Potty training is a significant milestone in a toddler’s life. The transition from diapers to using the toilet seat may be daunting at times. However, it is a crucial step towards independent self-care. With your guidance and patience, you’ll find your little one mastering the skill quite easily.
Toddlers should be taught to recognize their bodily cues and use the toilet. Here, timing and consistency matters a lot. Parents and caregivers can use some practical tips and strategies to teach toddlers the basics of using the toilet without fear.
In This Article
The 5 Important Don’ts of Potty Training
While trying to toilet train your tiny one, make sure that you don’t rush, instead move with their pace. Refrain from showing anger or annoyance as it may create anxiety, and delay the learning.
1. Patience is The key
You have to follow their lead and help them with the techniques patiently. It will not help to get frustrated or angry because your toddler is taking too long to learn.
2. Understand There is no Deadline
There is no fixed set timeline for a toddler to learn, so avoid fixing deadlines. Some of them learn in three days, others may take three months. If you are going through a personally tough phase, please ensure that it does not affect the happy upbringing of the tiny tot.
3. Do Not Start Early
Do not be in too much of a hurry to get your toddler potty trained. You will have to follow their lead. Usually, soon after toddlers begin to talk, they also learn to express the need to go to the potty. Some parents start the training when the toddler is about 15 to 18 months old (1). It is the best time when your toddler is inclined naturally to be diaper-free.
4. Do Not Force The Training
Do not ever try to force anything. No negative connotations should be associated with potty training. For example, toddlers are naturally afraid to sit in the toilet for grownups. Arrange a special toilet seat and take the fear out of the bathroom.
5. Reward, But do Not Overdo
Positive incentives are good but it should not form a habitual pattern. However, always remember to appreciate them for doing it successfully. Occasionally, gifts can be given. Many parents also use their toddler’s favorite toys to help them acclimatize with potty training.
The 5 Important Do’s of Potty Training
Potty training a toddler needs a consistent routine so that they slowly get used to the process. Thus, certain must-have tips are as follows-
1. Make The Experience Fully Comfortable
You need to do everything possible to make the experience pleasant for your toddler. Do remember that some toddlers prefer both diapers and potty seats for some time in the beginning. Allow them the time to understand that a soiled diaper is uncomfortable to wear.
2. Buy a Good Potty Seat
It is very important that you have a good potty seat. Toddlers are moody and they have their own imaginary world. Your toddler may not simply like the arrangement even when you have bought the most expensive one. This is very natural. First, you should try to help them to acclimatize to the potty seat before making them sit on it.
3. Try All Over Again
However, if nothing works, and your toddler still does not like it, do not hesitate to stop the training for now and start afresh some other time. Slowly inculcate the habit of using the bathroom by keeping the potty seat in there. Arrange a foot stool to reach the toilet seat comfortably.
4. Carry an Emergency Potty Kit
When your toddler is adjusting to the toilet seat, you will have to keep the extra necessary things. Your emergency kit should consist of extra pairs of clothes, underwear, diapers, wipes, disposable potty seat covers, and plastic disposal bags.
5. Always Prioritize The Toddler’s Needs
Toddlers are totally not bound by formal protocols of the society. They may need to use the loo even when you’re busy attending a family wedding. Thus, prioritize their needs and help them accordingly.
The art of mastering potty training builds confidence in toddlers. It also gives them a sense of autonomy. Just be patient and celebrate their little success stories. Remember, accidents can happen while the process is going on. Just ignore the slips and help them master the important milestone.
FAQ’s
1. When to Stop Potty Training?
You can stop potty training your toddler when they get used to the toilet consistently for sometime. They’re accustomed with the setup and are not throwing any sort of discomfort while experiencing the process regularly.
2. How to Know if Potty Training is Working?
You know potty training is working, when your toddler is comfortable with the process. They show readiness to use the toilet seat without reminders, and have fewer accidents.
3. What is The Right Age to Potty Train?
The right age to potty train a toddler may vary from one to the other. Each of them has their own timing. However, most toddlers are ready to use a toilet seat by 18 months of age. Some may take longer up to 2 years as well.
References
- Toilet training children: when to start and how to train – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307553/]
