There are many exciting milestones for your toddler. Maybe they are transitioning from cot to bed, or starting to try and dress themselves. At some point, you will want to start potty training with your toddler. All toddlers are different, but here are some potty training tips that we hope help!
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What Age Should I Start Thinking About Potty Training?
There is no set age to start potty training, as all toddlers are different. The NHS suggests anywhere between 18 months and 3 years is a good age. Some are ready sooner than others, while some will stay in nappies a bit longer. There is no need to worry if your toddler is staying in nappies longer than their peers though. If you push to potty train them before they’re ready, the process will be difficult and take a long time.
Rather than looking at age, look at if they are ready:
- Are they interested in potties and going to the toilet?
- Do they tell you that they have done a poo or wee in their nappy?
- Are they going for longer between nappy changes?
- Are they old enough to indicate that they need to use the potty?
What Is A Good Potty Training Schedule?
Start by buying a potty and keeping this in the bathroom or your child’s bedroom. Put it somewhere they see it and get used to it. Maybe they can even help you choose a potty they like, such as one that is their favourite colour. You can gently suggest that they sit on the potty if they need to do a poo or wee, but don’t force it. Make it fun, and if they don’t want to sit on the potty, that is ok. They may take some time to get used to the idea.
Praise goes a long way. Even if it is just to say well done to your child for sitting on the potty, if they have not yet had a wee in it. Some children love sticker reward charts. This can excite them about the process. Or find a good picture book about potties to help them understand. If you are looking for training pants, you could look for ones with their favourite characters or fun designs on, to make it appealing to them (training pants are more absorbent than normal underwear, and are easy to pull up so can allow independence).
It is normal for toddlers to take longer to get used to potty training at night. If they wear pants or training pants during the day, but a nappy at night, you could tell them that it is a special nappy for night time. You could draw a moon or other night symbol on their nappy to help them understand, and also keep it fun.
It is good to approach potty training when both you and your toddler are both relaxed and have time, and are at home. It is good to be in a familiar place and are both feeling positive about trying.
What Is The Hardest Day Of Potty Training?
This varies for everyone, as all toddlers are different. For some, day one is hardest, especially if your toddler is not ready. For others, it is regression. If there is a big change in your child’s life, like a house move or new sibling, this may disrupt potty training. But this is nothing to worry about and is perfectly normal. Just keep their routine consistent, and tell them it is ok if they have accidents. If potty training is not progressing or your toddler is not enjoying it, be prepared to have a break, and try again at a later date when your toddler is ready. Trying again later is not giving up, it is just doing what is best for your toddler. Forcing them into potty training will not help.
What Should You Not Do When Potty Training?
It is good to keep potty training positive and fun. If they are not enjoying it, then it is best to stop potty training. Make sure you do not make your toddler feel bad or embarrassed if they have an accident. Try not to make negative comments about their poo or wee, and try not to make a face even if it is smelly! Don’t let them think these functions are bad or disgusting. Instead tell them that everyone goes to the toilet and this is an important thing to do. This way they can associate potty training with fun and independence, and something they can be proud of.
We hope this has helped give you some more ideas about potty training. The NHS website has some useful information about potty training and more tips. If you have any concerns about potty training, speak to your health visitor or GP who will be able to give more advice.
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