Potty Training
Are you wondering if it’s time to start potty training your toddler? How do you know when it is the right time? How should you go about doing so? You may have started to notice that your child is having dryer naps and you’re changing their diaper less often. This is a good sign. Your child may be ready for potty training. Many children reach this stage around 18-24 months, but some may not be ready until they reach 3 years old. Have no fear, the key is to be patient with your child and go at their pace. This is an exciting time as a parent because your child is entering a new stage of growth. Here are some tips on how to detect whether your child is ready for potty training and how to go about it.
How do you know your child is ready to be potty trained?
Your child is able to walk to/ sit on a toilet. The mobility of your child is a good first sign that the child may be ready to start potty training.
You’re changing less diapers: Signs of development of bladder control can be noted from the frequency of your child’s peeing. If they are able to stay dry for about 1 to 2 hours at a time, your child may be physically ready for potty training.
Can your child pull up/pull down their pants on their own? A huge lesson to be learned from your child entering this stage of development is learning how to do things on their own. If your child can pull up/pull down their pants on their own, this is a good sign that they are ready to take the next step.
They are able to communicate when it’s time to go. If your toddler is now becoming more vocal about when they have to go potty, this is a surefire sign they are ready.
The child expresses disinterest/disgust in dirty diapers. When your child starts to dislike their stinky diapers and expresses interest in “big-kid” underwear or “big kid” actions such as using the toilet, they are ready to move on from diapers.
What to do when it’s time?
Make it a positive experience. Make sure to reinforce and encourage the benefits of potty training. Never make the child feel like their diapers or their current methods of going potty are “baby-ish.” Instead, make it seem more interesting and positive for them to be using underwear or “going potty like mommy and daddy do.”
Establish your language for potty talk. Think about the words you will use to refer to your child’s bodily contents. Avoid negative words like stinky, smelly, or yucky. We want them to understand that this transition is a natural process.
Potty intervals. Schedule out your child’s potty breaks and have them sit on the potty for a few minutes every 1-2 hours to get them adjusted to the feeling of using the toilet. It is also good to bring them to the potty after naps and first thing in the morning. Read a book or play with a toy with them while they sit. Even if they don’t go potty, praise them for giving it a go.
Dress for success. Get your child used to the proper potty training clothes. You may want to consider switching their regular diapers to pull-ups and then move onto regular underwear once they’ve adjusted to potty training.
Familiarization with potty signals. Allow your child to become familiar with the signals of having to go potty. When you notice signals such as squatting, squirming, or holding their private parts, react quickly and take the child straight to the potty.
Patience. Let’s face it, it’s not likely they’ll pick it up on the first try. Don’t throw in the towel, it is a process. This is something new your child is learning to understand. They will go when they’re ready. Don’t feel the need to compare them to their peers or other children at their age. Also, try not to nag them, as it will only provoke resistance from your child.
These are just a few tips on how to get started on potty training with your child. Find these and more at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/potty-training/art-20045230 and https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/potty-training/how-to-start-potty-trainin