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

One of the most common things parents say when their baby pees in the potty is: "Good job!" I used to say it too. In fact, if you watch some of my old videos, you'll hear me praising my first baby all over the place. But after a lot of research, thought, and experience, I changed my mind. Should we praise our babies when they use the potty? What about stickers? M&M's? Reward charts? This is one of those topics I feel pretty strongly about, and in today's episode I'll share why I no longer praise during EC or potty training, what I do instead, and how our words can either support or undermine a child's natural motivation to use the potty. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/121 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

Clean-up, clean-up, everybody do your share... Let's talk about the thing nobody wants to talk about when starting EC: The pee on the floor. The surprise poop. The giant mess you're imagining when you hear someone say "naked observation time." Today's question comes from a first-time mom who is starting EC with her 10-month-old and wants to know: How exactly do you clean up all this pee and poop while observing your baby? The good news is that if you're doing observation correctly, you shouldn't be cleaning up nearly as much as you think. In this episode, I'll share how to prevent most messes in the first place, how much observation time you actually need, and my favorite tricks for making clean-up quick and painless. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/120 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

Still using onesies? Okay, who else has a drawer full of adorable onesies that suddenly became...annoying? Maybe you've started EC. Maybe you've switched to Tiny Trainers. Maybe you're just tired of dealing with all those snaps every time your baby needs to pee. The good news? You don't have to get rid of those favorite outfits just yet. In this week's episode, we're sharing a super simple DIY that turns old onesies into tiny t-shirts—no fancy sewing skills required. It's an easy way to make potty access simpler, get more use out of clothes you already own, and save a few favorite outfits from the donation pile. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/119 Get my free easy start guide for EC https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with my popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Many parents tell me, "I'd love to start EC, but I'm just too busy." And honestly? I get it. Between multiple kids, work, travel, errands, and everything else life throws at us, it can feel impossible to add one more thing to your plate. But I say, "Baloney!" In this episode, I'm answering a question from a mom who wanted to know how to start EC when life is busy, schedules are packed, or travel gets in the way. We'll talk about the beginning phase of EC, how much observation you actually need, and how to get started without letting EC take over your entire life. Because you don't need a perfect schedule to start pottying your baby. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/118 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, "This sounds cool but… does EC actually WORK?" — you're not alone. Because from the outside, elimination communication can feel a little… out there. No diapers? Tiny babies? Listening to cues? In this episode, I break down 4 simple reasons EC works so well — and why it actually feels way more natural than most people expect. We're talking common sense stuff. Biology stuff. Parent intuition stuff.Nothing complicated. Nothing crunchy. Just why this approach clicks for so many families. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/117 Get my free easy start guide for EC https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with my popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Okay…so does your baby HAVE to use the same potty spot every single time? Like…same bathroom Same little potty Same exact setup every day? Not necessarily. But there are some really helpful reasons why having a familiar potty location can make EC easier — especially in the beginning. In this week's episode I'm talking all about potty location, routines, cues, and how babies actually learn where to go. Because sometimes switching things up constantly can make potty learning feel way harder than it needs to. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/116 Get my free easy start guide for EC https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with my popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

This is a guest post from Natalie Robbins , our certified coach serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Enjoy! xx Andrea Whether you work full time or part time, working from home adds an extra challenge to the already-demanding task of caring for a baby. Or is it the other way around? Caring for a baby (or toddler) can make work extra challenging.... Either way you put it, I would argue that practicing Elimination Communication can actually make your working and caretaking struggles easier. Less time-consuming poopy diapers to deal with, a happier baby, quick and easy diaper changes, and early potty independence, among other benefits. But, it's quite the balancing act, trying to figure out how to practically insert it into your work day, especially if you're just getting started. Here are a few things I've learned from practicing EC while working full time (as a virtual teacher) from home.....starting during the newborn stage, to a crawling baby, and now entering early toddlerhood. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/115 Get my free easy start guide for EC https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with my popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Ever found yourself wondering…"Was that a signal…or just random fussiness?" Or maybe you've heard "watch for signals" but you're like…what does that actually mean?? In this episode, we're clearing up the confusion between signals vs signs—and why it matters (or doesn't) Because once this clicks…EC gets a whole lot easier. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/113 Get my free easy start guide for EC https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with my popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

Everything was going fine…and then suddenly your baby won't sit on the potty. Clingy, upset, refusing, wanting YOU only. Separation anxiety can totally throw a wrench into your EC rhythm. In this episode, we're talking about what's really going on—and how to keep things gentle, connected, and moving forward (without forcing it). Because this phase? It's normal. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/112 Get my free easy start guide for EC https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with my popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook

I didn't expect this one to hit so hard. Stopping breastfeeding sounds like just another milestone, right? But then it happens…and suddenly it's emotional in a way you didn't see coming. Whether you're ready…not ready…or somewhere in between— this episode is a real, honest look at what that transition actually feels like. The messy, the surprising, the totally normal parts no one really talks about. Get full show notes and add your comments or questions here: https://godiaperfree.com/111 Get my free easy start guide for EC https://godiaperfree.com/start Start EC with your baby today with my popular book, Go Diaper Free: https://godiaperfree.com/thebook