The Go Diaper Free Podcast

This episode started as a little letter I wrote to parents around Earth Day and our annual Go Diaper Free Week. What began as a bit of a rant turned into a bigger question: What can we, as parents, do about the enormous impact diapering has on our environment?

Most of us were raised in a diapering culture, so it's really all we've ever known. But once we know better, we can do better!

In today's episode, I'm sharing some thoughts on how we got here, what we can do differently, and a few challenges to help you make some simple changes. Stick around until the end!

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/131

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Can elimination communication and early potty training actually be part of respectful parenting?

I say YES.

In this episode, we're looking at the idea that waiting until a child decides they're "ready" is automatically the gentlest approach…and why that might not be the whole story.

Babies and toddlers communicate with us long before they can talk. Diaper resistance, interest in the toilet, body language, and other little cues can all be information.

And responding to those cues? That can be incredibly respectful.

We'll also talk about why potty learning is a lot like teaching your child to brush their teeth: it's a normal hygiene skill that we gently guide them toward learning.

Listen in for a different perspective on EC, potty training, independence, and what respectful parenting can look like.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/130

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Do you know a pregnant or brand-new mom who you REALLY want to tell about elimination communication...but you're worried about sounding pushy?

In this episode, I'll show you how I explain EC to someone who has never heard of it before.

We'll talk about what elimination communication actually is, why it doesn't have to be all-or-nothing, and some super-simple ways a new parent can try it with their baby right away.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/129

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Does your child need to be able to say "pee" or "poop" before you can potty train? Nope! Babies communicate with us LONG before they can talk...and pottying is no different.In today's episode, I'm talking about why verbal communication is NOT a prerequisite for potty training, how babies and toddlers communicate their potty needs without words, and why doing EC before your baby can talk actually makes a whole lot of sense.If you've been waiting for words before ditching diapers, you'll definitely want to hear this one!

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/128

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Has your baby suddenly started stiffening their body, straightening their legs, and refusing the in-arms EC hold? We call this "bucking"...and yep, it can happen even when EC was going beautifully before! Your baby isn't suddenly "bad at EC." There's usually a reason behind the resistance.

In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 reasons your baby might suddenly start bucking during potty time...plus 17 things you can try to get things flowing again.

Maybe your baby is working on rolling, crawling, or standing. Maybe they want a little privacy. Maybe they have WAY better things to do than sit on the potty right now. Or maybe their natural timing has simply changed and you're offering too soon.

Whatever the reason, I've got plenty of practical things for you to try.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/127

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Just finding EC and your baby is already 12–18 months old?

First of all: you are NOT too late!

I don't even love the term "Late Start EC" because...late according to who?

Starting EC with a young toddler definitely looks different than starting with a newborn, but you can absolutely start now—and there are some pretty cool advantages to starting at this age, too.

In today's episode, I'm sharing exactly how I recommend starting EC with a 12–18 month old, what to do about observation time with a busy toddler, and how to start building those potty independence skills.

If you've been thinking, "Shoot! I wish I'd found EC sooner!"...this one's for you.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/126

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Is your baby getting really good at peeing on the floor?

You might be doing a little too much naked time.

Last week we talked about the difference between bare-bum time and diaper-free time. This week, we're going deeper into WHY that difference matters.

Naked observation time is an awesome tool for learning your baby's signals and natural timing. But once you've gathered that information, keeping your baby naked all the time can actually teach a habit you probably don't want: pee wherever, whenever.

In this episode, I'm sharing how to do diaper-free time responsibly, when naked time has served its purpose, and how clothing, undies, or trainers can help your baby move toward potty independence.

And if your baby is already peeing all over the floor? Don't worry. We'll talk about that too.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/125

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make when starting EC is keeping their baby naked for too long.

"But isn't more naked time better?" Actually...no.

Bare-bum time and diaper-free time each have a purpose, and knowing when to use each one can make a huge difference in your EC journey.

In this episode, I'm answering a question I hear all the time: How much bare-bum time should I do, and when should I switch to diaper-free time with a backup?

I'll explain why the balance matters, how too much naked time can accidentally create habits you don't want, and what I recommend instead.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/124

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

If you've ever thought, "EC sounds great...but isn't it messy?"

This week's episode is for you.

I'm sharing a guest post from certified Go Diaper Free coach Louisa Rickman, who gives a simple, practical introduction to part-time Elimination Communication and why potty learning doesn't have to wait until toddlerhood.

If you're brand new to EC—or you've been curious but aren't sure where to start—this episode will show you how even part-time EC can make life easier, reduce messes, and help your baby build potty skills from the very beginning.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/123

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Maybe you've been doing the easy catches. Morning pees. Poops. Post-nap potties.And things are going pretty well.But now you're wondering..."How do I take this up a notch?"How do you move from part-time EC to more full-time EC?How do you stop relying on diapers more often?And how do you know if you're even ready?

In this episode, I'm answering a question from a mom who's doing great with part-time EC and wants to know what comes next.

We'll talk about how to know you're ready, what "full-time" EC actually means, and some simple ways to build on the success you're already having.

Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/122

Get my free easy start guide for EC at https://godiaperfree.com/start

Start EC with your baby today with Andrea's popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook