EC babies not tolerating unassisted elimination?

[Peace+Hope]

hi mamas,

i'm expecting my first and looking forward to EC. i've read a LOT on this forum, but was wondering about something i have not seen covered in previous threads.

if i am practicing EC, is there a chance my baby could be upset in situations where i may not be able to attend to elimination immediately? i'm definitely thinking that i'll be (except for naked time) using cloth diapers as a barrier, but can imagine situations, especially outings (or later, grandparent day or something), when baby would have to wait. i'd hate to be effectively training a baby not to be able to tolerate this on occasion!

any experience with EC babies that are inconsolable when "having" to eliminate in a diaper? i've known babies who freak as soon as they pee/poo anyway, but i've never been around EC babies.

thanks so much. the only baby/toddler "protesting" info i've seen here seems to be around developmental milestones and "striking" EC for some time...

[JMJ]

Until "graduation" there will be misses, times that the communication needed to allow your baby to go in a potty is not there. EC is just working on that communication. Outings and grandparents, etc may be more difficult times to establish that communication, but you'll work it out over time. If your baby's signs are so clear that she/he is upset about having to go, then you'll work out a way to meet her/his needs.

[BirthKathy]

Yes, this can be tough. We don't go out much, but when we do I always feel that it's an issue. I make sure that we have time and place for potty (in the car, mainly) before and after outings. When I don't leave time, I feel bad. We went to the doctor recently and he got fussy midway through the appt. I took him to their toilet, but he got stage fright and didn't go. He ended up waiting until we got home to potty and did not go in his diaper. He really does not like to use his diapers.

We haven't spent much time in other people's homes, but all of our friends and family are supportive so it is not an issue there. Especially the grandparents. Just use a diaper that they're comfortable with, and let them observe the baby using the toilet. I bet they'll be all for it. Anything that helps the baby stop fussing is going to be a plus!

[hrsmom]

I think it depends on the baby. I can tell you that if my babe needs to go and I'm not able to take her, she just goes, no problem. Like the pp said, if yours is that strong of a communicator to where they are fussy about it, you'll be able to figure something out. Congratulations!!!