What do you think?
Rate this book
Go Diaper Free: A simple handbook for elimination communication
Stop changing diapers…start pottying your baby. Over half the world's children are potty trained by one year old, yet the average potty training age in the United States is currently three years old. This leaves parents What did people do before diapers? and How do I help my own baby out of diapers sooner? Elimination Communication, also known as EC, is the natural alternative to full-time diapers and conventional toilet training. Although human babies have been pottied from birth for all human history, we've modernized the technique to work in today's busy world. Go Diaper Free shows parents of 0-18 month babies, step-by-step, how to do EC with confidence, whether full time or part time, with diapers or without. "Diaper-free" doesn't mean a naked baby making a mess everywhere - it actually means free from dependence upon diapers. With this book, new parents can avoid years of messy diapers, potty training struggles, diaper rash, and unexplained fussiness. Also helpful for those considering EC, in the middle of a potty pause, or confused about how to begin. This 6th edition includes a new section on The Dream Pee, a full text and graphic revision, more photos of EC in action, and a complete list of further resources. MULTIMEDIA includes professionally-recorded full-length AUDIOBOOK for moms and dads on the go, private video library, downloads + printables, additional troubleshooting, and our private online support group run by our Certified Coaches, all on our book owners' website (link is provided inside the book!). For less than the cost of a case of diapers, you can learn EC hands-on, the way it's meant to be learned.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2013
124 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 9, 2022
This book could’ve been 1 hour long. Andrea repeated herself ad nauseam. The whole book she referred you to her other book, her website, her purchase list, and her podcast. It was basically a 7.5 hour add for her other resources. She gave about 4 helpful tips in the entire book.
She spoke for a majority of the book about taking a course from her that helps you “wrap up” EC. I’m not sure why you’d have to take the course considering she has a 2 minute section on “passing the baton” which basically equals “wrapping up”. What else could she need to tell you? Oh that’s right, nothing. Just wants to sell you more information for absolutely no reason.
This book should have been a front to back guide on what to do and how to do it, but all she did was try to talk you into spending more money. Don’t buy this. Watch 3 YouTube videos on EC and you’ll have all the information this book provided.
She spoke for a majority of the book about taking a course from her that helps you “wrap up” EC. I’m not sure why you’d have to take the course considering she has a 2 minute section on “passing the baton” which basically equals “wrapping up”. What else could she need to tell you? Oh that’s right, nothing. Just wants to sell you more information for absolutely no reason.
This book should have been a front to back guide on what to do and how to do it, but all she did was try to talk you into spending more money. Don’t buy this. Watch 3 YouTube videos on EC and you’ll have all the information this book provided.
March 4, 2017
I wouldn't call this book simplified, I'd call it thorough... with the effect that it has made EC seem very complicated to me. EC initially seemed like it would be mostly about signals and cuing, but it has now morphed in my mind to something that also includes special equipment, outfits, and diapers/nappies, as well as other parenting choices like babywearing (in a sling that can be removed easily, not the structured carrier I have) and co-sleeping (every night, which isn't helpful in our situation), which makes it all feel a lot less achievable for me. My baby doesn't signal and doesn't go on the potty when cued, and I really don't know if I have the energy to go back to the start and follow all the extra advice. I'm putting the whole thing aside for now and I'll decide whether to come back to it later. At that point I'll probably go to the support group rather than this book to answer my questions.
June 29, 2023
This is a very straightforward, simple (to me anyway) method of learning potty communication with your baby/toddler. I’d recommend this to anyone who has a baby, even if they don’t plan to use EC as their main method. It employs strategies like not coercing your child or using shame to make them go potty; as well as making sure to make potty going an experience they like and may even enjoy. These strategies are good to use across the board.
If you do plan to use EC as your main method, I recommend buying a copy of the book, and not borrowing it from the library as I did. I will need to purchase this book, so I can come back to it whenever I want or need to consult.
If you do plan to use EC as your main method, I recommend buying a copy of the book, and not borrowing it from the library as I did. I will need to purchase this book, so I can come back to it whenever I want or need to consult.
March 27, 2019
This is the best of the EC guides bc she actually gives you tips…however, it is way more geared to new babes and I really struggled to figure out how to do EC w my very mobile 9 month old. This book did not help me at all. Read this before they start crawling/starting to stand.
February 10, 2025
I just finished this book, and while the content is helpful, it was excessively repetitive. I considered stopping several times, but I keep going because the material that IS there is valuable. I really wish this book was much shorter— its key points could have been conveyed without so much repetition.
I definitely found a few aspects of the book that I didn’t agree with, particularly when it came to certain ideas about what is healthy for children. For example, I believe the suggestion of using gender-neutral pronouns for kids is wrong. I also found that whole section even more strange, since the author switched between she/her and he/him throughout the book— never they/them. It almost came across as more of a virtue signal than a genuine recommendation. Additionally, there were a couple of other points I found concerning, like the notion of letting children explore their sexuality at a young age and the condescending attitude toward people from other cultures. I was especially put off by the comment about “don’t forget to pick up your child’s poop, even if you’re in a third-world country”—it seemed unnecessarily superior.
That said, I enjoyed the book overall! It introduced me to Elimination Communication (EC), and I’ve found it incredibly helpful. My child and I are thriving with the practice, and I’m glad I discovered it.
I definitely found a few aspects of the book that I didn’t agree with, particularly when it came to certain ideas about what is healthy for children. For example, I believe the suggestion of using gender-neutral pronouns for kids is wrong. I also found that whole section even more strange, since the author switched between she/her and he/him throughout the book— never they/them. It almost came across as more of a virtue signal than a genuine recommendation. Additionally, there were a couple of other points I found concerning, like the notion of letting children explore their sexuality at a young age and the condescending attitude toward people from other cultures. I was especially put off by the comment about “don’t forget to pick up your child’s poop, even if you’re in a third-world country”—it seemed unnecessarily superior.
That said, I enjoyed the book overall! It introduced me to Elimination Communication (EC), and I’ve found it incredibly helpful. My child and I are thriving with the practice, and I’m glad I discovered it.
September 18, 2023
Very insightful. Also very repetitive, which is great to imprint the info into your brain. Didn't finish it, cause after a while, you just get all the tips you need and it's enough.
May 12, 2020
I listened to the e-audio book, which was clearly spoken in a fast, conversational tone. I would have preferred the e-audio book on iTunes to have been split up into more tracks: some tracks are very long (over 20 minutes, which as a reader I found difficult to get through in one sitting and then had to try to remember the point I'd reached for next time) while others are only a minute or two long.
I found the book informative, helpful and well structured. The author is realistic and empathetic towards parents giving elimination communication a go. I am glad I read this book because it gave me guidance, confidence and support that we (as parents) would not have had if we had continued to try to navigate elimination communication on our own. I support Andrea Olson's mission to increase awareness of elimination communication in modern society.
I found the book informative, helpful and well structured. The author is realistic and empathetic towards parents giving elimination communication a go. I am glad I read this book because it gave me guidance, confidence and support that we (as parents) would not have had if we had continued to try to navigate elimination communication on our own. I support Andrea Olson's mission to increase awareness of elimination communication in modern society.
April 8, 2023
Even though I want to do EC and this seems to be the only how-to out there, I can’t get through this book. The writing feels condescending and there’s been a few ignorant statements that I can’t get past. Saying people who use gender neutral pronouns should just imagine those are being used in their minds is like the Oscars telling people to just imagine people of colour were nominated; it’s not inclusive and feels almost worse to pretend like it is. Also why should people not let their baby pee anywhere in a “third world country” (problematic term but not even the main issue here) but “especially” not in a “first work country.” Seems to me it would be equally ideal anywhere, why make that qualifier? I feel like I’m being patronized when I read this book and it gets in the way of the learning.
July 31, 2020
I feel like the author tries so hard to simplify the process that she makes it very complicated. There are diagrams and step-by-step-guides and glossaries - all to communicate something that is supposed to be very simple and wordlessly practiced by generations of cultures the world over.
If you're looking for a simpler, much more encouraging and less overwhelming guide, try reading "Diaper Free Baby" by Christine Gross-Loh. It's shorter, too. It's also much less self-promoting than this one.
If you're looking for a simpler, much more encouraging and less overwhelming guide, try reading "Diaper Free Baby" by Christine Gross-Loh. It's shorter, too. It's also much less self-promoting than this one.
February 15, 2018
I started practicing EC with my baby from birth and he’s been so responsive, it’s amazing. This book (and the digital resources provided) has been so helpful to me to make this as easy as possible. I can’t see ever pottying my child another way, it feels so natural. Thank you Andrea for providing all the resources necessary to make this a successful experience!
June 17, 2023
Incredibly repetitive and therefore not actually very easy to follow. The information could have been simplified and condensed. Read a blog, watch a YouTube video, skip this book. Also, it felt like one giant ad which felt really icky.
August 3, 2020
Haphazardly written and difficult to follow. The content seems fine, but I feel like I need to take notes and reorganize them myself to actually execute any of the suggestions.
March 24, 2022
Helpful with images and instructions. Poorly organized. Simultaneously fetishizes and dehumanizes “indigenous communities” without any factual or evidential basis.
December 6, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a ton. I had been intrigued by the concept of elimination communication for many years, so naturally once I found out I was pregnant I began to dive in deep.
I personally like the way that the book is laid out with the step by step processes and repetition. Everything was laid out in a way that my brain processes best, although I recognize this may not be true for everyone. I felt as though someone was truly standing there holding my hand without physically standing there holding my hand.
I think writing the book “backwards” so that you can read how to actually do elimination communication before it goes into the details/philosophy/why is great because it allows you the opportunity to see if this really is for you before you “waste your time” reading the entire book. However, as someone who started reading before I was pregnant and ended when my babies were two and a half months, I wish what was written on page 265 was written earlier in the book. Here she speaks to those who have a hard postpartum recovery and gives ideas and encouragement on how to start. As someone who didn’t even change their babies diapers until they were two weeks old and therefore felt I had to delay starting elimination communication, I wish I heard this message before I gave birth.
The picture quality in the book absolutely needs work. The contrast is terrible and makes it hard to even see what the picture is of. This is unfortunate because there are whole picture galleries. Fortunately I purchased her book off of her website and have access to the pdf with good picture quality, but I wish that the print was of better quality too.
I hope in future editions that they will include sections on strategies for doing elimination communication with twins. I know that they touch on this in their podcast and have coaches who have successfully completed EC with twins. However having this included in the book would be huge for moms of multiples such as myself. Doing EC as laid out in the book cannot necessarily be done equally to two babies simultaneously and thus requires additional strategies.
I personally like the way that the book is laid out with the step by step processes and repetition. Everything was laid out in a way that my brain processes best, although I recognize this may not be true for everyone. I felt as though someone was truly standing there holding my hand without physically standing there holding my hand.
I think writing the book “backwards” so that you can read how to actually do elimination communication before it goes into the details/philosophy/why is great because it allows you the opportunity to see if this really is for you before you “waste your time” reading the entire book. However, as someone who started reading before I was pregnant and ended when my babies were two and a half months, I wish what was written on page 265 was written earlier in the book. Here she speaks to those who have a hard postpartum recovery and gives ideas and encouragement on how to start. As someone who didn’t even change their babies diapers until they were two weeks old and therefore felt I had to delay starting elimination communication, I wish I heard this message before I gave birth.
The picture quality in the book absolutely needs work. The contrast is terrible and makes it hard to even see what the picture is of. This is unfortunate because there are whole picture galleries. Fortunately I purchased her book off of her website and have access to the pdf with good picture quality, but I wish that the print was of better quality too.
I hope in future editions that they will include sections on strategies for doing elimination communication with twins. I know that they touch on this in their podcast and have coaches who have successfully completed EC with twins. However having this included in the book would be huge for moms of multiples such as myself. Doing EC as laid out in the book cannot necessarily be done equally to two babies simultaneously and thus requires additional strategies.
May 31, 2024
What a great book! Lots of info and not too long of a read even though it’s a lengthy book packed with its stuff. I’m a pregnant mama interested in EC and this is the first book I’ve read on it.
I liked the diagrams in the beginning, and I really liked the signal role play on page 52 of the online book. I also liked the example of Nighttime routine with Andrea’s #1 and #4 baby contrasted on pages 178-183, I wish there was daytime one too! It’s also great that there is a resource that addresses EC with a newborn from birth but I really wish this was included in the book. I don’t prefer to learn from mini courses and videos… that’s why I bought the book, so it’s lame that so many of the resources aren’t in it. I didn’t like that the log sheets weren’t included in the book either and you had to go to a separate site to find them. They would have been nice even just as visuals. Also a few of the “visuals” were just little drawings that seemed out of place but I really enjoyed the actual visuals and pictures. I also liked the position examples with real babies on pages 129-141. After page 221, the book is a bit dragged out and repetitive, not as engaging, but I believe she addresses this in the intro.
Overall I would recommend and I’ll update once/if I get to try it out with baby in the Fall.
I liked the diagrams in the beginning, and I really liked the signal role play on page 52 of the online book. I also liked the example of Nighttime routine with Andrea’s #1 and #4 baby contrasted on pages 178-183, I wish there was daytime one too! It’s also great that there is a resource that addresses EC with a newborn from birth but I really wish this was included in the book. I don’t prefer to learn from mini courses and videos… that’s why I bought the book, so it’s lame that so many of the resources aren’t in it. I didn’t like that the log sheets weren’t included in the book either and you had to go to a separate site to find them. They would have been nice even just as visuals. Also a few of the “visuals” were just little drawings that seemed out of place but I really enjoyed the actual visuals and pictures. I also liked the position examples with real babies on pages 129-141. After page 221, the book is a bit dragged out and repetitive, not as engaging, but I believe she addresses this in the intro.
Overall I would recommend and I’ll update once/if I get to try it out with baby in the Fall.
January 18, 2024
I have been studying EC for awhile now through podcasts and Youtube videos. Now that I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy I wanted a comprehensive guide to EC before my daughter is born. I felt that this book was really helpful for me to feel confident before starting EC.
I highly recommend utilizing Andrea’s free resources that are mentioned in the book. The “Owners Guide” is basically a social media forum where you can ask questions and get information. I was really impressed and excited that something like that was included. She also references visuals and PDFs which are helpful as well.
I’m a little confused by some of the negative reviews that this book has gotten. I guess it is not for everyone. I was not bothered by it’s slightly repetitive nature. I felt like the repetition will help me remember the steps as a new mom trying to succeed with EC for the first time. There are also many helpful tips in the book.
I would totally recommend this book for anyone that is curious about EC. Andrea makes EC seem simple and gives a lot of encouragement throughout the book, which I also appreciated since EC can seem daunting and is against the norm.
I highly recommend utilizing Andrea’s free resources that are mentioned in the book. The “Owners Guide” is basically a social media forum where you can ask questions and get information. I was really impressed and excited that something like that was included. She also references visuals and PDFs which are helpful as well.
I’m a little confused by some of the negative reviews that this book has gotten. I guess it is not for everyone. I was not bothered by it’s slightly repetitive nature. I felt like the repetition will help me remember the steps as a new mom trying to succeed with EC for the first time. There are also many helpful tips in the book.
I would totally recommend this book for anyone that is curious about EC. Andrea makes EC seem simple and gives a lot of encouragement throughout the book, which I also appreciated since EC can seem daunting and is against the norm.
April 30, 2025
I wasn’t expecting to come so far this quickly in my EC journey with my 8 week old son.
-Jack Jack stopped crying when I had him in an EC hold by the second day.
-He has pooped at least twice a day into the bath tub and sink since I started 5 days ago.
-I have gotten him to poop and pee onto the bathtub 3 times in a row without dirtying and wetting his diaper. I was not expecting to be able to do this at all. All I hoped for was to get him to poop oit of his diaper here and there in order be able to reuse his cloth diaper cover an extra time or two before he ended up pooping in it.
I listened to part of the audiobook while I was pregnant and forgetful. I’m surprised that I was able to remember enough to be able to do this. Also, I don’t make the psss or grunting sound, because my husband likes to hiss at my cats. I say “poop poop push it out” instead so that our baby doesn’t get confused.
-Jack Jack stopped crying when I had him in an EC hold by the second day.
-He has pooped at least twice a day into the bath tub and sink since I started 5 days ago.
-I have gotten him to poop and pee onto the bathtub 3 times in a row without dirtying and wetting his diaper. I was not expecting to be able to do this at all. All I hoped for was to get him to poop oit of his diaper here and there in order be able to reuse his cloth diaper cover an extra time or two before he ended up pooping in it.
I listened to part of the audiobook while I was pregnant and forgetful. I’m surprised that I was able to remember enough to be able to do this. Also, I don’t make the psss or grunting sound, because my husband likes to hiss at my cats. I say “poop poop push it out” instead so that our baby doesn’t get confused.
September 17, 2024
Overall, the book was accessible and easy to read. It serves much more as a reference resource - something to read through once that can be easily referenced without losing any context. This is why it's so repetitive. Olson explains most of the concepts well, and I'm pleased there are so many free resources associated with owning the book.
4 stars because there were a few editing/style errors that I would expect to be resolved by the 6th edition. I'm also truly appalled that there are instructions for how to help your baby relieve themselves on sidewalks, alleys, and parking lots in the city.
4 stars because there were a few editing/style errors that I would expect to be resolved by the 6th edition. I'm also truly appalled that there are instructions for how to help your baby relieve themselves on sidewalks, alleys, and parking lots in the city.
January 8, 2025
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to rely less on diapers for their baby. The author lays out how to help your baby use the toilet and get out of diapers faster. She points out that the average age for potty trained in the US was 18 months old in the 1950s and now it's 36 months. What's changed since then? The wide adoption of disposable diapers and the campaigns by diaper companies and their staff pediatricians advising it is best for your child to not rush potty training - keeping you buying diapers for longer. This book has a lot of good information and SO MANY resources. If you want to see if Elimination Communication could work for you this book is a great place to start.
June 25, 2021
This book is well-written an extremely practically-focused, which I appreciate, but I'm not sure it's for me. I do appreciate its focus on the "how-to" logistics (secondarily addressing the history and philosophy of EC) -- and this may be something I come back to as I get more used to life as a new mom. But the reality of what EC really entails just doesn't seem compatible with the working-mom lifestyle ... so I'm not sure how much we'll ACTUALLY use these techniques or philosophy with our own kiddo.
April 12, 2023
I originally followed her podcast to find out about EC. It was much easier to digest the audio form of this book. While I found her knowledge helpful to begin EC, there was a bit too much repetition and referencing of other materials (website, podcast, her products, other books, etc). I think this book could have been written in a more concise manner. Lots of helpful information, just had to skim past lots to get to it. Could benefit from being edited further.
October 22, 2024
I wanted to read this book so I can make an informed decision about what option to go with. Although it has a lot of useful information, the way it attacks the west and advocate for elimination outside is surprising. Telling a child it's normal to expose themselves in public, even if "discretely" can be dangerous. Stranger danger is real and you don't want someone taking advantage of your child. Borrowed
December 8, 2017
with my first child, I didn't think I needed a book to tell me how to EC. this time, I decided it might be helpful to learn more about it. I think my favorite part is that Andrea helps you feel confident to take the plunge and follow your instincts... making for a smoother journey for everyone. thank you Andrea <3
October 9, 2018
Pros:
- Thorough
- Includes diagrams and visuals, not just text
- Includes an extensive photo gallery of different EC positions
- Supplemental resources available online, like a feeding and waking log
Cons (for me):
- Organized backwards ("how to" first, "why" last)
- Written in a too-conversational style
- Refers to different parts of the book without giving page numbers
- Thorough
- Includes diagrams and visuals, not just text
- Includes an extensive photo gallery of different EC positions
- Supplemental resources available online, like a feeding and waking log
Cons (for me):
- Organized backwards ("how to" first, "why" last)
- Written in a too-conversational style
- Refers to different parts of the book without giving page numbers
August 18, 2019
I finished the book and it's easy to follow. My little one is a late starter (as far as how early you could start elimination communication) so I probably should have started with the Tiny Potty Training Book. Only starting phase 2 at the moments but we'll see if my rating changes by really how effective the methods are.
February 1, 2020
Useful information. I'm really excited to get started once baby arrives. The one downside to this book is that her approach to parenting is very different from mine and I felt preached to at many points in this book. If you can sift through the unsolicited parenting advice, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration and information.
August 22, 2022
I read the physical book and I wish I had it before I had my baby, but - if you go in after you have a baby, go for the audio! Sadly I listened to it only at the last two chapters because it’s not a smooth listening experience (you get it as audio files, not as a book…) but it was pretty much perfect. Recommend for sure!
November 2, 2022
I wish Andrea Olson would write a thousand parenting books. I loved this. Repetitive as all parenting/self-help books are, but only to the point where she's trying to help you remember the important parts. LOVED that she put the meat at the front and the philosophy/history at the back. Loved her easygoing tone, the helpful breakdowns, all the pictures, troubleshooting, etc. A+
September 9, 2025
I’ll be using EC and implementing all of the advice, but the writing of the book itself was too repetitive. Too many references to all of her other resources…let the book be enough in and of itself. Refer to your other programs and podcasts at the end of the book, not every chapter. Even still, excited to go diaper free!
March 18, 2021
Great resource to learn how to start pottying your child starting at birth, if you want to start that young. Repetitive at times, but helps to hammer home the key points. Makes this concept feel feasible. Will definitely be handy to reference as I begin this journey once my child arrives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews