Potty training is an essential step that teaches children to move on from diapers and to eventually use a toilet.
Getting the hang of potty training often takes a lot of patience. Lots of parents find that it's best to take it slow and follow your child's lead. Gentle encouragement is key.
Every child is different and it's important that parents don't compare their child's progress with that of other little ones.
When to start potty training?
There's no specific age you need to begin, but a lot of parents consider starting training when their child is around two years old. It's a good idea to begin potty training when there're no big changes to your family's routine, so that your child doesn't get confused. Some parents also find that it's easier to begin potty training in the warm summer months when your little one will be wearing fewer layers of clothing.
Put simply, you can start whenever your child is ready. Signs that they're ready to begin potty training include that they...
- Can tell that they've got a wet or dirty diaper
- Know when they're peeing or need to pee and can tell you
- Fidget or go somewhere quiet or hidden when they need to pee
- Can sit on the potty and get up from it when they're done
- Are able to follow your instructions
- Can dress themselves.
Getting ready to potty train
To prepare your child for potty training, it's a good idea to introduce them to the idea gradually.
You can also...
- Talk to your little one about why they wear diapers as you change them to help them to understand what wee and poo are.
- Introduce them to washing their hands and let them help you to flush the toilet. New sounds and sensations can be scary at first, so it will help to have you there with them.
- Leave their potty where they can see it and explain what it's for, to eventually replace their diaper.
- Let them sit on the potty just for a moment in between diaper changes to help them get used to it.
Once you're ready to get started, these potty training essentials can come in handy...
- One or more potties to keep around the house and take out with you. You can even let your little one get involved with potty shopping.
- Potty training pants and pull-ups.
- A toilet seat reducer and a foot stool.
- Kid-friendly hand soap.
- Books about potty training.
- A protective mattress cover.
- Extra bedding.
- A progress chart and some small rewards.
Night-time potty training
Most children manage day-time potty training before they learn to make it through the night with no accidents.
You may find that your little one needs to continue wearing diapers or pull-ups to bed for a little while longer.
If this is the case, it's important to be patient and positive. Encourage them to use the potty just before bed to help reduce accidents.
It can also help to make their bed up with a protective mattress cover, and never make them feel ashamed about wetting the bed.
