Here are some things you can do to help your child get ready to potty train.
It’s possible that you have noticed that your baby is sleeping more dry and you are changing less diapers. These and other signs indicate it is time to start potty training.
Patience and the awareness that each child will reach this milestone at their own pace is key to successful potty training. These tips work for different children.
How can I tell if my toddler is potty-trained?
Even the best toilet training techniques will fail if your child isn’t ready to go potty training. These are the signs your little one is ready to start potty training.
You’re changing fewer diapers. Toddlers still need to pee until they are around 20 months of age. However, if they can dry for at least an hour, it is a sign they have bladder control and are ready for potty training.
Regular bowel movements are easier to maintain. This makes it easier for you to use the potty when you need it.
You notice your little one being more vocal about using the toilet. Potty training is imminent if your child begins to verbally or facially announce his need to go.
Dirty diapers are something your child may notice. You may find that your child suddenly doesn’t like dirty diapers. Yay! You are so proud of your child for not liking stinky diapers.
When is the best time to potty train your toddler?
Children are not usually ready to go potty training before they turn 2. Some children wait until 3 1/2.
Remember to not push your child until he is ready. Be patient. Every child is different in when potty training should begin. If your child hasn’t started potty training by the third birthday, he isn’t developing slow.
How to prepare your child to potty train
All the signs are there that he’s ready to go for potty training. Don’t throw away your diaper stash just yet. There’s more to be done. These tips will help you make the transition to active toilet training.
Highlight the positive aspects of pottying. Highlight the advantages of using the toilet before you start your first diaper-free trial. Or you might simply say “Wearing underwear can be fun!” Or “Pretty soon, you can flush, just as Mommy or Daddy!” Don’t make fun of your child’s past habits or criticize them for being contrarians. This could cause your child to become a real resistor.
Establish standard bathroom talk. Experts recommend that children use formal terms (defecate, urine) instead of slang. However, it is important to be consistent with your use. Don’t call your child’s diapers “smelly” and “gross”. He’ll feel more comfortable using the toilet if he views it as a natural, non-yucky process.
Commend grown-up behavior in general. Encourage your child to show maturity and praise him for sharing with friends. However, don’t expect too much from your child. If he feels pressured to do something, he might start yearning for simpler times of childhood.
For potty training success, dress appropriately. Dress your toddler in comfortable, pull-down clothes for potty training. Ask your toddler to take his pants down before changing diapers and then to pull them up again.
Teach your toddler how to use a potty. The toilet is no exception. Toddlers love mimicking. While you can explain how to flush, squat and wipe your child, it is much easier and more efficient to just take him to the toilet and show him. Some parents don’t like to share their intimate parts with their children, so you can skip this step.
The gap between diapers & the potty is bridged. You can change your toddler’s diapers in his room with the potty — it will subtly strengthen the link between them. Bring your tot to the toilet after he’s had a pooy diaper. He can then watch as you flush it. You can flush the toilet if he is afraid of the sound.
Choose the right potty. You want a potty that is durable and won’t tip when your child jumps up to see how he’s doing. You can also shop for the potty together and gift it to your child as a gift. You can also opt for a potty chair. Some children are hesitant to use the “baby potty” and will demand that the “grown-up one be used instead. If this is the case, you can get a potty that attaches directly to the toilet. A stable seat is important as a loose or shaky one can cause bowel movements and lead to a return to diapers.
How to potty-train your toddler
Potty training can be a big milestone for parents and can often feel like a rollercoaster ride. But, take comfort in the fact you’ve done the hard work and it’s now time to get the potty out to use. These are some potty training tips to help you potty train your child.
Change to pull-ups Disposables are safer for children who are just learning to use the potty. They can be pulled down as underpants but can also absorb like diapers. After your child has had a few success stories on the potty, you can switch to cotton training pants.
Allow him to show his bottom. Allow your child to bare his bottom in order to increase his awareness of his body’s signals. When there is no diaper to cover it, it can be difficult to ignore the urine. So your child can quickly respond to his body’s signals, keep the potty handy.
Pay attention. You might be able to detect your child’s signals better than he. You can look out for signs such as straining and fidgeting, and gently ask him when he needs to go. To strengthen the relationship, even if it’s too late or he has already done the deed, you can still have him sit on a potty.
Encourage him to keep going. Keep him motivated by reminding him that the potty is a sign that he’s maturing. A small, tangible reward can be helpful in the beginning. For every success, you could put a sticker on your calendar or a penny into the piggy bank. You can gradually reduce the reward and let your inner motivation take control as he gets more comfortable using the toilet.
Teach him how to check for dryness. This will give him an extra sense of control. Give him a pat on his back (or a big hug) if he is dry. But don’t criticize if he is wet.
Be patient. It can take weeks for even the most eager toddler to learn how to use potty training. Sometimes, he will need to go backwards as well as forwards. You could make your child less confident if you set unrealistic expectations. Do not scold or punish your child. It’s not fun for a parent to clean up the mess, but it is important to keep cool. Overreacting can discourage your toddler from trying again.
Reduce the nagging. Be casual when reminding your child about the potty. Nagging will only cause resistance. You shouldn’t force your pony to use the potty, even if he is about to go. You can lead your pony to the toilet, but ultimately, it is his choice to use the potty.
Don’t deny drinks. Parents often believe that rationing fluids will reduce the chances of their toddler having an accident. This approach is not only inefficient, but also unfair. To give your child more chances to succeed, it is better to increase your child’s fluid intake.
Avoid fighting over the bathroom. Avoid arguing about going to the toilet. It will only prolong the fight. If you encounter resistance, it is best to just give up and throw in the towel. For a few weeks. Be patient. Wait for your child’s progress. Don’t compare him with other children who have underpants.
Potty training is not always easy or without bumps. Don’t underestimate it. It’s about waiting for your toddler to show signs of readiness, setting the scene and then going for it.
Although the idea of getting rid of diapers can be exciting, it can also prove difficult to manage your parenting patience. But don’t lose hope. Although potty training your toddler may seem daunting, your child will soon master it. Good luck!