The first disposable diaper was invented by New Yorker Marion Donovan in 1950. Her first prototype was made out of a shower curtain! So how have parents throughout most of human existence cared for their babies hygienically without relying on diapers? In many cultures around the world, mothers still know how to understand and respond to their infant's elimination needs to keep them clean and content.

This unique parenting guide shows contemporary mothers and fathers how to practically incorporate this knowledge into their daily nurturing, with or without diapers. Illustrated with more than 45 photos, it clearly outlines the benefits, the practice, and solutions to potential challenges. The author interweaves personal experience with medical research, cross-cultural examples, extensive practical how-to support, and parents' stories.

Practicing Natural Infant Hygiene fosters a close bond and communication, prevents conventional toilet training and diapering struggles, supports a healthy body image and early toilet mastery, saves money and the environment and offers another opportunity to respond fully to your baby's needs.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Sharing a gift of gentle wisdom

Part I: The principles and foundation
Chapter 1. A personal journey of rediscovery
Chapter 2. Nature's design for infant care
Chapter 3: Why parent's choose natural infant hygiene
Chapter 4: Challenging contemporary toilet training myths
Chapter 5: Redefining "readiness"
Chapter 6: The physiology of elimination

Part II: The practice
Chapter 7: Making a conscious decision
Chapter 8: Getting started
Chapter 9: Four tools for diaper freedom
Chapter 10: Positions for holding the baby
Chapter 11: Living with your diaper free baby
Chapter 12: Special situations
Chapter 13: Overcoming obstacles
Chapter 14: Caring for yourself
Chapter 15: Cultivating a gentle approach
Chapter 16: Beyond diaper freedom

Part III: Quick reference
Questions & Answers
Resources
Bibliography
Index
About the author