Dr. Carole Keim welcomes Andrea Olson, founder of Go Diaper Free, Tiny Undies, and Tiny Potty, for a fascinating conversation about elimination communication (EC), sometimes called potty learning from birth. Andrea shares how discovering EC with her first child transformed her experience of parenting and led her to help families around the world rethink infant toileting. Together, she and Dr. Keim explore the history of potty training, how cultural norms have changed over time, and why many families are becoming interested in introducing potty awareness much earlier than is typical in the United States.

Andrea explains how elimination communication focuses on observing and responding to a baby’s natural cues rather than waiting until the toddler years to introduce the toilet. She discusses practical ways families can get started, even part-time, including simple “easy catches” such as offering the potty after waking or feeding. Dr. Keim and Andrea also talk about daycare, siblings, developmental differences, potty learning during major family transitions, and the products and resources Andrea created to support families who choose this approach. This episode offers parents an encouraging look at an alternative approach to toileting that emphasizes communication, connection, and flexibility.

00:00 – Introduction to Andrea Olson and elimination communication

01:18 – Andrea’s journey from first-time parent to EC educator

03:44 – How elimination communication differs from traditional potty training

06:25 – Historical potty training trends and changing cultural expectations

14:03 – What elimination communication is and how it works

17:12 – Easy catches: wake-ups, feedings, and recognizing cues

21:24 – Making EC work with daycare, caregivers, and your village

28:01 – Potty learning, new siblings, and avoiding regressions during transitions

35:40 – Troubleshooting challenges and setting healthy boundaries

36:29 – Tiny Undies, Tiny Potty, and resources for early potty learners

About Andrea Olson:

Andrea Olson is the founder of Go Diaper Free, Tiny Undies, and Tiny Potty. She is an author, educator, and advocate for elimination communication who has helped families around the world explore infant potty learning. Through books, courses, podcasts, and practical products, Andrea provides resources for parents interested in reducing diaper dependence and building communication around toileting from an early age.

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Resources discussed in this episode:

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Contact Dr. Carole Keim, MD

Contact Andrea Olson:

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