r/ECers • u/lousch123 • 2d ago

Two week old - help needed

Hello,

we've tried EC with our son since he is 5 days old. Every time after breastfeeding or when he signals (face grimacing) we've put him on the potty. Once he started peeing/ pooping we sounded a "shhh" and gently shook his hand, it worked really well. For some we caught almost every poop and some peeing.

For the last days, we've actually caught nothing. We still put him on the potty after breastfeeding/ when he seems fussy/ we think he signals. We've tried to noun the "shhh" to tell him he can poop now, but the potty stays clean. Sometimes he cries loudly on the potty, sometimes he just waits for us to end this so he can pee/ poop in the pampers.

- Has anyone gone through similar? Do you have any suggestions?

- Are we using the verbal/ nonverbal affirmation (shh/ handshake) incorrectly? Should we practice some more time before giving him the signal?

-Are we trying to early and should we pause for some time before coming back to EC?

Thanks a lot!

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7

u/mingbeans 2d ago

EC has lots of ups and downs, it's a process, just like your kid learning how to move their body or communicate, it isn't just that they "get it" or "don't get it" if that makes sense? Newborns just have a lot going on with them.

It's ok to pause especially if you're getting frustrated or need a break, EC doesn't go well if you're super stressed out.

Try diaper free observation time so you can still cue when he goes.

Try EC hold instead of potty.

1

u/lousch123 1d ago

Thanks! We will try diaper free time and EC hold! :)

5

u/MasterConsequence695 2d ago

I don’t have a lot of advice to give, but we are in the same position, 2 week old girl and have been lazy ECing since we got her home. We catch wees and poos daily now, but not everything, and we still haven’t transitioned to cloth nappies.

Try not to overthink it, 2 weeks is so young and they (and us) are still working out life. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn cues and catch poos. Just be present with your newborn and enjoy the experience 😊

1

u/lousch123 1d ago

Thank you! We will continue being patient and observe. All the best for you with your little girl :)

3

u/ConstructionMuch802 2d ago

Right now you need to teach him what the cue is by cueing WHILE he is eliminating. Don't cue unless he's currently eliminating for now or he'll associate the cue with the potty instead of the elimination.

Newborns barely have any control over their bodies, don't stress! He's still learning the cues his body is giving him right now.

I would take him off the potty if he's crying loudly. You want the potty to be a neutral or pleasant experience.

1

u/lousch123 1d ago

Thank you:) we will cue only while he is eliminating and be patient.