If you're wondering if you need special gear for making elimination communication easier with your baby, you're in the right place!
Instantly download and use it to find where to buy the latest and best EC gear - all 100% used by me in ECing my own 4 babies.
(And, in this list, I'll explain why each item is something you need...or something you can skip.)
Or, just check them out in the gallery below - click any button or image to be brought to the store where I found it.*
Diaper Back-up
Most parents do EC with a diaper back-up to protect their carpet and to give baby something to “resist” going pee or poo into (which plays off the innate instinct to not soil their garments or sleep space). You can use disposables or cloth or a combination of the two - whatever works best to create the most signals from baby and the least stress for you! Here are my favorites.
Seventh Generation Diapers
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers receive my highest disposables recommendation due to their ability to contain leaks while still feeling wet, their relative environmental-friendliness (materials and production processes), and their overall construction .
Daytime Covers - TinyBums
Tiny Bums covers (my new creation!) are very trim which helps baby move more easily. They come in simple yet beautiful colors. They also grow with your baby and have a series of snaps that enable this. Therefore, you do not need to buy any more than the 3 or 4 you have in rotation (I have 4).
Nighttime Covers - Loveybums Wool
The Loveybums Hand-dyed Organic Wool Diaper Cover is great for nighttime EC. Wool is liquid repellent, naturally antibacterial, machine-washable, and superbreathable.
Nighttime Wool Soaker Shorts
You can add wool soaker shorts to ANY nighttime diaper for even more protection. You can also layer these wool soakers over underwear or trainers, day or night, for extra protection (as wool is liquid-repellant).
Daytime Inserts (TanPrefolds) - OsoCozy
These are great for my Quick EC Diaper set-up, for the Sumo-style Diapering Method, and for when you need more diapers or rags.
Daytime Inserts (WhitePrefolds) - OsoCozy
These are great for my Quick EC Diaper set-up, for the Sumo-style Diapering Method, and for when you need more diapers or rags.
Nighttime Inserts (Prefolds) - Thirsties Hemp/Cotton
I am so happy I discovered the Thirsties Duo Hemp/Cotton blend prefolds…they are amazing! They hold a lot more liquid in their fibers…and they line-dry much better than pure cotton or pure hemp diapers (ie: they dry soft).
Diaper Belt
A diaper belt is an elasticized band covered with a moisture-resistant cloth outer covering (such as wool or fleece) which holds a prefold in place, Sumo Wrestler style. The belt stays on the baby’s waist between changes. These are awesome and water-repellent.
Clothing
Gerber T-shirts
These Gerber t-shirts are the short sleeve pull-on kind, but they also make long sleeve and side-snap kimono baby shirts. I’ve tried and like them all. Simple, cheap ($5-10 for a 3-pack), and they go with everything!
BabySoy Tshirts and Kimonos
I love BabySoy’s tiny t-shirts and kimono-style wrap shirts! Organic with easy-on and -off necks…these shirts will last you many sizes. I used the same t-shirts on my first baby for 11 months. They have held up incredibly well.
Baby T-shirts by Under the Nile
I've found a great selection of sweatshop-free kimonos, t-shirts, and wrap shirts from Under The Nile. I met the owners at SF GreenFest and not only are they supersweet...but they are actually from Egypt (their clothes are made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton).
Under the Nile Baby Yoga Pants
Any type of pants that have elastic on the top are generally going to be easier to remove for a quick potty. I love Under the Nile’s roll-top yoga pants…very easy on and off for quick EC changes. Plus they are made by a wonderful Egyptian company.
Under the Nile’s Organic Footed Pants
These baby pants were our household favorite during the pre -standing months. The great thing is: no snaps! Easy on and off made possible by grabable feet and very stretchy elastic, these pants are super easy to practice Elimination Communication in.
Split-crotch Pants
The Chinese have been making split-crotch pants for ages. While walking down the street, baby gives a signal to go potty and mom simply puts him in position over a trash can (or the ground)...and the pants split! When finished, the pants cover nicely. No diaper or training pants necessary.
Chaps
You heard me right, folks...they make chaps for babies! Just put a diaper cover over it or get the chaps sets that come with a cover...or leave baby with it all hangin’ out. Chaps are like split-crotch pants but, well, more “open.” I find chaps to be very useful while camping, covered by a cloth diaper back-up, for warm, late-night tent pottying.
juDanzy Tube Socks
Baby tube socks...need I say more? These are excellent socks that won't fall off baby's feet. They are a bit thicker than the ones I used to recommend, but if you need more warmth you can couple with baby legwarmers or wool or cotton baby socks on top of these long baby socks.
Rock-a-Thigh Baby Socks
They've recently redesigned RTBs to be thinner and not so tight. These socks were originally designed for young children who are physically disabled to wear underneath their leg braces. Now, parents are buying them for babywearing (when pants hike up and legs are bared) and for Elimination Communication.
Baby Leggings
A less expensive option than BabyLegs is to use my coupon code (GDF16) at BabyLeggings.com to get 5 free pair. You just pay shipping and handling and they'll hook you up! We ordered 18 pair for baby #2!
BabyLegs
Use BabyLegs...the #1 leg-warmers for babies...to keep those legs and thighs warm during a potty. They are great for the outdoors, colder seasons, or during the nighttime. They are also essential for the active crawler in any season.
Underwear and Training Pants
Tiny Undies
You can not find these anywhere else (not any that fit, anyway!). My newest offering is sweatshop-free, lowrise, unisex baby underwear that come in the tiny sizes of 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2T, and 3T.
Tiny Trainers
For the best in training pants…I’ve created Tiny
Trainers. Finally, 100% cotton training pants that really fit any baby - sizes 6 months to 3T. You can experience the most absorbent and affordable fully-cotton training pants out there.
Potties
Top Hat Potty
The top hat potty can be held between the thighs for baby to use at ages 0-12 months of age (sometimes older, depending on the size of the baby). It is great for nighttime EC, EC on the go, and travel, as well as for an everyday potty for a small baby.
Potty Cozy for Top Hat Potty
Prevent the shock of cold plastic by covering your traveling, breastfeeding-friendly top hat potty with a Potty Cozy. Made of water-repellent polar fleece or hemp/cotton flannel, your baby’s buns will remain warm while your potty cozy stays relatively dry.
bECOpotty
My favorite potty besides the top hat. This potty is biodegradable and will completely merge back into the earth when you are finished with it. It doesn’t have a removable inner container but otherwise has sound design and a splash guard to contain boys’ pees.
Baby Bjorn Smart Potty
AKA the BBSP, this little potty is great for babies who weigh around 12 pounds and up and who
have at least a tiny bit of neck control.
If you can hold him up there, try it out! You can also hold the baby in the classic EC position over this potty, no matter what the age.
Baby Bjorn Potty Chair.
This is a larger version of the Baby Bjorn Smart Potty, as it still has the removable “bowl” for easy cleanup, and the rubberized bottom, but it’s got a high back for more ergonomic sitting. Great for older babies and for those who need a little back support in the slightly wobbly days (but not great for newborns).
Ikea Lilla Potty
Several readers brought this wonderful, inexpensive potty to my attention and I just love it. It's got a nice-sized splashguard and provides a comfortable sit. Less bulky than the BBSP and BBPC. If you have an IKEA store in your neighborhood, grab one there, or you can get one from Jenay at Naturally Diaper Free for just $9.
Mini Potty Cozy
Prevent the shock of cold plastic by covering your mini potty with a Potty Cozy. These are ESSENTIAL for Elimination Communication, in my opinion. Made of water repellent polar fleece or hemp/cotton flannel, your baby’s buns will remain warm while your potty cozy remains relatively dry.
Ginsey Toilet Seat Reducer
MY FAVORITE!!!
Walmart, Target, and now Amazon have an exceptional toilet seat reducer for about $12-$24, depending on the pattern. Handles, good splashguard with the boys’ version, and very comfortable for a small baby or toddler.
Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty and Trainer Seat
It doubles as a travel potty that folds up small enough to fit into your diaper bag and can double as a trainer seat whether you’re in a public bathroom or at home.
Potette Plus At Home Reusable Liners
Converts the Poette Plus into a standard potty^Ideal for use around the home^Simple to fit, soft and flexible for comfort.
Pads
Wool Puddle Pad
If you wish to leave your baby diaper-free (or in undies) at night, or just want extra bed protection, investing in a 100% wool felt puddle pad is a great idea. It will air-dry if peed on and is naturally antibacterial, so you won’t have to launder it very often.
Kushies Deluxe Changing Pad
It has a 100% cotton upper layer and a plastic underlayer. I’ve washed them 100’s of times and they’ve kept fabulously. Now I use them in the car seat when my baby’s wearing undies or trainers, just in case. You can get some for pottying and some for changing diapers.
Summer Infant Deluxe Piddle Pad
Made with soft, absorbent layers next to baby's body and a waterproof vinyl outer layer to keep car seats and strollers dry and clean.
Wipes
Seventh Generation Disposable Baby Wipes
The other “natural” brands tended to make my baby feel sticky after use (I think it’s the aloe ingredient). These are great for on-the-go and the busy early months of red crevices and occasional EC messes and misses.
Thirties Fab Wipes
My favorite cloth wipes are Thirsties Fab Wipes in the 6 pack for around $11. I bought three 6-packs and found that there were plenty in rotation. They wash well and maintain their softness after endless use for poo, pee, spit-up, and other random baby messes.
Munchkin Warm Glow Wipe Warmer
One of the greatest tools I had during the first few months of my baby’s life. During those times when a water bottle and cloth wipes weren't’ handy (or warm!), my baby preferred the warmer disposable wipes.
Creams
Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm
Seeing as you’ll probably avoid diaper rash because you EC, you still could use a cream. Sometimes your baby will get a red ring around the anus (possibly means a food allergy, or drool stool from teething), or might be red and raw after you clean her smelly crevices (including neck rolls, leg rolls, wrist rolls!).
Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter
By the way, for sore nipples, Earth Mama Angel Baby also makes a Natural Nipple Butter that I highly recommend! Use copious amounts on one nipple while you nurse with the other breast for 5-6 hours, then switch!
Swimwear
iPlay Baby Swim Diapers
Absolutely the best. Find them in a variety of colors and styles and know that your EC’d baby will likely signal to go potty while in the water…take him or her out each time. Their instincts tell them to not potty in the water.
Accessories (General Baby Stuff)
Burp Cloths
For the baby who spits up or even for use in a sumo-style diaper with diaper belt (because these bad boys don’t hold much liquid!), burp cloths are a necessity. I like the economical and thin 100% cotton flannel ones by Gerber.
Swaddles
I love, love, love Aden + Anais’ swaddles.
Great for anything from swaddling, to blanketing baby, to using as a beloved “blankie” as they age.
Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat
If your newborn won’t sleep unless he’s sleeping in the carrier, on you, and you would like a break, enter “Auntie” swing. In the absence of intact culture and village life, a baby swing can give you a long-awaited rest while baby sleeps soundly.
Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Deluxe Infant Seat
Another surrogate “Auntie,” the chair I prefer most.
Homedics White Noise Machine
Although I don’t suggest using these at high volumes, a white noise machine can help if you have a baby who wakes easily, or other children who have trouble staying quiet.
Carriers for Babywearing
Babywearing helps you stay in touch with your baby’s potty signals much better than if you didn’t wear your baby. Here are my suggestions….
Baby K’tan (a Moby Wrap Alternative)
I’ve used the Moby Wrap for both my first kiddos when they were teeny-tiny. Now I’ve gotten smarter! The Baby K’tan is a shorter, simpler version that feels identical to the Moby.
The Maya Wrap
An incredible ring sling wrap and it comes in gorgeous colors and styles Ring slings are great for use around the house and you can place the baby in the sling in a variety of positions as your baby ages.
Mexican Rebozo
Mexican Rebozos are generally very long, elaborate, and
expensive. I've found one that is smaller, less expensive, and
still just as functional.
Beco Gemini
I was given my first Beco when my second child (my daughter) was in utero. It is awesome, primarily because I’ve never seen a carrier that can be used for all ages, newborn through toddler, via a series of snaps and folds, without an insert. We used it immediately after her birth and it was just perfect.
The Ergo
It is definitely worth the expense, as you can carry your baby in it from about 12 pounds (with an infant insert) through toddlerhood, and beyond if you transition to your hip and back! It is so comfortable and adjustable.
LittleLife Ranger Child Carrier
A great carrier for the 7+ month baby. I imagine that many men walk out and about in the city or the countryside with this super-light, super comfy (for both wearer and baby), super-cute backpack. The LittleLife backpack is ESSENTIAL on hiking trips.
Board Books (for babies + kids)
Tiny Potty by Andrea Olson (ages 6mos+)
I wrote this book because there wasn’t one on the market that omitted images of diapers, taught the actual steps of pottying, and didn’t mention “wait for readiness” messages. So I made Tiny Potty for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years. The child in the book is gender- and age neutral. Good for EC or potty training.
Pete’s Potty / Lilly’s Potty
This book is a gorgeously illustrated book. It is very large with fold-out flaps which may be difficult for small hands. The book’s last few pages demonstrate the “how to” of using the potty, but the rest of the book is a game of “where’s Pete’s potty” - which you may or may not think is relevant to your child when trying to solidify the potty process in his/her mind.
I Go Potty
This is the first book I got with my first child. It is a
fun, quick read and shows a hippo and his bear
pottying together. Doesn’t really show the process
so much as it does show a “kid” enjoying the
potty!
Instructional EC Books (for parents)
Go Diaper Free by Andrea Olson
My book - love it! It's got everything you need, nothing you don't, and is easy to digest (written, audio, and video media are all included!)...plus a private support group run by my certified coaches.
Infant Potty Training by Laurie Boucke
A wonderful, encyclopedic volume that has an extensive section on pottying habits and customs around the world.
The Diaper Free Baby by Christine Gross-Loh
The first EC book I read. While the how-to in it is fuzzy, what got me going is the multiple testimonials and case stories of people who actually did EC, and how it affected their lives.
Video Courses (for parents)
I started creating video courses in 2016 for parents who want to learn more about specific EC topics in a visual, hands-on, interactive manner. New courses are being added periodically, with a full 8-10 mini-course plan and a flagship EC course in the works for 2017. Join as a student now and either enroll in anything that suits you or we’ll notify all students when new courses are released.
The Bundle All 7 EC MiniCourses (0-18 months+) save 51%
Baby Meets Potty MiniCourse 0-3 months
Potty Time Master MiniCourse 0-18 months
Nighttime EC 101 MiniCourse 0-18 months and up
EC While Out + About MiniCourse 0-18 months and up
Potty Pause Resolution MiniCourse 0-18 months
Getting EC Back on Track MiniCourse 0-18 months
Wrapping Up EC MiniCourse 0-18 months and up
Earnings Disclaimer: If you choose to click any of the links in this Supply List, it will not cost you a penny extra, however, it may result in a few extra pennies in my pocket which I promise to use to (a) further the message of EC to other parents worldwide and (b) raise my own 3 kids as naturally as possible. Thank you for clicking should you choose to do so, or feel free to cut and paste the items into your browser! xx Andrea
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