Diaper-free and holding
Babies and diapers are inseparably linked for most of us. But that's not the case everywhere: In many cultures, babies are naturally held and (partially) raised without diapers. What exactly this is, what advantages and disadvantages it has, and why holding and diapering are not mutually exclusive, you can read here.
What does "Windelfrei" mean?
In this country, "Windelfrei" refers to a method of toilet training that the conscious and needs-based handling of excretions including babies. There are a variety of currents and interpretations of the excretion communication depending on educational background. However, each approach has the same goal: to avoid the use of diapers — as much as possible. :) Instead of diapers, your child does their business at Hold . Since each child has their own individual pace, the different concepts are often mixed in practice – there are no strict rules to follow, but everything depends on you, your child, and your daily routine. Because in everyday life, complete abstinence can sometimes be quite difficult to implement. Therefore, for example, in the case of the on the Montessori Education A basic approach to using diapers for safety is completely fine. With such a part-time diaper model, you don't have to worry about your little explorer going without diapers at all. Instead, the focus is on the Independence and the child's natural instinct to promote his bodily functions. Unlike the classic Potty training Isn't the primary goal to become dry, but rather to support your child in fulfilling their basic needs? According to this approach, the ideal time to start with the diaper-free method is the sensible phase until the 3rd month of life - during this phase, the child is particularly receptive to acquiring certain skills such as managing their eliminations. But you can also practice potty training with your child at a later time, as our midwife Sissi knows:
Parents can start potty training either immediately after birth, after a few months, or after starting complementary feeding. The advantage is that children who have already been potty trained as infants generally find it a little easier to get used to the potty or toilet.
When potty training, you pay close attention to your baby's signals and recognize when it needs to go. This way, you can place it on the or the so-called in time. At home, you can of course also hold your child over the sink, toilet, or bathtub until they can go to the potty independently. Our midwife Sissi reminds you to clean the diaper area afterward as usual with a .
How does the holding work?
To ensure the event is successful, the first step is to Communication between you and your baby, the A and O. Pay attention to Signals like a grimace, crying, trembling or restlessness - these precursors give you the starting signal that your child needs to have a bowel movement - and then it's time to act quickly. As soon as it does its business, you can do a certain sound make, for example "sssccch" when urinating or a "uuuh" during bowel movements. This teaches your baby to respond to these key sounds and to use them themselves. Also baby sign language can be a helpful signal as part of nonverbal communication, so your little explorer can express their needs. This way, you will gradually get a sense of the right timing. For orientation, you can also recurring everyday situations use before or after sleeping, wearing, drinking, or feeding. Also during longer excursions or Car trips It makes sense to offer your offspring the opportunity to hold it beforehand. Since you might be distracted while on the go or visiting friends and family, it can sometimes be quite difficult to pay close attention to your baby's signals — in such situations, it is therefore advisable to use diapers.
In addition to communication, there is also the Braking technology for a successful event. Midwife Sissi recommends that you always hold your baby or toddler close to your body. This way, you have the best feeling for your child, and they feel your belly directly against their back – providing a sufficient sense of security. After all, your baby needs to feel relaxed, and you should also be comfortable and avoid getting tired arms.
The classic over the toilet or sink allows you to lean your baby against your torso and hold it with its face away from you on its thighs. This way, it is "sitting" upside down over the toilet or sink. During it can help to place your baby's feet on the edge of the toilet or press against the lid.
If a collection bucket is used, it is best to hold your baby's upper body with one arm, stabilize the legs with your hand, and hold the bucket firmly with the other hand.
If your child needs to be held during a walk (in warm weather) and no bucket is available: squat down at a quiet spot on the ground and hold your child in a "sitting" position, similar to the position over the toilet or sink — this requires good balance on your part. ;)
No matter which grip you choose, you should ensure that the neck, little head, and spine are well supported when handling newborns. When your baby is older and perhaps no longer wants to be held, you can place it on a potty and, if necessary, support it further.
The lovingly designed is suitable for babies and toddlers, and thanks to its clever 2-in-1 design, you can also use it as a replacement insert for the potty from Kindsgut in a cute whale design. This way, the product can grow with your child: from potty training to toilet training. It is made from environmentally friendly materials and is easy to clean. The flat bottom provides stability, both when standing and in your lap, making the ergonomic potty a practical companion for your adventures together, even on the go.
And also the appropriate clothing can make it easier for you to hold. Special pants with a foldable part or slit are especially valuable when you need to do it quickly. Conversely, bodysuits or rompers can sometimes take too much time to take off. Overall, when buying clothes, keep in mind that they should be easy to put on and take off and comfortable. A tip for days at home: baby cuffs. With them, your little explorer stays warm and no pants interfere with holding.
Even if you try to make potty training as comfortable as possible for your child, it may happen that it just doesn't work out or that at some point it with a Abstention Strike begins. Sissi advises not to put pressure on yourself or your child. If your little explorer doesn't want to continue right now, simply put them down again and try again later. Not every baby can relax during toilet training and urinate or have a bowel movement exactly then. Especially when they are going through a growth or development spurt, they often cannot send clear signals because there is so much to experience. During such a phase or if your child is constantly wet, it is better to use diapers so that they feel clean and dry and avoid frustration on your part.
Advantages and disadvantages of abstaining
Many parents who choose a diaper-free upbringing or part-time diaper-free consider the environment. After all, during the diapering period, a baby uses a lot of diapers, which in turn require resources. But there are also other Advantages , which it entails:
Your baby learns from birth to communicate their need to eliminate, thereby noticing their eliminations and gradually gaining control over them.
You learn to interpret the signals of your little explorer better and to pay attention to their needs. This strengthens your bond.
The reduced diaper consumption is not only good for the environment but also noticeable in your wallet.
The risk of a sore bottom or diaper dermatitis is lower.
Of course, there are also some Disadvantages the diaper-free method:
Especially in the early stages, you need a lot of time and vigilance to react correctly and in a timely manner. Because often you don't have much time before your baby's urine or bowel movement occurs after the signal.
Not every baby gives clear signals or can relax during diaper changes. This can lead to stress and frustration for you if the diaper change is not successful.
It is almost unavoidable that something might go wrong sometimes. :) Especially when you're on the go, you might not be able to stop quickly enough. One or two accidents are completely normal.
If you also want to do without diapers at night, you will probably sleep restlessly at first to avoid missing any sound from your baby.
Not every nursery or daycare is able to hold activities in an organized and hygienic manner. You should talk to the educators beforehand about keeping your child out of activities. To prevent accidents, training pants or diapers are often a good compromise during the care period.
Since your child is getting used to you or other people in the environment, there could be stool retention if, for example, teachers or babysitters try to prevent it.
As you can see, diaper-free parenting has its advantages and disadvantages. And let me say again: diaper-free does not automatically mean completely giving up diapers. For many parents, a combination of diaper-free and diapers works wonderfully, as it is easier to integrate into everyday life — at home or on the go.
Whether hosting is right for you and your baby is something only you can decide together. If you don't want to completely give up diapers but still want to maintain sustainability and skin-friendliness, try our and . They avoid plastic wherever possible and instead use natural ingredients such as unbleached pulp in the diaper core and more sustainable paper packaging. Like all LILLYDOO products, the green diapers and Pants are free from artificial ingredients, perfumes, and lotions, making them gentle on both the environment and your baby's skin. Whatever you decide — we wish you and your baby a wonderful time!