Are you a first-time parent worried about potty training? You are not alone. Most new parents often find it a challenge dealing with baby potty matters. This article includes tips and guidance for you to learn how to potty train your toddler as well as the right time to start the process. Read on to learn more.
Potty training is a mandatory phase in the growth of any child. Do not feel frustrated no matter the time it takes for your kid to start peeing in the potty. Teaching might not be smooth.
There are several developmental stages that your kid has to go through first. Your child needs to be aware of body feelings, communicate well, and understand the time required to get there.
When To Potty Train
Many parents want to know the right potty training age. To know if your child is ready you need to ask yourself the following questions as a parent.
- Can your child sit on a toilet or walk?
- Is your child able to remove his or her pants and put them back on?
- Can your child stay two hours while dry?
- Will your child be able to follow basic directions?
- Will your child be able to let you know when they want to go?
- Is your child interested in using the potty?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you are ready to learn how to potty train. But keep your eyes open, especially if there is a significant change coming. Nonetheless, if the answer to most of these questions was no, you can wait.
Nighttime Potty Training
Nighttime and nap training takes longer than many parents do anticipate. Many children will stay dry at night after they reach the age of five. However, some wet themselves until eight years. You should use mattress covers and disposable training pants until your child passes this stage.
First Time Potty Training
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to potty train your toddler for the first time.
1. Introduce the Potty
Your kid will typically need the potty between one and a half years and three years old. When your child approaches one year, you can start reading potty training books to be ready. It’s time to start raising your child’s awareness about the potty. Ensure the toddler is prepared and comfortable about the idea before getting down to business.
2. Look for Readiness and Early Signs
If your child remains dry after a nap or at least three hours during the day, it may be a sign that they are ready for the potty. However, ensure that they can follow simple instructions like remove clothes, walk to the bathroom, and sit down.
Another sign is that they are uncomfortable when the diaper is soiled. The child will show discomfort by body language, posture, or facial expression.
3. Pick the Best Potty Chair
Most children are terrified of falling into the toilet. You need to get the right potty chair for your kid to get rid of this fear. The potty seat should cover the toilet, thereby reducing the opening of the bowel. If this does not work well, you can buy a potty chair and place it in the playroom.
Over time, your tot will become accustomed to its presence. When the child is ready for it, transfer the chair to the bathroom. If the kid uses a potty seat, you can get them a step-stool for support while pooping.
4. Get Your Timing Right
Even if your toddler seems ready, experts say it is essential to get a potty training schedule right. If on vacation, moving, going through a divorce, you have to postpone the training until you have the time. Your kid will better learn how to use the potty on a routine basis and when relaxed.
When you are sure time is right to start potty training, your child should be able to go to the bathroom, day or night. The potty must be available 24/7 whenever they need it.
5. Demonstrate the Methods
You need to show by action the potty training methods to your kid. The objective is to have your child use it the whole day until it becomes a habit. Ensure the tot is on the potty every two hours.
The first thing after waking up should be to check whether the child uses the potty, and within no time, it becomes a habit. You can also watch potty training videos or play games with your kids as they use the potty to switch their focus a little bit. Always praise your child when they go for the potty.
It is tough to find a child who would go back to using diapers after being successful with the potty.
6. Offer Rewards and Praises
Accidents are part of any training process. It will be no different as you train your child to use the potty. You can use a potty training sticker chart where you record your kids’ progress every day. Do not punish them for soiling or wetting their pants. It is part of the learning process.
If you punish your kid, all you are doing is making them scared. In turn, there will be a delay in the amount of time that it takes for them to learn.
7. Teach Them Good Hygiene
Give your children the right tips to carry for a lifetime. It should be a routine for your kids to wash their hands. They should do this together with wiping and flushing. Once the toddler becomes accustomed to this kind of training, they will stick to it forever.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that your child wets their hands using warm running water. You should encourage the use of soap, and scrubbing should continue for at least twenty seconds.
Printable Potty Training Chart
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Final Thoughts
If you see the signs that your baby is ready for potty training, but she/he struggles, talk to your pediatrician. You will get the necessary guidance on how to deal with the problem.
Do you have any questions or some potty training techniques that have worked for you? Feel free to let us know in the comment box below.
Author
Meet Betti!
Betti Wilson is a passionate writer, mainly focusing on children’s matters and child
development. She is a mother of three kids, and she loves spending time with them. Currently,
she is volunteering her services at a children center in her hometown.
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