ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Elimination communication

Elimination communication means teaching babies and young children to use the toilet instead of wearing diapers all the time. Just like how grown-ups use the toilet when they need to go, babies can learn to do the same thing!

When babies are born, they don't know how to control when they pee or poo. They just go whenever they need to, and it usually happens in their diaper. But with elimination communication, parents or caregivers learn to watch for signs that the baby needs to go, like squirming or making a certain noise. Then, they take the baby to the toilet or outside to go potty.

Some families use special cues or signals to communicate with the baby about going potty. For example, they might make a certain sound or hold the baby over a potty in a specific way. Over time, the baby learns to associate these cues with using the toilet.

It's important to remember that not all babies will be able to use the toilet all the time, and that's okay! Some babies might still need to wear a diaper some of the time, especially when they're sleeping. And it's important to be patient and not get frustrated if the baby doesn't always go potty when you want them to.

Overall, elimination communication is a way for parents and caregivers to work with babies and young children to help them learn to control when they go potty. It takes time and practice, but it can be a helpful way to reduce the amount of time that babies need to spend in diapers.