Gentle introduction to elimination communication

New to Holdups? Here's how to get started stress-free.

Learn what Elimination Communication is, why it works so well for many families, and how you can easily get started.

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Perhaps you've already asked yourself:

What exactly is "Abhalten"?

Elimination Communication means you give your baby the opportunity to eliminate outside of a diaper – for example, over a sink, a toilet, a suitable bowl, or a potty.

Many families use recurring moments in everyday life for this, such as after waking up, during diaper changes, or around breastfeeding and feeding times.

The diaper can still serve as a reliable backup. Elimination Communication is not an all-or-nothing.

Why so many families hold back

To hold is natural

People have always accompanied their babies without diapers. EC (Elimination Communication) builds on exactly that – calmly, closely, and at your own pace.

More bonding with the child

Babies show from the very beginning when they need to go. When practicing elimination communication, you learn to perceive and react to these signals.

Much less diaper waste

Even partial elimination communication significantly reduces diaper consumption. This saves money and avoids a lot of waste.

Holding may be quite simple

You don't have to adopt a specific method or change your entire daily routine.

What matters is not how often you practice elimination communication or how many eliminations land outside the diaper. What matters is finding a way that feels good for you and your baby.

ONE OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Isn't elimination communication a lot of effort?

Elimination communication is much simpler than it sounds at first.

You don't have to constantly watch your baby, recognize every signal, or completely forgo diapers. Many families start with a single, well-fitting moment in their daily routine.

Over time, you'll figure out which situations work for you. Elimination communication should adapt to your family's daily life – not the other way around.

Mutter und Vyater mit Neugeborenem

YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHANGE EVERYTHING

How to get started with elimination communication

To start, choose just one situation that is already part of your daily routine.

Particularly easy moments are often:

  • after waking up,
  • during diaper changes,
  • after being carried,
  • around breastfeeding or feeding.

Hold your baby briefly and securely over a sink, a suitable bowl, a toilet, or a potty.

If something comes: wonderful. If nothing happens: that's perfectly fine too.

Over time, you will discover which moments and positions work best for you.

GET YOUR FREE START GUIDE

What do you really need to get started?

You don't need to buy anything new for your first elimination communication attempt.

If you want to integrate elimination communication more frequently into your daily routine, a quick-opening EC diaper with suitable inserts can make many things easier. An EC potty is a practical addition, but not a prerequisite.

Which diaper and inserts are right for your baby depends primarily on their size and developmental stage.

Save 18% One Size Cloth Diaper Extra Dry | Jacquard One Size Cloth Diaper Extra Dry | Jacquard Quick View Choose options
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One Size Cloth Diaper Extra Dry | Jacquard € 72,00 From € 59,00
Save 11% Windelfrei Strampler Langarm Mata Origin Romper Diaper-Free long-sleeved | Wool-Tencel Quick View Choose options
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Romper Diaper-Free long-sleeved | Wool-Tencel € 105,00 From € 93,00
Save 18% Abhaltehose Sommer Shorty Abhaltehose Sommer Shorty Quick View Choose options
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Diaper Cover Shorts Summer | Interlock € 55,00 € 45,00
Mata Origin Potty abhaltet_pfchen2-mata-origin Quick View
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Mata Origin Potty € 15,50

The moment that changed everything

Magdalena, founder of Mata Origin, talks about how she first came into contact with holding space – and why she decided to pursue this path herself.

If you want to dive deeper

In this course, Magdalena will guide you step-by-step through the introduction to elimination communication – with many specific everyday situations.
You will gain exactly the knowledge and confidence you need to find your own way.

More about the course

How other families experience everyday potty training

Antonia

"I never thought I'd be able to recognize my baby's signals so well.
It just feels right."

Johanna

"At first, I was unsure if it would even work. After a short time, it became completely natural – and much more relaxed than I expected."

Clara

"Through elimination communication, I've gotten to know myself and my baby anew. It feels much more connected."

FREE STARTER GUIDE

Would you like to try Elimination Communication?

Our free starter guide shows you step-by-step how to get started in a relaxed way – even if you don't yet recognize clear signals.

GET YOUR FREE STARTUP GUIDE

More on the topic of keeping away

More in the magazine

You can start today.

Not perfect. Not all at once.
Just step by step.

Customers love Mata Origin ♥️

The first time I saw Mata Hosen on another mom, a whole new world opened up for me. It was immediately clear to me that this would be our path too.

Anne

Service:
- fast, reliable and incredibly pleasant

Openness and honesty on Instagram and in personal contact via web chat: You answer my questions competently, pleasantly and individually. I really appreciate that.

Without you, our elimination communication journey would have been much more complicated and "lonely". :) Thank you very much

Alex

Opening and closing the Mata diaper is so easy, silent, and quick. I'm so happy with the diaper! Thank you!

Katie

We love and live Mata Origin! My son has been wearing nothing else since he was 3 months old. The clothes make our diaper-free life so much easier. ♥️

Leonie

The Mata system made it very easy for us to get started and accompanied us in style. By now, the Mata community has also become a part of our diaper-free daily life, which I wouldn't want to miss. The only thing I regret is that I didn't know about diaper-free and the Mata system from birth. If I have another child, they will definitely wear Mata from birth.

Clara

Once you've dressed your little one in Mata Origin products, you won't want to put anything else on them. The fabrics are unique and cuddly. We look forward to every new product Magdalena designs.

Petra

I really appreciate your products, your service, and your transparency.
The products are very practical and well-thought-out for elimination communication, very high-quality and comfortable. My son wears the pants daily. Washing is very rarely necessary. Airing them out and brushing them lightly is completely sufficient. I loooove the material.

Alexandra