The Diaper-Free Baby: The Natural Toilet Training Alternative (Paperback)

~ Christine Gross-loh (Author)
Key Phrases: potty bowl, loose diaper, elimination communication, Parents Speak, Baby Bjorn Little Potty, Laurie Boucke (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Imagine infants free from painful diaper rash, new parenthood without thousands of dollars wasted in diapering costs, toilet training that is natural and noncoercive, and, most important, happier babies and parents

As Christine Gross-Loh reveals in her progressive, enlightening book, all this is possible and more. Infants are born with the ability to communicate their need to "go," just as they communicate hunger or sleepiness. Gross-Loh, a mother of two children who were diaper-free at eighteen and fifteen months, uses the tenets of "elimination communication," or EC, to teach parents how to identify and respond to their baby or toddler's natural cues.

Unlike the all-or-nothing approach of some parenting books, The Diaper-Free Baby addresses three categories of parents: full-time, part-time, and occasional EC'ers. Parents can practice EC as much or as little as fits their family and lifestyle. A support group within a book, The Diaper-Free Baby also includes inspiring testimonials throughout every chapter. Parents who have successfully practiced EC identify common struggles, share experiences and problem-solving tips, and provide encouragement for those new to the technique. Their motivational stories together with Gross-Loh's practical advice will appeal to all parents interested in a fresh alternative to traditional toilet training.

About the Author

Christine Gross-Loh is a freelance writer with a PhD from Harvard University. Her writing has appeared in Mothering, Shape, and Parenting. She is very involved in DiaperFreeBabyTM, a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 to promote awareness of EC. She has appeared on The Early Show and Paula Zahn Now, among others. Gross-Loh lives in Tokyo, Japan, with her husband and children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (January 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061229709
• ISBN-13: 978-0061229701
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,360 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #5 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Babies & Toddlers > Toilet Training
  #66 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Babies & Toddlers > Infants

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed in this book, May 7, 2008

By	Kitty (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Maybe my expectations for this book were too high. I'm a big ec supporter and was so looking forward to it but felt let down when I finally read it. I found the books by the more established authors Boucke Infant Potty Training: A Gentle and Primeval Method Adapted to Modern Living and Bauer Diaper Free: The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene far more complete and informative, so if you only plan to read one ec book, go for one of them instead.

I do like the writing style of this book (same goes for the other two ec books) and applaud the author for providing another book in this genre. A strong point is that this book urges parents to take things slowly by using ec part time or just occasionally, however this point and some others are made over and over again.

I didn't find much original material in the book. In short, a rehash with a slightly different emphasis and flavor.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Buy this later, July 26, 2008

By	Nerdus Sociologus (California) - See all my reviews

This book might be worth it if you already have a more organized book about EC itself and want to hear about it from others. Reading quote after quote from parents who are learning/doing elimination communication strikes me as a waste of time and shows poor editing. The quotes might make you feel good, but they won't help you learn to "catch."

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Concept, Good Book, January 14, 2008

By	Ukulele Significance "Uke" (Psg, AK) - See all my reviews

The concepts contained in this book could be put into a pamphlet. The remainder of the book is testimonials by people who have tried to toilet-train their babies and been amazed by their success. This book was a good introduction to elimination communication for us and gave us what we needed to get started. And off we went with good success.
The thesis of the book is that if you pay attention to your child you'll figure out that she gives cues just before going to the bathroom. You can use those cues to dangle your child over the toilet. Since you'd be changing a diaper anyway it doesn't require more time investment. If you get it right, you and your child are both happy - and if you miss then you change a diaper. Give it a try - it's pretty fun.