Potty Training
What Is Potty Training?
Potty training is teaching your toddler to control their urine and bowel movements. A potty is used because it is easier than a full sized toilet.
When Is The Best Time To Start Potty Training?
Each child is different, but normally potty training starts anytime between twenty months and two and half years old. There is no point in introducing potty training to your child, unless they understand what you are saying to them.
What Signs Will My Child Show That They Are Ready?
They may start to recognize when they have a dirty or wet nappy. They may show signs that they aware that they are about to pass a bowel movement. They might hold themselves if they need to go to the toilet and they may be able to wait a short amount of time before going.
What Equipment Do I Need To Start Potty Training?
- Potty
- Training toilet seat
- Climb up step
- Training pants
How Do I Get My Child To Use The Potty?
Show them the toilet and explain what it is used for. Introduce the potty and tell them what it is there for. Explain to your toddler that it is their own toilet to use. Try and make the potty fun and if you do manage to get them to sit on it, give them praise about how grown up they are becoming. Try to remain calm even if there is a mess or an accident. Children can pick up on your frustration and anxiety.
Get into a routine of putting your child onto the potty about thirty minutes after every meal. Let them sit for about five minutes and if nothing has happened let them off again. They are likely to urinate first as bowel movements require more control. Always praise their efforts in sitting on the potty, regardless of whether anything has been produced.
After a little time, you toddler will become adept at sensing when they need to go to the toilet and will be able to stop wearing nappies during the day.
Much later, your child will be able to wipe their own bottom and wash their hands.
What Happens If I Need To Go Out?
If you need to go out and you are worried that your child may have an accident, you could use training pants. If you prefer your child to wear underpants then you might need to take a spare pair in case of accidents. Before you go out make sure your child has been on the potty or toilet, and while you are out ask whether or not they need to go.
What About During The Night?
In most children, sleeping through the night when first potty training without having an accident is sometimes unrealistic. You may need to put them in a nappy throughout the night until they start to have dry nappies in the morning. Once this happens, explain to your child why they are not going to be wearing nappies at night.
Click here to read our Potty Review
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