You may have (gladly) observed fewer diaper changes and the occasional dry naptime lately. These and other indicators suggest it’s time to start thinking about potty training.
Successful potty training requires patience and an understanding that every child develops at their rate.
What Is The Best Age To Potty Train Your Child?
No kid should be expected to be ready for potty training before age two, and some might need to wait as long as 3 1/2.
Don’t force your child into using the toilet until they are developmentally mature. Every child is unique. Putting off potty training until after your child turns 3 is not a sign of developmental delay.
How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Child?
Your child can become used to using the toilet if you let them play on it. By 3 years, most kids have mastered using the potty. On average, it will take children around 6 months to master the technique. Girls typically finish potty training 2 to 3 months before their male counterparts.
Also, firstborns have it harder than their younger siblings, who can learn from their elders’ examples.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Is Ready For Potty Training?
No amount of toilet training will succeed if your child isn’t emotionally or physically prepared to use the potty on their own. Watch for these specific indicators that your child is ready to begin going:
- Fewer Diapers To Change = Less Work For You
A child’s ability to hold their urine for more than 1 or 2 hours indicates that they are developing bladder control and are thus physiologically ready for potty training. This often occurs between the ages of 18 and 20 months.
- The Frequency Of Bowel Movements Increases
This facilitates the rapid deployment of the toilet in an emergency.
- You Notice That Your Child Needs To Use The Restroom More
Potty training is imminent when your youngster announces their need to urinate or defecate verbally or through facial expressions.
- Your Child Does Not Appreciate Wet Or Soiled Diapers
Your child may suddenly decide he has had enough of sitting around in soiled or wet diapers. That’s a sign that your kid is old enough to switch to the potty.
Useful Tips For Potty Training:
- Be Positive
Keep a positive attitude and inspire your child. Applaud them if they make an effort or succeed in using the potty. Children showered with compliments, and assurance are more likely to initiate their own requests to use the potty or toilet. Your child may well receive a reward or sticker chart.
- Be Ready
A trip to the store to choose a potty or toilet training seat could be a fun activity for your little one. Allowing kids to pick out their own pants throughout potting training is another excellent way to boost their confidence. It will get them enthused about the process.
A portable toilet, sometimes known as a “potette,” is popular among some parents. Some people even use it at rest stops .while travelling.
- Put The Potty Out
Before you begin potty training in earnest, it is a good idea to have the potty out so your child can see it and become acclimated to it. Give it to your kid to look at and play with as you explain its potential benefits. They might want to try it out while still clothed.
Instead of making their kids run up and down the stairs, some parents set up a few potties around the house.
- Look For Readiness
It is best to wait until your child exhibits readiness indicators before beginning potty training. Instead of pressuring them into something they aren’t prepared for.
Stay calm if you try potty training and fail. It’s common to experience occasional regressions or setbacks. If you need to take a break from potty training, leaving the potty in plain sight can help.
- Perfect Timing
Take advantage of your child’s routine if you notice that they have a set time of day when they need to use the restroom, such as first thing in the morning.
Keep their diaper off and encourage them to use the potty right away upon waking up or after eating if that is when they normally have to go. In addition, you may learn to recognize cues that your child is about to urinate and be able to coax them onto the potty quickly.
- Discuss The Toilet
Let’s have a little chit-chat about the toilet and potty. Your child will better understand the process if you take the time to explain things like toilet, poos, wees, and the potty to them.
If they accompany you into the restroom and observe your routine, they may already be demonstrating an interest in learning more. Have a conversation with them about using the restroom, demonstrate how to flush the toilet, and stress the significance of washing one’s hands.
- Good Hand Hygiene
When you first start potty training your child, it is important to instill a habit of washing their hands and practicing excellent general hygiene.
Make hand washing more enjoyable by singing songs and allowing them to play with the soap if they resist doing it on their own. It is crucial to teach kids that washing hands after using the restroom is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
- Be Patient And Calm
Using a toilet is a new skill for your youngster to acquire. Your child may take some time to master, so be patient. When children are developmentally ready and have a strong desire to maintain personal hygiene, they begin to master bowel and bladder control. Even though it may feel like they are moving slowly, you will be so proud of them when they finally master the process.
- Add Some Humor
Getting used to the toilet and spending time there need not be dull. Reading your child a story or conversing with them may help pass the time in the restroom. A positive and enthusiastic response will likely result from praising your child’s efforts.
- Accept The Inevitable
Small accidents and occasional regression in potty training are part of the process. Realize that, like any other new ability, mastery in potty training will come with time and practice. When going out, it’s a good idea to have a change of clothes and some toilet paper or wipes.
Potty Training Success
Getting a child to use the toilet is rarely a smooth process. Although it is great to think of not having to use diapers anymore, the transition can be trying on a parent’s patience.
But there is still hope. Eventually, your little one will get the hang of things and no longer need diapers, so don’t give up hope if the thought of potty training your toddler fills you with dread.