Potty Training Tips for Toddlers
Your little on is growing up and you are debating whether or not you should start potty training your toddler. You know you are ready for this big step but how can you tell if your toddler is ready?
Here are some potty training tips for toddlers that will help you get started on toilet training your little one.
Is Your Toddler Ready for Potty Training?
Make sure your child is really ready for this step. His bladder may not be fully mature until the age of two or even two and a half.
Is he showing interest in using the bathroom like grown ups do? Or is it just wishful thinking on your part?
To know if it’s really time to give the potty a try, look for the following signs:
- He tells you he has to “pee” or “poop”, and then he actually does it. This means he’s learning the sensations associated with having to use the bathroom.
- He takes an interest when YOU use the potty.
- He begins complaining more when his diaper is wet or soiled. This may come about as verbally telling you he feels “wet” or “icky” or he may simply remove his dirty diaper himself when it doesn’t feel good.
Time to Purchase a Potty for Your Toddler
If your toddler displays signs of being ready to use the potty then the next thing to do is buy a potty. This can mean a traditional potty chair that is made to be his size, or you can buy small inserts to put inside the big toilet so little bottoms can sit down without falling in.
There is really no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing a potty. It all depends on the child. Some may enjoy a fancy chair with singing toilet and music that plays every time he tinkles. Others may be just as happy having you dance a little jig whenever he gets it right. It’s entirely up to you.
Have Your Toddler Become Comfortable with the Potty
Spend some time before actively training to let him get acquainted with the new potty. Take him to sit on it off and on throughout the day. If he happens to use it while he’s there, great. Jump up and down and let him know how wonderful using the potty is. If he doesn’t, don’t be discouraged.
The important thing is to get him comfortable with sitting on the potty so that when you do begin actually training he won’t be afraid to sit down. Once you’ve gotten him used to the potty, it’s time to begin full fledged training!
Potty Training Your Toddler Begins!
Take him to sit on the potty at least once every hour. When he uses it give him lots and lots of praise. Jump up and down. Clap and Cheer. Let him place a sticker on a “potty chart” to collect points for a prize. Whatever gets him excited about using his potty, give it a try!
Just be sure and remember that accidents are unavoidable during this process, and it’s important for your own sanity and the sanity of your child that you understand and accept this fact from the start. Never yell, punish, or threaten him when he has an accident. Clean him off and let him know that he will get the hang of it next time.
You may also choose to cover certain furniture items like couches and mattresses while your child is still having frequent daily accidents.
How Much Potty Training is Necessary for My Toddler?
The amount of time potty training will take varies greatly from child to child. On average, he should have the hang of it within a couple of weeks; with accidents becoming few and far between by the end of the first month. Keep in mind that occasional accidents are normal for several years and they usually occur when a child attempts to hold “it” in in order to continue playing. all children develop differently. Some kids may catch on much sooner or later than this and still be perfectly normal and healthy
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