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No that is not a typo. Two hyena diaper sellers, GoodMama and Sweetiebums, teamed up this past week and made some rather amazing diapers. All of them sold for a pretty penny but the lowest price brought in by the auction was $130.00 for an organic bamboo fitted diaper and the highest price was $296.00!!! Wow!

Does this like a $300 dollar diaper. I will let you decide….

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Parents often dread potty training.  Teaching a child to use the toilet after he has gotten accustomed to using a diaper seems like a daunting task.  But many parents claim that elimination communication potty training, or EC for short, is less stressful and more effective than traditional methods.

What is Elimination Communication?

EC has been used in many cultures for centuries.  It is simply the practice of learning to recognize the signs that your child needs to use the bathroom, and taking him to the toilet when you see them.  It is generally started before six months of age, but some parents start later than that.

Each child has his own individual way of communicating that he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement.  It’s up to the parents to pick up on these signs.  Some things to look for include passing gas, grunting, squirming, or a serious look on your child’s face.  Your child may do some or all of these things, or he may give cues that are unique to him.

Once you’ve figured out the signs, you can start taking the child to the potty when you see them.  Parents often develop signs, either verbal or visual, that let the child know that they are in a place where it is acceptable to eliminate.  If he does, some praise will reinforce the behavior and make him more likely to continue with it.

To Diaper or Not to Diaper?

One reason that some parents choose the EC method is because it can reduce the need for diapers.  While you will probably need some backup in the early stages, the possibility of not having to buy diapers or fill up the landfills with them once the child starts using the toilet is quite appealing.  Some parents find that using cloth diapers enhances their children’s success with elimination communication due to the fact that they can feel the results of elimination.

Some parents choose not to use diapers at all when practicing EC potty training.  Many of these parents claim that their children rarely have a bowel movement in their underpants.  It is often necessary, however, to use a diaper when on the road or away from home.

The Debate About EC

Some experts feel that elimination communication potty training is inappropriate due to the fact that it is started at such a young age.  They claim that because children under two years old do not have fully developed muscles, they cannot control their urination and bowel movements.  There are also psychologists who argue that early toilet training can cause problems later in life.

EC supporters claim that it is not damaging to the child because he is not pressured into going to the toilet on his own.  If done correctly, EC puts the caregiver in charge of getting the child to the toilet when he needs to go.  The child will realize what is going on and start going to the bathroom on his own when the time comes.

Elimination communication sounds unusual to some parents, but it is an easy concept to implement.  It has the potential to make potty training easier and less stressful, and it could save you a lot of money in the long run.  Once you’ve deciphered the signs that indicate your child needs to go to the bathroom, the hardest part is over.

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Potty training is a major step toward independence for your toddler.  But as important and rewarding as it is, it can also be frustrating for parents.  Sometimes it’s hard to determine just when you should start, some children are resistant to it, and setbacks may happen along the way.  For these reasons, many parents have lots of questions about the subject.

The more you know going into potty training, the better off you’ll be.  Here are a few pointers:

* The average age for potty training is 2 to 3 years, but it’s important to make sure that your child is physically, cognitively, and emotionally ready before you begin.  Signs include awareness on your child’s part that she is about to urinate or have a bowel movement, a desire to be changed quickly when wet, and curiosity about parents and others using the toilet.

* Some parents begin using the elimination communication method when their children are six months old or younger.  This involves learning the signs that your child is about to go and taking her to the toilet before she uses her diaper.  This often makes potty training easier when they are ready for it, but it does require a certain amount of time and attention.

* If your child is resistant to potty training, figuring out the reason behind it is the key to breaking through.  Sometimes it is a power struggle, in which case it may help to reduce the pressure and find ways to encourage your child to use the potty while letting her think it is her idea.  Other possible problems include changes such as the birth of a sibling or divorce, fear of the toilet, and medical problems.

* If you are getting nowhere with potty training, it’s possible that your child isn’t emotionally ready.  If she shows no interest in using the potty whatsoever, consider postponing training for a few weeks or months, then trying again.

* Rewards are often helpful for children who are reluctant to use the potty.  Sticker charts are a common tactic, but you could also use things such as small toys, special trips, and extra bedtime stories as incentives.

* Some parents claim that using cloth diapers makes potty training go faster.  Cloth diapers allow toddlers to feel moisture and discomfort when they have a wet or dirty diaper, giving them a natural incentive to start using the potty.

* Try not to make a big deal out of accidents or setbacks.  Keeping a positive outlook will give your child the confidence she needs to succeed.  If an accident happens, letting her know that you have faith that she will do better next time will do more to encourage her than scolding.

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Parents of toddlers nowadays can choose from hundreds of products designed to help with potty learning.  There are potty chairs and seats, instructional potty books, and even anatomically correct potty dolls.  There are sticker charts, flushable wipes, and even alarm watches that remind your child that it’s time to try and go potty.

One of the most often used potty training aids is pull-up pants.  They are thin disposable diaper-like pants that are made like underwear so that the child can pull them off and on when it’s time to use the potty.  Some have symbols on them that fade when wet, and some are made with tear-away sides in case of accidents.  But there is some debate as to their effectiveness. Many times they end up being used as a diaper more than pants.

The problem with pull-ups and diapers is that they absorb too well.  They wick away from the child’s skin, and this is a very a good thing for babies.  But toddlers who are potty training can benefit from the motivation and discomfort that a wet diaper provides.

Cloth Diapers Can Help with Potty Learning

Moms who use cloth diapers have a bit of an advantage when it comes to potty training.  Cloth diapers allow the child to feel the wetness and discomfort caused by urination and bowel movements.  Most children learn find this quite unpleasant, and it provides a good incentive to start using the potty.

Another good thing about cloth diapers when it comes to potty training is that they’re more affordable than disposable pull-ups.  So if your toddler has a lot of accidents you will have to wash diapers more often, but that is cheaper in the long run.

Disadvantages of Cloth Diapers for Potty Learning

One problem with cloth diapers as opposed to pull-ups is that they are usually harder for the child to pull down on his own. The velcro and/or snaps can be hard for them to master. So during the learning stages, he may need more help than he would otherwise when going to the potty. There are special cloth training pants though can help with this issue.

Another disadvantage is evidenced when traveling or on the go.  If the child uses the diaper, you will have to find somewhere to store it until you get back home….like a wet bag.  If you’re not prepared, you could be in for a smelly car ride, especially if you’re on a long trip.

Cloth Diapers May Make Potty Learning Faster

Although they can be less convenient than disposables, many moms are choosing to use cloth diapers.  Those who are attempting to potty train often find that their children learn quickly.  In fact, statistics show that toddlers who wear cloth diapers are fully trained six months before those who wear disposable diapers or pull-ups. Wow!

Cloth diapers are affordable and better for the environment and landfills than disposable diapers.  They also provide an advantage to moms who are attempting to potty train their kiddos.  So even though cloth diapers are less convenient than disposables in some ways, using them may result in less time in diapers overall for your kid.

Technorati Tags: cloth diapers, diaper trainers, potty learning, potty training

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