Holding Babies: The Natural Way to Fewer Diapers

April 19, 2024

Judes Papa hebt Baby in die Luft Babys abhalten

Have you ever heard of holding your baby to eliminate? This method, also known as "diaper-free" or "natural infant hygiene," goes far beyond simply changing diapers. It is based on observation and communication between you and your baby to recognize and respond to their need to eliminate before they use a diaper.

What is holding? Holding is a natural infant care method where parents learn to recognize and respond to their baby's signals by holding them over a potty or toilet to encourage elimination. This practice promotes communication between parent and child and can help to reduce the use of diapers.

The concept of holding is by no means new. For centuries, cultures around the world have practiced this method, long before disposable diapers became the standard. In our modern world, holding is experiencing a renaissance, as more and more parents look for ways to strengthen the bond with their child while simultaneously protecting the environment.

In the following sections, we will take a closer look at how holding works, its benefits, and how you can integrate this practice into daily life with your baby. Whether you want to completely do away with diapers or use holding as a complement to environmentally friendly cloth diapers, this method offers a rewarding experience for both you and your baby.

Introduction to Baby Elimination Communication

Baby elimination communication, often referred to as "diaper-free," is a method where parents aim to recognize and respond to their baby's elimination needs before the baby uses a diaper. This practice is based on the assumption that babies naturally do not want to soil their diapers, sleeping place, or caregivers, and are able to give signals when they need to go. Parents learn to interpret these signals and hold their baby over a potty, toilet, or another suitable place.

Historical Background

Historically, elimination communication is not a new concept. Before the popularity of disposable diapers in the 20th century, it was common in many cultures around the world to practice baby elimination communication. In some societies, it remains the norm to this day, and parents start paying attention to their babies’ elimination signals shortly after birth and act accordingly. This practice was based not only on economic or environmental considerations but also on a deep understanding of the nonverbal communication between parent and child.

Modern Practice

Today, baby elimination communication is experiencing a revival as more and more parents look for ways to live more environmentally consciously and to strengthen the bond with their child. The modern interest in elimination communication is also a reaction to the rising costs of disposable diapers and the concern about environmental pollution from diaper waste. While completely avoiding diapers may be an option, many parents use elimination communication in addition to cloth diapers to reduce diaper use and provide more comfort for their child.

Elimination communication requires attention and commitment from the parents but offers numerous benefits, including a stronger parent-child bond, health benefits for the baby, and a reduced ecological footprint. It is a flexible practice that can be adapted to the individual rhythm and needs of each baby, and a rewarding experience for the whole family.

How Does Baby Elimination Communication Work?

Elimination communication is based on the communication and understanding between you and your baby. It's about recognizing your baby's natural elimination signals and responding accordingly. Here are some basic steps and tips to get started with elimination communication.

Recognizing a Baby's Elimination Signals

Restlessness: Many babies become restless or start squirming when they need to eliminate.
Specific Sounds: Some babies make special sounds or become noticeably silent.
Facial Expressions: Look out for facial expressions like furrowed brows or a concentrated look, which can indicate that your baby needs to go.
Timing Patterns: Often, babies develop certain times when they tend to need to eliminate, for example, shortly after breastfeeding or after waking up.

Different Holding Positions

Classic Squat Position: Hold your baby so that their back is leaning against your belly, and support their thighs so they come into a squat-like position. This position works well for elimination over a toilet or potty.
Over the Toilet: For older babies, you can hold them over the toilet in such a way that they can support themselves with their hands on you or the toilet seat.
On the Lap: For younger babies, elimination can also take place on your lap by placing one hand under their thighs and supporting their back with the other hand.

Tips for Successful Elimination Communication in Everyday Life

Regularity: Try to hold your baby at fixed times to develop routines, for example, after waking up or after breastfeeding.
Relaxed Attitude: Remain calm and patient, even if it doesn’t work out sometimes. Stress and pressure can be counterproductive.
Adaptability: Be flexible and adapt the practice to your baby's needs and developmental stage. What works one day may not necessarily work the next.
Supportive Tools: Use supportive products like cloth diapers from Judes, which can be changed quickly and easily if elimination communication doesn’t work out.

Elimination communication requires patience and attention, but with the close bond it promotes and the benefits for baby and environment, it is a worthwhile experience for many families.

Judes Baby outside on blanket practicing elimination communication with newborn

Photo by @cafema.illustration

Benefits of Elimination Communication

Practicing elimination communication offers numerous benefits that go far beyond simply avoiding the use of diapers. It not only strengthens the bond between parents and child but also provides health benefits for the baby as well as ecological and financial benefits for the family.

Strengthening the Parent-Child Bond

Elimination communication requires close observation and interaction with the baby, helping parents better understand their baby's signals and needs. This intense communication fosters a deep connection and trust between parent and child.

Health Benefits for the Baby

Less Diaper Rash: Because babies who practice elimination communication spend less time in soiled disposable diapers, the risk of diaper dermatitis and other skin irritations decreases. For part-time elimination communication, the use of cloth diapers, like Judes, which provide a healthy diaper climate, is recommended.
Early Development of Pelvic Floor Muscles: Elimination communication can support the development of muscles responsible for bladder and bowel control, thereby contributing to long-term continence.
Improved Body Awareness: Babies develop an awareness of their elimination needs and learn to communicate them earlier, promoting their physical and emotional development.

Ecological and Financial Benefits

Reduced Diaper Waste: Through elimination communication and the associated reduction in diaper use, families make an important contribution to waste reduction and the conservation of environmental resources.
Cost Savings: Reduced usage of disposable diapers or even combining with eco-friendly cloth diapers can lead to significant financial savings over the baby's diapering period.
Sustainable Lifestyle: Elimination communication fosters a conscious use of resources and can become part of a broader sustainable lifestyle, conveying values such as mindfulness and responsibility towards the environment.

Elimination communication offers a range of benefits that positively affect both the well-being of the baby and the entire family. Through the practice of elimination communication, parents can not only strengthen their bond with their child but also make an active contribution to environmental protection while simultaneously benefiting financially.

Practical Example

My children (2 and 4 years old) were both practiced in elimination communication and partially diapered with cloth diapers. With my son, I only started at the age of 4 months, however, he was very clear when he needed to go. If I did not respond in time, he would simply hold it until I took him to the bathroom. As soon as he started to crawl, there was a potty in the room, and as soon as he needed to go, he would head straight for it.

My daughter, on the other hand, I held from birth. She made it far less obvious when she needed to go. Mostly, we utilized standard situations, such as after breastfeeding, sleeping, car rides, or after I had her in a carrier. I did not stress about it and offered her the opportunity to eliminate whenever I felt she needed to. She wore cloth diapers far more often than my son – and that was absolutely okay.

In the end, both children decided at exactly 14 months that they no longer wanted to wear diapers. I went along with it and, except for a few accidents, it worked. They used hand signals and usually indicated thus that they needed to go to the toilet. We were very lucky that the daycare supported us in this. I would choose this path again and again.

Judes Baby in bed cuddling with a bear practicing elimination communication

Photo by @madame.vio

Integrating Elimination Communication into Your Baby's Sleep Cycle

Incorporating elimination communication into your baby's sleep cycle can help improve the sleep quality for both the baby and the parents. Here are some approaches and practical tips on how to structure elimination communication before and after sleep to promote peaceful sleep.

Elimination Before and After Sleep

Before Sleep: It is helpful to offer the baby a chance to eliminate before bedtime to decrease the likelihood of waking up due to bladder pressure. This can become part of the evening routine and help the baby settle down for sleep.
After Waking Up: Likewise, it makes sense to offer the baby a chance to eliminate right after waking up, as the bladder is often full after a long sleep. This can help establish a morning routine and start the day off comfortably for the baby.

Significance of Elimination for Peaceful Sleep

A dry and comfortable feeling during the night reduces the likelihood of the baby waking up due to discomfort from a wet or full diaper. By practicing elimination communication, the risk of sleep cycle disruptions can be reduced, contributing to deeper and more restful sleep.

Practical Tips for the Night

Prepare Everything: Keep a small flashlight, a potty or a suitable container, and change clothes handy to make nighttime elimination as straightforward as possible.
Maintain a Calm Atmosphere: Try to hold the baby quietly and gently to avoid overstimulating them. Dimmed lights and a soft, soothing voice can help preserve the peacefulness of the night.
Flexibility: Be prepared for nights when elimination communication may not work or your baby is not cooperative. It's important to stay flexible and resort to cloth diapers if necessary to avoid stress for you and the baby.
Cloth Diapers as Support: For families practicing elimination communication, cloth diapers from Judes can be a practical addition, especially at night. They provide security in case elimination communication is not possible, while also supporting a sustainable lifestyle.

By integrating elimination communication into your baby's sleep cycle and applying these tips, parents can help promote a quieter and more restful sleep for their baby. It is a gentle method that, when correctly applied, enhances nighttime comfort and contributes to a satisfied start to the new day.

Elimination Communication with Babies: Common Challenges and Solutions

Elimination communication is a rewarding but sometimes challenging practice. Here are some of the most common challenges parents face with elimination communication, as well as solutions that can help.

Dealing with “Accidents”

Proactivity and Patience: Accidents are a normal part of the learning process. Stay calm and patient, and try to recognize patterns in your baby's elimination times to prevent accidents. Never scold your child, but ensure they feel clean and dry again quickly.
Preparation: Always have spare clothes and a changing mat for the baby ready to quickly deal with any accidents.

Elimination While Out and About

Planning: Plan regular breaks for elimination when you're out with your baby, and explore in advance where you can hold them or have a potty with you.
Portable Solutions: A portable potty or a resealable plastic bag (for emergencies) can be very helpful for facilitating elimination while on the go.
Flexible Use of Diapers: When out and about, put a cloth diaper on your baby as a backup to avoid stress and be prepared for all eventualities. Cloth diapers from Judes offer an eco-friendly safety option.

Adjusting to Your Baby's Developmental Stages

Mindfulness: Every baby develops at their own pace. Pay attention to changes in your baby's signals and adjust the elimination communication practice accordingly.
Communication: Encourage open communication with your baby about their needs from the beginning. This helps to respond to their signals even during developmental phases such as teething or growth spurts.
Flexibility: Be ready to adjust your methods, especially during phases when the baby may be less cooperative or elimination patterns change.

Elimination communication requires commitment and flexibility from parents but also allows building a deep connection with one's child and raising them with an eco-conscious spirit. By understanding the baby's needs and being willing to adapt and learn, the challenges of elimination communication can be handled and turned into a successful practice.

Support from Judes: Cloth Diapers as a Complement to Elimination Communication

Elimination communication is a wonderful method to enhance communication with your baby while also making a contribution to environmental protection. However, even the most experienced parents can attest that there are times when elimination communication is not practical. This is where Judes' cloth diapers come into play, offering an ideal complement to the practice of elimination communication.

The Role of Cloth Diapers in Elimination Communication

Cloth diapers serve as a reliable backup when elimination communication is not possible – be it during the night, while out and about, or in phases where the baby does not clearly show signals. They provide protection without the downsides of disposable diapers, such as waste production and potential skin irritation from chemical contents.

How Judes' Cloth Diaper System Can Facilitate Elimination Communication

Quick Changes: Judes' cloth diapers are designed to be changed quickly and easily, which is particularly useful if you're practicing elimination communication and there happens to be an “accident”.
Comfort for the Baby: The soft materials and breathable nature of Judes ensure that your baby feels comfortable between elimination periods, without the risk of diaper rash.
Easy Cleaning: Judes' cloth diapers and accessories are easy to clean and designed for frequent use, making them a practical addition to elimination communication.

Judes cloth diapers accessories colorful diaper-free upbringing

Additional Benefits of Judes Cloth Diapers

Sustainable: Our diapers are an eco-friendly alternative that drastically reduces waste and thereby protects our planet. With Judes, you save up to a ton of plastic waste per child, which would otherwise end up in landfill and be incinerated. The incineration process leaves behind toxic residue, which is stored in former mines and poses significant environmental risks.
Healthy Skin: Free from chemical irritants, our diapers protect your baby's delicate skin and prevent problems such as diaper dermatitis. Disposable diapers contain chemical substances, like fragrances and parabens, which can irritate the skin. While baby's skin often requires ointments and moisture creams when using disposable diapers, this need is eliminated with skin-friendly diapers like Judes.
Earlier Diaper Independence: The improved moisture sensation with our cloth diapers helps your child develop a better understanding of their bodily signals, easing the transition to the toilet. Children diapered with cloth diapers become dry up to a year earlier.
Less Time-consuming: Judes diapers are not only easy to put on but also quick and uncomplicated to wash – perfect for the modern, busy lifestyle. The time spent washing cloth diapers is significantly less than that spent disposing of and buying disposable diapers. Added to this is the fact that children in cloth diapers become diaper-independent much earlier.
Cost Savings: In the long term, our diapers are more economical than disposable diapers since they can be reused, eliminating the need for purchasing disposable products. You can save up to €3,000 with just the first child. If you use Judes for further children, the savings are even greater.
Better Leak Protection: Through innovative technologies and materials, our diapers offer excellent sealing, preventing leaks and securing your baby's comfort. While super absorbers in disposable diapers can absorb large amounts of liquids, they cannot handle rapid influxes efficiently. Thus, sudden large amounts of liquid, like from heavy wetters or explosive breastmilk stool, simply run off, causing the diaper to leak.
Hygienic: Easy cleaning and effective odor minimization ensure that the diapers are always fresh and hygienic. In contrast, a constantly moist and warm environment prevails in disposable diapers. Moreover, used disposable diapers stored air-tight lead to unpleasant odors.

Our goal at Judes is to offer the simplest cloth diaper in the world. With thoughtful design and easy-to-use features, we make it easy for you to live environmentally conscious, without compromising on comfort or functionality. Choose Judes for a worry-free, healthy, and simple diapering period.

Sustainability Focus: The Connection Between Elimination Communication and Choosing Eco-Friendly Diaper Options

The combination of elimination communication and using cloth diapers highlights a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. This practice not only reduces waste and the environmental impact of disposable diapers but also promotes a healthy and natural upbringing for the baby. With Judes, we help families make this sustainable choice more easily, by offering an eco-friendly and practical alternative to conventional diapers.

By choosing elimination communication in combination with Judes, parents opt for a path that considers both the needs of their baby and the planet. This conscious decision supports sustainable development from the start and lays the foundation for an environmentally aware upbringing.