Starting Potty Training
One of the most important questions in parenting is when will you start potty training. It’s exciting yet, can also be a challenging moment for parents. Believe it or not, there is a best time to start potty training. Forcing your child is never a good idea, especially if he/she is not yet ready.
However, the first step when thinking about potty training is what potty training method or technique you want to use. If you aren’t sure of the different potty training methods, then read my article first which explains the differences. Read on if you are going with a parent or child led potty training method.
Is Your Child Ready for Potty Training?
It’s not up to you to decide if your child should start potty training. There are cues that your child will start displaying when he/she is ready for potty time. The child will begin to show independence and that they are eager to please. Here are some of the main signs that will show if your child is ready to start potty training.
- Pulls off a wet or dirty diaper
- Hides when trying to pee or poop
- Interest in using the potty or toilet
- The diaper remains dry longer than usual
- Waking up dry after a nap
- Informing you that they need to go
Best Time to Start Potty Training
Starting potty training can be tricky, especially for new parents. According to some studies, you can do early potty training as soon as your child turns 18 months. However, it’s not recommended since it is common that children will not be completely trained until after 4 years old.
Kids that don’t do potty training until they turn 2 years old are more likely to complete their training when they turn 3. The gender of the child can also affect potty training timelines. Although they will both show readiness the same way, girls typically are potty trained earlier than boys.
What Tools or Resources Should You Have
When embarking on potty training it never hurts to be prepared. It also helps to get your child ready and excited for this new independence they will feel. Getting them involved in buying a potty chair or seat. Or choosing their favorite character undies or training pants helps them get ready. Below is a list of items and a description of what they are so you can prepare.
1. Potty Chair
When starting potty training, you will need to get a potty chair. They are available in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Choose the best one that your child will be more likely to use. The potty chair is a smaller version of the toilet. Make sure that your child’s feet will be flat on the floor while sitting down on the potty chair.
2. Toilet Training Seat
If you have a small floor area, a potty training seat will be a good option. It’s a seat reducer for the toilet so that your child can do potty training on the real deal. There are some toilet seats that have steps included for toddlers. Using a toilet seat for potty training can also make it easier since you can just flush it when your child is done with his business.
3. Step Stool
The step stool will help your child to reach the toilet seat as well as the sink to wash hands after using the toilet. A step tool should be enough if you have a small space inside the bathroom. If you have more than one bathroom, you may want to get another one.
4. Underwear
When your child starts to do good with potty training, it’s time to buy new underwear. They will no longer need to always be in diapers. It will help your child to have a sense of responsibility to keep his underwear dry. You may also need several pieces to change your child in case accidental peeing happens.
5. Training Pants
Training pants are best for those who are just starting potty training. It comes with a light padding to catch small leaks. This will also help your child to learn about the sensation of being wet. That way, your child will go potty time instead of just peeing in his pants. Training pants come in reusable forms and disposable versions if you prefer to just toss them away after use.
6. Loose Clothes
Its recommended to have loose clothes for your child so that they will be easy to remove. Using tight clothing will make it harder for your child to take it off when he needs to go. Avoid using rompers or clothes that are complicated to wear and take off. Potty training will be easier for your child if they are not wearing clothes that are hard to pull down.
How to Get Started
1. Prepare
Make sure to have all the tools that you need before starting potty training. Put the potty chair where your child can have easy access to it.
2. Create a Schedule
Make your child sit on the potty chair or toilet seat without a diaper. Allow your child to do that for a few minutes every two hours. Do the same when your child wakes up in the morning or after nap time.
3. Respond Fast
During the first few days of potty training, your child may panic when something unexpected happens. Make sure to respond fast for your child to know that she’s safe.
4. Teach About Hygiene
Potty training doesn’t only mean that your child learns how to go to the bathroom when nature calls. It’s also the best time to teach them about hygiene such as wiping their bottom and washing their hands after going to the bathroom.
Attitude
1. Check for Readiness
Readiness is one of the most important factors to observe before starting potty training. Check for the cues if your child is ready for this transition.
2. Avoid Embarrassing
Never mention anything embarrassing to your child when potty training. Never say that their poop smells or mention anything that will make them feel ashamed.
3. Use Manners
Try using the word please when you’re doing the potty training. It will help your child to relax and feel like they are doing you a favor. It will be easier for the child to be potty trained if you’re telling them what to do nicely.
4. Praise
Praise your child every time he successfully used the potty. It will help to encourage him to always do that whenever nature calls. Your child will be more independent to please you.
5. Be Patient
Patience is a must when doing potty training. Keep in mind that it’s their first time to do something independently. Avoid showing frustration or he might be scared to keep trying.
The best time to start potty training depends on the child. Avoid forcing them to do something that they are not ready for yet. Once you see their cues that they are ready for this transition, be prepared and go ahead and let the potty training begin!
Best Selling Potty Training Essentials
BabyBjörn 055268US Potty Chair
- Comfortable potty chair with backrest and armrests
- Sturdy design with rubber strip underneath
- High splashguard
- Easy to empty and clean
Pull-Ups Potty Training Pants
Refastenable, easy-open sides allow you to customize child’s waistband plus keep clothes on for quick checks & changes. Picture fades when wet so you and your child can identify when it needs changing.
Potty Training Seat with Step Stool Ladder
kids potty training seat fits all standard size and elongated toilet seats. Foldable design makes the potty training ladder move easily so you can put it away when not needed.
Summer My Size Potty Lights and Songs
The Summer My Size Potty Lights and Songs Transitions toddler toilet features a sleek potty design based off an adult toilet. The cheerful music notes entertain your child as they light up.