," just as they communicate hunger or sleepiness. Gross-Loh, a mother of two children who were diaper-free at eighteen and fifteen months, uses the tenets of "elimination communication," or EC, to teach parents how to identify and respond to their baby or toddler's natural cues.
Unlike the all-or-nothing approach of some parenting books, The Diaper-Free Baby addresses three categories of parents: full-time, part-time, and occasional EC'ers. Parents can practice EC as much or as little as fits their family and lifestyle. A support group within a book, The Diaper-Free Baby also includes inspiring testimonials throughout every chapter. Parents who have successfully practiced EC identify common struggles, share experiences and problem-solving tips, and provide encouragement for those new to the technique. Their motivational stories together with Gross-Loh's practical advice will appeal to all parents interested in a fresh alternative to traditional toilet training.
Customer Reviews:
Good overview.
I got what I expected out of this book. I didn't read it cover to cover, but I got an understanding of why I would want to introduce the potty earlier than US culture dictates. We are definitely "occasional EC'ers." I also got the basics on how to do it.
Excellent Book
This is a great explanation of what infant potty training is and it gives specific instructions on how to do it. The books is repetitive in the instructions and I really appreciate that because now that I've read it I feel like I'll know what to do without having to refer to the book over and over again. It also has some excellent resources for people who are doing EC (Elimination Communication).
Good even if you don't start from birth!
I only wish I had gotten this book earlier. I am the mother of three kids but have only used this book with my youngest after she started to show clear signs of being aware of her bodily functions at age 10 months. We have not "graduated" yet (to use the terminology of the book) now that she will soon be 2 yrs old, because I have not really been sufficiently keen to go for it 100 %. And the book does not make me feel guilty about that. Reading the book gave me a better understanding of the process and it answered most of my "but...?" questions.
I do not think the method described would have worked with my first-born because we have later discovered that he had a KISS-KIDD diagnosis with pelvic problems. After he was treated (at age 6!) with manual therapy and core muscle training, he gained sensitivity and control of his bladder much later than he would have if he had not had this problem.
But with number two, with whom there is nothing wrong, I think this method would have worked wonderfully and I regret not having this book when he was newborn.
The great news is that it is not an "all or nothing" method! I do not believe in getting extreme about anything, but found it interesting to try (whenever it has been convenient for us) since my baby showed initial perceptibility so I just followed up on that.
Perhaps because I am European and used to being more direct in my language about such issues, I found some of the vocabulary fairly silly - so overly euphemistic. However, I decided to ignore that and focus on the actual message. The author seems like a sensible woman, she is probably not the one who has coined these expressions.
sethsmom
The other reviews were right on in that this method is so important to understand. But my lactation consultant gave me a Pediatrician's book (Dr. Jill Lekovic), and it was truly better (and totally different) than any of the other things out ther (I've read them ALL). She truly educates you about this topic in a holistic, worldly, historical and very knowledgeable way. It makes this book useless and was a much smarter and funnier read.
Refreshing Inclusive Approach
I love this book. It's such an easy read, which is great for a busy parent. I also love the author gives flexible approaches. These days, there is so much advice out there, and some times I feel like I am being lectured by sancti-mommies. Instead, Ms. Gross-loh acknowledges parental concerns, and how to make EC work with many different lifestyles. I really enjoyed reading all the anecdotes from other parents. The book is very realistic, and doesn't make grand promises. It's advice is very straight-forward and relaxing.
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