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EC parents get asked the same question constantly: "What do you even need for that?"
The honest answer is: not much. Elimination communication is older than any product on this list. Families have practiced it for centuries with nothing more than instinct, attention, and a bush. The supplies exist to make it easier — not to make it possible.
That said, the right gear does help. Especially in those early weeks when you're still learning your baby's cues and you want a backup for the moments you miss. This list is updated regularly so you're always seeing what's actually available, not what was trending three years ago.
Bookmark it. Come back to it whenever you need it.
EC supplies aren't just smaller versions of potty training products — some of them are genuinely different. A few things you won't find on a standard potty training list:
A small top-hat or mini potty — sized for infants, not toddlers. Standard potty chairs are too large for a young baby. A top-hat potty (sometimes called an EC potty) sits between your legs while you hold your baby in the classic EC position.
Make sure the one you have has smooth edges and enough of an edge for a baby's bottom to comfortably fit on it.
Split pants or crotchless pants — common in EC practice, especially for crawlers and early walkers. They allow fast, easy potty access without full undressing. Widely used across Asia; increasingly available in the U.S.
So great for EC at home, easy for on-the-go, but not as socially acceptable, yet. Highly recommended if your chidl plays outside a lot and peeing on the ground is fine with you.
Waterproof mats and wet bags — for the misses. Especially useful under baby during floor time, in the carrier, and while traveling.
Always own a wet bag. This is a supply to fuel adventure in your child's life! Wet clothes usually mean a happy child, unless they're covered in urine. But, that happens through the process too and no one wants to throw urine-soaked pants into their bag. I suggest one with two sections, in case you end up with something that has poop and other clothes with pee, or just water.
Cloth diapers or prefolds as backup — many EC families use cloth rather than disposables between potty opportunities. Cloth communicates wetness more clearly to baby, which supports the awareness EC is built on.
If you are practicing EC with a baby, prefolds are a must. They are a great training tool. Think of them as the "potty training underwear of EC".
The standard for EC with young babies. Look for one that's easy to hold, easy to clean, and stable. You'll be using it one-handed while supporting your baby with the other.
→ See the current best-selling potties & seats on Amazon
In addition to Amazon, we also like Baby Potties by GoDiaperFree.
As babies become toddlers and start using the full toilet, a seat reducer keeps things stable and less intimidating. Look for rubber grip, portability, and a fit that works for your toilet shape.
→ See the current best-selling seat covers & reducers on Amazon
Once your EC baby is mobile enough to climb, independence at the toilet becomes the goal. A non-slip, stable step stool is essential. We love Baby Björn for this — well-constructed, rubber grip, won't tip.
→ See the current best-selling step stools on Amazon
A note on these: in EC, the goal is awareness — not absorption. If you use training pants, choose ones that communicate wetness to your baby rather than wicking it away. Thick cotton trainers work better for this than the moisture-wicking athletic-style ones.
You can use either cloth or disposable back-ups, that's up to your family. I have noticed a preference for outside of the immediate family to prefer disposables, just because they are more commonly used and other caregivers feel more comfortable using them. That said, the choice is yours, but realize that there may be a learning curve and mentality curve to teaching other caregivers to use cloth diapers.
→ See the current best-selling training pants on Amazon
An always updated most popular Potty Training Supplies List! - The Potty School
EC families leave the house too. A travel potty is especially useful in the early months when your baby is on a frequent rhythm and public bathrooms aren't always accessible. Think about what you need: Does it fold? Does it fit in a diaper bag? Do you want disposable liners?
→ See the current best-selling travel potties on Amazon
Rather skip the research entirely? The Potty Box is a curated set of 4–6 products hand-picked by The Potty School — only what's actually useful, nothing that's just cute. It changes slightly based on availability, but the philosophy doesn't.
What supplies do I need to start elimination communication?Almost none. A small top-hat or mini potty sized for infants, a waterproof mat for the floor, and cloth backup if you're not using disposables. That's a complete starter kit. You don't need split pants, a special carrier, or any gadgets to begin — those are nice-to-haves, not requirements.
What age do you start elimination communication?Birth is the earliest, and it works beautifully from the newborn stage. The most common window we see parents start is 0–4 months, before habitual diaper use is fully established. That said, EC can be introduced at any point before 18 months — after that, it transitions into early potty training. We cover ages 0–17 months with EC support at The Potty School.
Is elimination communication the same as potty training?No — though they share the same end goal. EC is about communication and awareness from infancy: learning your baby's cues and responding to them. Potty training (typically 18 months+) is about independence and learned habit. EC families often find the transition to potty training significantly easier because the foundation of awareness is already there.
Do I need split pants for elimination communication?Not to start. Split pants are a helpful tool once your baby is mobile — they make quick potty access easier without full undressing. But in the early newborn stage, you'll likely be holding baby over the potty anyway, and pants come off easily. Add split pants when they start moving around more.
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~ Michelle, of The Potty School
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