My vlog and post for today covers EC’ing and has a lot of Fletcher’s face in it. If you have missed my past vlogs you can catch Day 1 ,Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4.

When I bring up the concept of EC (Elimination Communication) with most Americans they give me quite the puzzled look.  The conversation usually goes something like this:

“I like to put my kids on the potty once they can sit up.  It is called EC.”

“You mean, like when they are babies?”

“yes”

“And then they use the bathroom?  How do they know when to go?”

“yes”

“So when do you know when to put them on?”

“You follow their cues or time it to the natural, sensical rhythms, like after a nap.”

“Isn’t that just potty training the parent?”

“sigh”

The concept of introducing the potty to an infant or baby is nothing new.  Cultures around the world use some form of EC (under various other names) and have since the beginning of time.  Diapers are a relatively new invention, even cloth diapers are “new” to the world in the grand scheme of things.

My personal philosophy on ECing is to make it a fun, part time event.  Babies change quickly.  With Fletcher, there was a stretch of a few weeks where we had very few wet diapers.  I had the timing down and he was responding to my chosen signal of “psssssss.” Then he started crawling and wouldn’t sit still long enough.  We still did EC off and on as my schedule and his attitude allowed.  There were good weeks, bad weeks, and weeks where we never did it.

When I was hugely pregnant we stopped altogether and he lost a lot of his interest in the potty.  I was never set on getting him out of diapers before 1, or 2, but I did have the idea that he wouldn’t wear diapers as long as the American Average age of 30 months.  My MIL would have had a fit.  She EC’ed her own babies by putting them on the potty every half hour and they were diaper free by 1 year.

How does this relate to flats?!

Frankly, as we are all on Day 5 of Handwashing our flats, I see why mothers would be motivated to speed up the potty training process.  I have remarked several times that you hardly ever see an old photograph of a toddler in diapers or plastic pants.  Why?  Because they weren’t using diapers.  You better believe their moms were running them to the potty at that first grunt before they soiled their diaper.  Handwashing poopy diapers is certainly motivation to prevent the pooping in the diaper in the first place, would’t you agree? Besides, it has always made sense to me, even if you didn’t know about EC, to run the baby to potty if you KNOW they are about to poop and you have the chance.  When I see parents wait for their kid to poop in their diaper and they have plenty of advance notice, they even remark about waiting, I just don’t get it.

This isn’t an option everyone can implement.  Working parents can’t ask their care providers to EC their children.  However, there is no law against doing it once a day, once a week, or once a month.  Even preventing one poop from a diaper is one less to wash (by hand or machine).  And wearing flats coverless really gives you a picture of their schedule.  By seeing when they pee you and your baby can develop an understanding of their schedule.

For more EC resources follow my Adventures in EC tag (which hasn’t been updated in quite a while).  I also HIGHLY recommend reading The Diaper-Free Baby: The Natural Toilet Training Alternative if you are interested in pursuing EC in earnest.

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Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The Tetro Tying fitted is definitely different than an aplix or snapping diaper. The string is relatively short so even though you can tie a bow a double knot is probably easier. The rise simply folds over for sizing, which you will need to do for every change.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩ Unfortunately this fitted does have a high price tag at 21.95. It is an imported item and is cotton. The price of cotton is rising so expect all cotton products to be more expensive soon, if they aren’t already. It is a one size fitted so it should fit for quite a while, and since it doubles for ECing it is multi-purpose.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ Even though the fitted is trim it was never totally soaked. I would use a doubler at night to be safe, which worked well.

Fit ✩✩✩✩ My 19 lb baby had no trouble fitting into this fitted. He did have the rise folded over some which means there is still room to grow. The tabs can cross over slightly if needed. Sometimes the flap would slide down while he was wearing it, but he had a cover on. If he had been coverless for ECing it would have been more problematic.

Overall: The Tetro fitted would probably be best for coverless, ECing time. It is very adorable even though the colors fade after washing (that is to be expected with flannel). It is definitely unique!

Leave a Review for Tetro Fitted
A Tetro Fitted was provided by Cloth is Green for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own and genuine.

At 2 years, 3 months, and 1 day old Fletcher learned to use the potty!  It took 9 days from start to finish.  And now I don’t know what to think!

Last Monday he started stripping his clothes and diaper, so I just never put them back on.  I had already been thinking of beginning the “3 Day Potty Training” method that I had looked into, but just didn’t have the motivation.  Let’s face it, a toddler in a diaper is easier to manage than one who is nude and potentially pooping on your floor.

My main motivation to teach him to use the potty was having to wash diapers less frequently, not gonna lie.  I have been buried in laundry for months.  Every other day I have to wash their clothes, and diapers.  Plus our clothing, bedding, towels, and unpaper towels.  I couldn’t get my head above water for one day!

So when he took his clothes off, they stayed off for 9 days.  No diaper, no underwear (for the most part) and rarely a shirt.  I turned the fireplace on in the mornings to make sure the house wasn’t too cold.

I explained that he was going to learn to use the potty like a big boy, and there were no more diapers.  I prepared a sticker chart and promised a chocolate (usually a pretzel M&M) for each number 1 or number 2.  Each time he pottied I did a ridiculous dance and song “Fletcher pee peed on the potty” to the tune of “La Cucaracha”  and we made a huge deal of things.

Fletcher practicing being diaper free, 6 months You may be able to see the pee in the potty.

This was different than ECing, something we have done part time at our leisure since he was 6 months old.  I did congratulate him for using the potty but not in such a grandious way, and there were no rewards.  My main goal for ECing him was to make sure he never feared the potty, and when we were ready, he would know what to do.  If it saved a few diapers and kept him comfortable in the process that was just a bonus.

Even though I was ready for him to learn the potty, I wasn’t sure if he was.  He has used it a million times but only when I put him on.  He has only cued me by saying “poop” or “potty” twice before.  Frankly, my son is a man of few words.  He would rather sign certain things, and he only uses brief commands, never sentences.

Using an all naked training method proved to be the most effective for us.  I do have all hardwood flooring though, so this made life easier.  In the beginning he would just start peeing wherever he was.  I started carrying a little potty around and catching it when he did, then making a big deal out of him peeing “on” the potty.  When he just peed on the floor I didn’t admonish him, but I did tell him that wasn’t what he was supposed to do, and I would send him to play in his room while I cleaned the mess.  I used my EC knowledge to put him on the potty when I knew he would need to potty (after naps, after waking in the morning, 10-30 minutes after a big drink, or when I heard flatulence signaling he needed to evacuate his bowels) and this helped tremendously.

Once we got a “catch” it was party time!  He thoroughly enjoyed the stickers, which he liked to pick out himself and affix.  The chocolate was a hit too, of course.

We had good days and bad over the 9 days.  Sometimes it felt like he only peed on the potty once, and the rest was getting caught mid stream or wiped off of the floor.   It was mentally draining for me as well.  Not to sound gross, but staring at my son’s penis in anticipation of a pee, and constantly listening for him to pass gas was not my idea of fun.  Housework, blog work, all were on hold while I catered to his needs.  My poor baby was woken more than once while sleeping in my arms or nursing as I JUMPED to catch a pee or run the boy to the potty.

We really started making more progress when my husband would potty in front if him and when we started having him stand up to pee.  (I purchased a Flippee from Amazon to install on our toilet to make this less messy) I also started the “let’s pee on a cheerio” game which worked to get him excited to pee, rather than want to avoid it.  He liked the sound of peeing in water and liked to see the bubbles being made.  Peeing standing is so much more fun than sitting, plus he can really see what is going on!

On Day 8 we had 3 floor accidents, but we also finally started to have un prompted potty visits.  He just started going!  He didn’t tell me, but I would follow him and he would stand and pee or put the seat on the toilet himself, and go.

On Day 9 he went unprompted every visit except one.  We even went out in trainers and he returned dry, and he went potty a few minutes after we got home, unprompted as well.  Apparently he did have one accident when Daddy got home but I am still calling him potty trained!

Now that the day he is 98% done with diapers (we are still unsure of his ability to go while out in public since he doesn’t ask to go, he just goes at home.  Not possible at Target) and wakes up dry most days from naps and night time, I am is disbelief.  On one hand I an thrilled, utterly thrilled, that it worked.  I am actually very proud of myself for sticking to my plan despite the hardship of it.  I wanted to give up many times.  It would have been easier to just put him back in a diaper and get my life back.  Instead we locked ourselves inside and did it.

I am also tremendously proud of Fletcher.  Once it clicked, it stayed.  And he has been going potty ever since.

27 months is a little early for boys to potty train, though I certainly know of boys who have done so sooner.  I am still very happy to be done with the diaper phase for Fletcher.  I am only sad that he is growing up so fast.  He eats with real utensils, on real plates, drinks from real cups, and uses the potty.  He is a little person!

At least he still needs his mommy for lots of hugs and kisses and cuddles…for now!

This is a small selection of cloth training pants available.  Many reflect well known brands and some are handmade.  There are even more options online including night and day time trainers, and overnight pants for bedwetting with extra protection.

Little Beetles Little Learners (Non Waterproof, Velour, wet zone protection, side snaps) 18.95

Kelly’s Closet

Happy Heiney’s Pocket Trainers (Waterproof, stuffable pocket, side snap, pull on) 15.95
Kelly’s Closet

Bummis Pull on Trainers (Waterproof, terry padding, flannel liner, pull on) 11.00-12.00
Kelly’s Closet

Ladder Hill Designer Trainers (Custom or ready to buy, waterproof, side snap, zorb and bamboo soaker) 15.95

Ladder Hill Hyena Cart

Imse Vimse Trainer (Organic cotton, Waterproof, cotton terry liner) 15.35
Amazon.com

BlueBerry Trainers (Non Waterproof, pull on, microterry soaker, bamboo lining) 15.95
NoPinsRequired

Snap EZ AIO Trainer (Waterproof, side snaps, stay dry or non stay dry liner option) 17.95
Jillians’s Drawers

Eca Pants flip down trainers. (waterproof and non waterproof versions) 17.95

EC Wear

Under The Nile (Non Waterproof, organic cotton) 10.00
Jillian’s Drawers

Why Mommy Hipster. (Waterproof or Non Waterproof, side snap) 15.50
EC Wear

Antsy Pants Toddler Pull Ups. (Waterproof, stuffable, side snapping) 25.00-27.00

GetAntsy.com

Starbunz Super Undies (waterproof, pocket for adding additional stuffing, back release) 19.95-21.95

MyBabyPumpkin.com

Batik Bum- Bum Unders (Waterproof, Zorb in Wetzone, bamboo liner) 14.00
Batik Bum HyenaCart

Small Skivies (underwear, but too cute not to share for when training is complete) 12.00

Small Threads.  Etsy

Did I miss your favorite?  Let me know and I might add it to the list!

I am getting serious about potty learning now.  I started ECing (elimination communication- practicing infant “potty training” by reading a baby’s cues and catching eliminations) my son when he was 6 months old on a part time basis.  In the beginning we were excited about it and sometimes went a whole day with no wet diapers.  But I got busier in life and my son got busier and would rather play than sit on the potty and hang out with me.  We still did it, sometimes 1-3 times a day, and sometimes we would go days or weeks between using a potty.  To me, EC wasn’t an all or nothing thing.  The reason I wanted to EC was to save myself a few diapers of washing and to introduce my son to the potty at a young age to avoid that fear some children have.

At 18 months old my son is definitely not afraid to use the potty.  He has still not shown any signs before he needs to go.  He doesn’t tell me or sign, or go to the potty beforehand.  I am still reading his cues and going by patterns.

He pees after he wakes for the day and after naps.  He pees before his bath.  He poops after breakfast and dinner (usually).  I put him on the potty those times when I can.  I can tell he needs to poop when he passes gas.  If I wait for the “poop face” or grunting it is too late…. the deed is halfway or totally done.

My son practicing being diaper free. You may be able to see the pee in the potty.

Some people might think I am trying too early.  I see it as making him more aware of his bodily functions.  Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) my son cares nothing about being wet or sitting in poop.  He would wear the same diaper all day with no complaints.  This makes it harder.  If he was bothered by those things I would assume he would be more interested in using the potty.

To me it is worth the extra effort.  The age for potty training is getting older and older.  I want my son to be on the younger end.  This means less laundry for me.  My son benefits by not having to wear diapers anymore.  He could also play in the Ikea playroom!

Even as I write this I wonder if I am crazy.  Running my son to the potty every time he passes gas…. but it is working for our family.  Even if it takes months of this before he begins telling me he needs to potty, I will still do it.  Plus, not having to spray a poopy diaper is a benefit I can live with.

Tomorrow I will be posting a list of cloth trainers, similar to my swim diaper post, so stay tuned!

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The Antsy Pants pull on cloth diaper is so super simple to put on and off of your toddler.  Since my son can be particularly “antsy” some days these have been awesome to use.  I can pull them on him while he is standing or laying down.  He never did make a solid mess in them, but if he had I could have also unsnapped it to avoid having the mess be slid down his legs.  The only reason I wouldn’t give it a 5 is that to put the insert in (which we didn’t use much) you need to put in in the slot on the inside of the diaper.  You have to fold it in a way that fits and then put it in.  If you dno’t use the insert and have these more as a trainer then it is definitely a 5 star.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ The Antsy Pants are a unique item.  They work just like pull ups but have the benefit of being reusable and way cute.  The diaper runs 25.oo unless you buy them in packs, so you can get them as low as 21.00.  I think if you are trying to potty learn or EC your toddler these are worth the price for the convenience.  I would like a non waterproof version also so I could tell if we did miss a tinkle.  But, I still love these for when we are going for potty only!

Performance ✰✰✰✰ These are perfect for what I think of them for, training They pull up and down easy, they hold a miss without an insert and more than that with the insert.  I personally wouldn’t use this as a diaper when I think he is going to be in it for a while.  I prefer it when we are using the potty.  They will still work for that just fine with the insert.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ These fit so cute on my son.  I have a red and yellow pair and they look like superman undies.  They have a bikini style and cover less of his butt than a diaper.  Might not be good if he did have a solid mess in them… and worse for a less than solid mess.  I referenced the size chart to choose his size and they fit well.

Overall- I am really happy with this diaper.  It has made potty learning easier when we know we are working on it.  You can pull some traditional cloth diapers up and down but it isn’t near as easy as this.  Plus they look so cute on him I just love it!  I wouldn’t buy a ton but I would definitely buy a few more to ease potty time on mommy and toddler.

One such way they are countering the bad press caused by the Facebook group “Bring back the Old Pampers Cruisers” which is up to 8,300 members and counting, is to publish how cloth diapers are no good!

Obviously my website publishes how disposables, and at times Pampers, are not good for our babies or planet.  I may be biased, but I do that because it is truth to me.  Pampers is trying to save their business, so lets hear them out.  All information was taken from Pamper’s website.

Because it is what I do, I am going to examine their newest attack on cloth diapers to see what is true, false, or in between.

Myth: Cloth diapers are better for my baby.

Fact: Disposable diapers like Pampers were developed to offer babies benefits that cloth diapers could not meet. That goes beyond convenience to helping keep babies’ skin dryer and more comfortable by reducing leaks and locking wetness inside the diaper in a way that cloth doesn’t. As a result, doctors and parents simply don’t see the same level of diaper rash that used to exist before disposable diapers.

Their main argument that disposables are better for babies is that cloth diapers leak and don’t keep babies dry. They are preying on the fact that most parents still don’t know there are modern cloth diapers. Nothing is wrong with using the old style, but for those who want a stay dry liner and the convenience of an easy on/ easy off diaper, cloth diapers offer that as well. And their claim that more rashes existed before disposables is very false. I am working on finding the study (if you have seen it please tell me!) that claims the exact opposite.  As a matter of fact, my son had more leaks with disposables at night than with cloth diapers (during a period when we were working on getting the ammonia out of our diapers he used them for a little while.)  No leaks with cloth, at least 3 nights of waking up soaked with a disposable.  Funny….

Also, these super dry diapers are one of the reasons children are learning to use the potty, later and later.  When at one time babies were learning by 1.5 to 2 years, the average child learns between 3-4 years!  The ultra dry diapers are only one of many reasons for this (a culture shift) but using cloth diapers does contribute to babies potty learning earlier!  I sure hope so at least!

Myth: Cloth diapers are better for the environment than disposables.

Fact: In October 2008, the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency published an update to its 2005 Life Cycle Assessment study on cloth versus disposable diapers. The update confirmed the earlier study’s findings that there is no clear winner in terms of environmental impacts between disposable and cloth diapers in the U.K., once all factors such as water, energy, detergent, and disposal are considered.

I don’t care what way you slice it, there is no way any study (and I find fault with many studies quoted by disposable companies and would love for a true unbiased study comparing cloth and disposables to be performed) will convince me that the sheer amount of waste generated by disposables isn’t worse for the environment than a resuable option.  Pampers, do you wash your clothes and your sheets?  So do I.  So does everyone else.  Adding 3 more loads of laundry a week does add up, but does it override the tons of trash generated by each family in disposable diapers and human waste?  You also neglect to mention that unlike disposables, cloth diapers aren’t just used for one child.  Whether those diapers are used on one or more younger siblings, or given a new life in a new family, they live on for years.

Myth: Developing countries prove that cloth diapers are better than disposable diapers.
Fact: Our product provides key benefits in terms of skin health, dryness, and even sleep. In China, for example, we’ve learned that babies and parents are frequently awakened during the night each time the baby soaks the bed, because the baby has no diaper or a very thin piece of cloth. As a result, studies have shown that a disposable diaper can help a baby there get a better night’s sleep. In another test, we have also seen less fecal contamination spread around the home using disposables versus cloth or nothing.
Clearly, we have a lot to learn about how to help with basic hygiene needs in countries that have very different access to clean water to wash with, and how to best dispose of products after use. We’ve also learned about hygiene for older children through our Always feminine care business – where in many parts of the world girls are forced to miss school one week each month during their period because they don’t have enough pads or fresh water.
We are working in those regions to better understand what they do with products after use, and how to work with local agencies and other businesses to ensure the best long-term system to manage it.

This is probably a nod to defend them marketing cheaper disposables to third world nations that have mostly used cloth.  Are they are also hoping to end the practice Elimination Communication in countries like China?  Just because most Americans can’t fathom their babies never wearing a diaper, other countries only use EC.  And if Pampers thinks the babies are going to the bathroom wherever they please, I am here to tell you that is not the case.  The parents are there to help the babies and catch their eliminations.  Their home isn’t full of baby droppings like a non trained puppy.  It is insulting to insinuate such a thing.  As for sleep, I honestly don’t know how EC families who don’t use diapers handle this until they learn to hold it.  I imagine it would disrupt their sleep but the families are well prepared for this.  Not every baby begins sleeping through the night at 6 weeks like the American ideal.  Many Americans stuff their baby full of thickened formula to get them to sleep longer too, but it doesn’t mean that is right.  Just means people do it.

And I want to quickly address their Always claim.  Pampers cites that girls in third world countries have to miss school because they don’t have access to feminine hygeine products.  Oh, you mean pads that you throw away after each use?  This is simply not true.  Periods are not new, and neither is school.  There are such things as cloth pads.  Or, menstrual cups, which have been distributed to girls in many countries.  And more recent studies do show a decline in attendance during their time of the month, but it wasn’t due to the lack of access to throw away feminine products.  It was due to cramps.

Myth: Disposable diapers are harmful to the environment.
Fact: All of the component materials in Pampers diapers are gentle to consumers and safe for the environment. Pampers diapers are made of materials that are also frequently used in a wide range of other consumer products. We are committed to continuing to reduce our environmental impact. For example, Pampers has decreased its diaper weight by one-third and packaging weight by two-thirds. And innovative technologies, raw materials, and product design improvements have led to significant reductions in energy, water use, emissions, and waste at our plants. We are working so that our diapers in the future will have less impact on the environment than even today’s diapers.

Don’t pee on my head and tell me it’s raining, Pampers.   First, just because other products use materials found in your diapers it doesn’t make it right or safe.  But, if you want to play that card, that statement is lacking the fact that one ingredient (sodium polyacrylate) found in your diapers has been banned from tampons for being linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome.*  On top of that, Dioxin, another chemical in your diapers, is banned in most other countries because it is linked to cancer and is one of the most dangerous chemicals according to the EPA.*  Their new “environmentally friendly” diaper is the one most likely causing the rashes being suffered by thousands of parents.  Is it because there is less paper filler, and less material between the baby and the chemicals?  And only when they create a new product do they acknowledge the impact on the environment of their old diapers.

Myth: The materials that make up Pampers diapers are depleting our forests.

Fact: The pulp used in our diapers comes from well-managed forests in North America. In some cases, we source our pulp from scrap wood chips from lumber and saw mills. Our pulp suppliers are required to be certified by an independent third party as practicing sustainable forestry. Certification includes standards and criteria for replanting trees, protecting biodiversity, water, air and soil, and for obtaining broad stakeholder input into the forest management plan.

We live in a disposable world.  We use forests to make toilet paper, paper plates, disposable diapers, etc.  I can’t claim to have never used these products.  I will say that though cloth diapers do use resources on our planet as well, many use more renewable materials such as bamboo and hemp.  Not to mention most of the diapers that use cotton choose to use organic cotton.  If your claims are true, that is great.  But it doesn’t make up for the amount of waste put into landfills by your diapers.

*Facts taken from the Real Diaper Association.

The RDA is taking a stand.  If you want to write your own post about Real Diaper myths and facts read this cool info.

This post is part of the Real Diaper Facts carnival hosted by Real Diaper Events, the official blog of the Real Diaper Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cloth diaper education. Participants were asked to write about diaper lies and real diaper facts. See the list at the bottom of this post to read the rest of the carnival entries.

I was very late to the party.  I only learned about Discovery Health’s show Radical Parenting a few days before it aired, after catching a tweet about it.  I immediately set my DVR to record but ended up watching it live: a rarity in my home.

Before the show aired I learned about the controversy over the term “radical parenting.”  The show itself featured three families: an “unschooling” family, a family who practiced “attachment parenting,” and a family who raises their children in a “gender neutral” environment.

I will admit to not being into homeschooling, and definitely not unschooling.  I still watched the segment with an open mind, hoping to have it prove to me that unschooling is a viable method to educate children.  Frankly, that didn’t happen.  While I support families making choices for their families that work for them, I know unschooling is not for me.  I was happy to see that both parents were very well educated, so they have the tools to teach their children.  And, in a way, knowing they had both been to college and made the decision to unschool did carry some weight with me that maybe it wasn’t completely crazy!

The second segment followed an AP family.  If there was a rule book for AP living, I believe this family would be following it completely.  The highlight of this portion of the show was seeing a child ECing!  They were so good at EC that they didn’t use diapers, and never had.  Part of their success had to be contributed to the fact that their son was worn in a sling the majority of his life.  His cues partly involved squirming out of his sling when he needed to go to the potty.  Extended breastfeeding was also discussed, and the mother was even shown actually nursing!  Pretty cool!  This family also coslept with their younger children, something I was also happy to see on TV.  They did have to bust out the “crazy” a little.  A placenta was involved, but not to be eaten, just to plant.  A-ok with me.

The final segment had The Feminist Breeder‘s family talking about their lives as a “gender neutral” family.  They happened to come off as the most “normal” of the three, and had a very likeable family.  Their purpose was to raise boys who were feminist minded.  They allowed their boys to play with boy and girl toys, and liked to show both parents playing male and female roles interchangeably.  I agreed with everything they did, but I think calling it a name was not needed.  It seems to me it is something most parents do.  I personally allow my son to play with whatever he wants, be it a boy or girl toy.  Because he has an affinity for necklaces and hugging boys I do joke about his preferences, and I would love him no matter what!

Overall, I was happy to see these families profiled to let tv viewers see the way the other half lives.  I especially love seeing breastfeeding on tv!  I heard The Feminist Breeder’s husband was washing cloth diapers but I was tweeting during the show and must have missed it.

PS.  If you missed the show it airs again on Discovery Health on March 6 at 1:00 pm.  That is today people!

Did you see the show?  What did you think?

I fought the Baby Legs craze hard when I first had my son.  I saw many pictures of how adorable they were on little girls, and even a few boys, but in my mind I couldn’t see a boy in them.  I wanted to love them because they would make diaper changes so much easier.  It wasn’t until a friend told me about a fabulous sale that I gave in.  “Oh, they will just be for around the house.” I assured myself, and my husband.

Since then things have changed drastically!  My Baby Legs are more than for knocking around the house, though they are good for that too.  I like to use them when we go out just because they are cute.  When we fly, I pair Baby Legs and a onesie or t shirt for quick diaper changes on the plane.  We especially love Baby Legs for EC’ing!  It makes access to his diaper or training pants, like his ECA Wear trainers, easy.  They keep his legs warm too!

One thing I wished of Baby Legs was that they have tights (more for girls but if my son wouldn’t look girly in them we would use them in a heartbeat) or matching socks for their legs.

Luckily, now they have both!  Baby Legs has introduced a new line of coordinating socks (2 pair in a pack) that match their Baby Legs.  They have fun patterns that you can mix and match, like argyle, stripes, and polka dots in coordinating color schemes.  Fletcher is modeling argyle socks with striped Baby Legs.  His little legs would get cold while he potties without them!  The socks are aize 12 months, but my son is 10.5 and fits them perfectly.  He also has “chunky” feet.

Another thing I love about Baby Legs is that the back of their package actually says “Makes diaper changing, potty training, and EC’n a breeze.” Plus. there is a Dad using what I assume is an Ergo on the back too.  Granted, he looks a little strange wearing rainbow Baby Legs on his arms but I forgive him because he is wearing his baby girl.

If you are excited to pick up a pair of Baby Legs you should take advantage of this deal.  Use code “Punkin” when you buy one pair of seasonal Baby Legs, and get another pair free!  This is good Oct 8-21.  What a great way to stock up for your little one, or to buy a few gifts!  We just bought 2 pair for a friend’s daughter who just turned one and they love them!

Giveaway Closed.

I was sent a pair of teeny tiny training pants by ECA Wear from EC Wear, a website where you can find products for ECing and resources to help you get started.

The ECA Pants I was sent are first off, the cutest tiniest things you have ever seen.  It is so strange to see a baby without a huge fluffy butt.  ECA Pants are thin enough that they don’t look like diapers, but they have enough absorbency to hold in one pee, just in case we have a miss!  You can get them in snaps or velcro, and waterproof or not.  Waterproof ECA Pants would be great for the baby who is excellent at ECing and who can use a public toilet.  For us, the non waterproof were perfect.  They allowed me to keep checking to make sure we hadn’t missed a pee, and in the one case where we did miss (I had the bath running but hadn’t put him on the potty yet in case he had to go, which he did.  Water works!) the ECA Pants held in the pee without leaking down the legs.  I could tell immediately that he was peeing and started making our cue “pssst.”  Even though we missed, I still want him to associate the “psst” sound with going, in a diaper or on the potty.

What I have to convey to you is how easy these make ECing.  Because they have an elastic band in the front, when you undo the front of the pants, just like you would a side snapping diaper, the pants stay on.  Essentially, you just remove the front so that they can go, and push it to the back.  When your child is done, just flip the front back up and resnap.  I can even resnap him as he crawl away!  Something that does not work with a diaper since it isn’t attached to him.

If you are an ECing parent, these aren’t a must have, but they do make your life so much easier!  Sometimes I find myself being lazy about EC (especially for a few weeks where we took a “break” with life being so hectic) and when I think about having to take off pants, undo diaper, potty, then chase the baby while I try to put a diaper and pants back on, I get exhausted by the thought.  Having an easy way to EC can certainly keep me focused on my son and his needs, even when the day is jam packed.

About EC Wear:

EC Wear LLC, based in New York City, is owned and operated by Marija, a work-at-home-mom (WAHM).  Marija and her husband Chuck have been practicing Elimiination Communication with their son since his birth.  Initially, their interest came out of concern for the environment and dislike of disposable diapers.  Eventually, they realized the best benefit of EC was for their son’s health. At EC Wear you will find clothes in sizes newborn to 24 months that are made in USA, Canada, Europe, or Australia, fair trade, or made by women in their homes or in workers’ cooperatives. It is our priority to disclose the origins of every item we sell. Of course, nearly all of the clothing is suitable for any parents who are looking for convenience in clothing and diaper changes, whether practicing EC or not.