How to Begin Potty Training

Potty Training Tips

Among other important tips on potty training, the most important to remember is that toddler potty training can occur anywhere between 1 and 4 years old. It’s quite normal and natural to wait until your child starts showing signs of wanting to begin potty training. Child potty training readiness signs can include wanting to wear regular underwear, letting you know that a diaper is soiled, and more. Yes, toilet training can be frustrating, but try to keep the perspective that this is an important developmental milestone for your child - not a race against time.

Here are some simple, easy to follow potty training tips for keeping your cool and giving your child the most relaxed and positive environment possible in which to begin potty training:

·         Don’t withhold liquids or use any type of laxatives to try to control your child’s use of the bathroom. Just make sure that your child gets used to emptying his or her bladder before bed.

·         Dress your child in clothing that is easily manageable for tiny hands. No snaps, belts or buckles to fumble with when your child tries to use the toilet.

·         Be prepared for trips in the car, family vacations, and of course, the much-needed crisis. Bring your child’s potty seat in the car with you for urgent situations. Your child may not yet know the difference between having to go and not having to go, so if he or she makes a mistake, don’t become irritable. Just say that mistakes are ok and it’s nothing to worry about. Bring a change of clothes for your child wherever you go, just in case.

·         Make sure that everyone involved in your child’s potty training experience is doing it the same way. If your child goes to daycare or has a caregiver other than yourself, let these people know how important it is not to confuse your child by teaching him or her in a different way. Your child will respond more quickly and easily.

·         Establish good habits and good hygiene by example and positive reinforcement. Make sure both boys and girls wipe from front to back to keep fecal bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Even after just going to pee, make sure that your child washes with soap, and remember to do so yourself every time you use the bathroom, to set a good example.

·         Children sometimes like to linger on the potty. Training doesn’t necessarily have time limits on how long a child can sit on the toilet. If your child likes it, provide picture books or toys near the toilet and make sure that feet are planted firmly on something solid. When feet dangle, it tends to tighten rectal muscles and make it more difficult for the child to go.

·         Above all, make sure that you use a toddler’s potty training time to teach your child, not to rush or punish. Teach about how the body works, and that mistakes happen, and that eventually, in due time, he or she will get it and be a big boy or girl. Patience is key.

4/30/2007 12:11:41 PM