People all around you have been questioning you upon seeing your child in their nappies.
"How old is your child?"
"When will you start potty training him/her?"
No matter how early or late your child learns to do potty on his own, it does not indicate how quick or slow a learner he is. Some children would prefer to do their business the adult way early on, while others need to be reminded to visit the toilet every now and then.
How then would you know when to start training your little one?
6 Signs That Your Baby is Ready for Potty Training
He understands what the toilet is for. We often talk to our children about stuff that we enjoy doing together. And if you see that he understands and responds to what you are talking about especially about toilet stuff, then you may now buy the toilet trainer that you have been eyeing for.
He announces the arrival of poo. Some children frown and freeze when it's about time, while others enjoy sharing their notes. Whichever category your baby falls under, you may rush him to the throne to relieve himself once you see this sign.
He can change on his own. When you are dressing him up and your toddler would prefer to do it on his own, then this is one good sign that he wants independence, more often, it is the same as when he wants to relieve himself.
His bowel movements all happen at the same time every single day. You notice that every time you are having dinner, your senses would always be triggered by the smell of poop. Congrats! You may tick another off your bucket list.
Diaper change becomes minimal. Notice that your stock of disposable diapers seems to pile up in the closet? It might be a sign that your baby will soon be peeing on his mini toilet.
He hates dirty diapers. Last and the best sign that your little one is ready is when soiled diapers now irritate them, just like how you are.
Ready, Set, Train
Here are a few tips on how to start potty training your not so little baby:
Look for positive signs. Fidgeting is one good sign that your baby needs to go to the toilet. Take him immediately for him to learn the habit.
Shop for pull-ups. Pull-ups are manufactured to help children get used to having to pull down their pants to relieve themselves. So if your child shows a good sign of progress, you may switch to training pants as pull-ups are made to minimize accidental uncontrollable instances.
Dress appropriately. Clothe your kid with those easy to wear and unwear bottoms. This way, they will be able to undo themselves easier.
Provide suitable tools. Potty seats are available online and areis a convenient way to seat your child on the toilet safely.
Give independence. Allow your child to undo their pants once in the toilet so the next time around, he would know what to do if you rushed him to the toilet.
Be patient. You are one lucky parent if your toddler does it on his own on the first try. But if not, do not be angry, instead, try and try. Repetitions help in remembering. Your child will improve as it becomes a habit.
Compliment for a job well done. Just like adults, kids like hearing praises if he does well on what he is being told. Compliment him every time, or better yet, give rewards to motivate him to get into the habit.
Do not use force. No two kids have the same learning curve. Do not force your kid to potty train if he is not ready yet just because children his same age already do. If he resists, give him some more time.
Do not control his intake. By limiting the food and drinks he takes, you are also limiting the chance for your child to learn. The more times you show him what to do in a day, the higher the chance of him getting it right in no time.
When to Postpone Potty Training
Some happenings in our lives affect potty training. Children undergo different changes in the different stages of their growth. Below is a list of situations that causes stress and therefore the need to postpone potty training.
A change in the existing condition
Introduction of a new family member
An infection or certain major illness in family members
Any movements happening in the family
Different kids mature at a different phase. You will know when your toddler is ready for potty training when the right time comes. Therefore, do not fret if your two-year-old toddler is still enjoying his diapers, for his time to shine will come when you least expect it.
