EC Light + Cloth

Even before I was pregnant - I knew I didn't want to use disposable diapers.  I read about a method that women in other parts of the world used, which is now, commonly called, "Elimination Communication," or "EC".  Some missionaries watched these tribal women carry their naked baby with them in a cloth pouch all day long.  They were amazed that the pouch was not soiled at the end of the day.  They studied what these ladies were doing and then wrote a book about it.  The idea is that babies don't want to mess on themselves and can "tell" us when they need to go - just as they "tell" us when they are hungry or tired.

I was intrigued by the method and knew I wanted to give it a try.  I also knew, however, that i would need to use some form of backup method if I ever wanted to leave the house.  That's when I discovered cloth diapers.  I used BumGenius one-size with my first child, along with the EC method.  By eight months old, she only used a couple of diapers a day - and never for anything but urine.  After a year, we no longer ran a regular wash load of diapers.  She only wore a diaper if we were out for long periods - and, even then, she would use a public restroom and the diaper would remain dry.  She never had to go through traditional potty training.  When her brother came along, she was 23 months old and it was so nice not to have two babies that needed diapering.

We started the method with our son when he was old enough to hold up his head.  He is six months old now and doesn't poo in a diaper at all.  He can nap without a diaper and sleeps in a dry diaper - waking to nurse and potty in the night.  We go through a diaper or two a day - and only because I am sometimes busy with his big sister when he gives me a cue that he has to go.  Many days, we use the same diaper all day long.  When we go out, we keep a small, potty in the car or in the diaper bag.

Cloth diapers have been an amazing help with the EC method.  Some hardcore EC moms would scoff at my method.  Many do not use diapers in any form.  I call what I do "EC Light".  It is more convenient for me and much more manageable.  I also get peed on less this way.

Submitted by Amanda W.