As a young mother, I always wonder on how to start potty training for my kid since I have no ideas on how to do it. In order to avoid any disaster later, I thoroughly search information about the topic, of course mainly through Mr. Google and also experiences from other mothers. Through my mini-research, I now know that there are two main secrets for potty training success; timing and patience. So, here are some potty training tips that I obtain from my readings.
When to start potty training?
Some believe that potty training should be started at a specific age, unfortunately, this is not always right. Many children may show interest to start potty training as early as 2 years old, but others might need more time until age 2 1/2 or even older, and there is no rush. In fact, potty training success mainly depends on physical and emotional readiness of the children.
But, how to know whether your child is ready or not? These questions may come in handy:
- Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear?
- Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
- Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he or she needs to go?
- Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day?
- Does your child complain about wet or dirty diapers?
- Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
- Can your child sit on and rise from a potty chair?
If most of the answers are yes, you may start potty training for your child. But if most of the answers are no, you may need to spare more time for your children. You might need to consider other factors that contribute to the delay. Maybe your child has recently faced or is about to face a major change, such as arrival of a new sibling or moving to a new house. Give more time for your child to be ready, and once he or she is ready, you just set and go.
Ready, set, go!
Once you are confident that it is the right time to start potty training, set your child up for success. Always maintain a positive attitude, and recruit other family members or caregivers to do the same. Here are some proper steps on how to start potty training for kids.
If you have not had a potty training seat yet, now it is the right time to keep one. You can find the item offline in any baby shops or online through Amazon or eBay, wherever you prefer. Make sure your kid is introduced with the chair, and be familiarized with it. How? You can place it in the bathroom or wherever you child always spend most of his or her time. If possible, ask your child to decorate the chair with favourite cartoons or colorful stickers. Motivate your child to try sitting on it and make sure his or her feet rest comfortably on the floor or a stool.
Plan potty breaks schedule
Several times a day, encourage your child to sit on potty chair or toilet without a diaper for a few minutes. Stay together with your child during the session. You can read potty training book or play a toy while he or she is sitting. When your child successfully sit on the chair or toilet by his/her own, always offer praise. Even when he/she fails, motivate him/her and always remind that he or she can try again later. If you are on a journey or away from home with your kid, remember to bring the potty chair or a portable potty together so that to maintain consistency.
Oh, before we go further, one useful potty training tips for boys during this phase. It is always best to master urination sitting down first before moving to standing up after bowel training is complete.
Quick response to signs
Squirming, squatting or holding genital area are common signs that your child needs to go to the toilet. If you notice any sign, please respond quickly and head to the toilet together. Appreciate and praise your child for being able to show the sign. This will motivate your child during potty training.
If possible, try to teach your child to wash or wipe the genital areas by his or her own. One potty training tip for girls, make sure they wipe carefully from front to back to prevent bringing germs from the rectum to the vagina or bladder. When it's time to flush, let your child do the honors. Make sure your child washes his or her hands afterward.
Consider rewards
Everybody loves being appreciated and rewarded, same goes to your child. If your child shows improvement during the potty training, it is good to give them some special incentives. Maybe you can use stickers or stars on potty training chart. Or, maybe you can offer trip to the park or extra bedtime stories. Always motivate your child with praise, such as "How exciting! You're learning to use the toilet just like big kids do!" The key is, always be positive towards your child effort.
After several weeks of successful potty breaks, your child might be ready to trade diapers for training pants or underwear. Celebrate this transition. Go on a special outing. Let your child pick out his or her underwear. Once your child is wearing training pants or regular underwear, avoid overalls, belts, leotards or other items that could hinder undressing.
Sleep soundly
If you follow the potty training tips as above and be consistent for two to three months, your child maybe able to master daytime bladder control first. Nap and nighttime training might take months — or years — longer. In order to avoid any disaster, it is advisable to use disposable training pants or mattress covers when your child sleeps. Once your child is able to control during the night, with no night wetting for a specific time, you may consider to let your child sleeps without those precautions.
Know when to stop
Another important potty training tips; do not be pushy! Take a break if your child starts to show signs of resistance towards potty training. He or she might not be ready yet. Just be patient and you can try again after some times.
Accidents will happen
You might breathe easier once your child figures out how to use the toilet, but expect occasional accidents and near misses. Here's help preventing - and handling - wet pants:
- Offer reminders. Accidents often happen when kids are absorbed in activities that - for the moment - are more interesting than using the toilet. To fight this phenomenon, suggest regular bathroom trips, such as first thing in the morning, after each meal and snack, and before getting in the car or going to bed. Point out telltale signs of holding it, such as holding the genital area.
- Stay calm. Kids don't have accidents to irritate their parents. If your child has an accident, don't scold, discipline or shame your child. You might say, "You forgot this time. Next time you'll get to the bathroom sooner."
- Be prepared. If your child has frequent accidents, absorbent underwear might be best. Keep a change of underwear and clothing handy, especially at school or in child care.
Occasional accidents are harmless, but they can lead to teasing, embarrassment and alienation from peers. If your potty-trained child reverts or loses ground - especially at age 4 or older - or you're concerned about your child's accidents, contact his or her doctor.
Sometimes wetting problems indicate an underlying physical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or an overactive bladder. Prompt treatment can help your child become accident-free.
Recommended reference
If you want to know more regarding how to start potty training for your child, this Potty Training in 3 Days ebook by Carol Cline maybe useful. The guide can assist you potty teach your kid within just 3 days. Its plan is incredibly simple to work with as well as it has a great deal of helpful suggestions that make the procedure much easier. Carol Cline provides a massive quantity of good within this guide that you may truly work with. You’ll be blown away at exactly how efficient the system is as well as just how a lot it truly aids in your child’s improvement. Click here now to see the system!
