Whether you’re a new Mommy reading about potty training for the first time or you have an older child and want to refresh your memory or are having problems you didn’t face before, you’ll find valuable answers to your questions in the article below.
1. When should I begin potty training?
The ideal answer is: begin whenever you and your little one are ready.
For most Moms this means the summer months, but it all depends on your availability and work schedule. Plus of course, your baby’s development.
Potty training can be an extremely stressful time in a baby’s life. During summer months, parents have time to guide and monitor their children’s progress. You can be patient and supportive without forcing the little one.
A huge plus is that the child is dressed in few layers: easy to take off and put back on without much risk of catching a cold.
2. Is my little one ready👧👦
The average age to consider this question is between 24 to 27 months~around 2 years.
BUT
Some may start early. For some children, it takes up to 4 years to remain completely dry. Some children continue to wet their beds at night while using the toilet successfully during the day. This is perfectly normal.
You just need to recognize the clues that your little one is ready to take the step:
- He/she has the motor skills to pull down their undergarments and put them back on.
- They ask questions about why their siblings use the bathroom and show interest in being treated like a big boy/big girl.
- They understand certain terms like ‘peepee’ and ‘poopoo’ and can express desire to go with words, sounds or facial expressions.
- They can follow simple, one word instructions.
- They manage to spend up to two hours with a dry diaper or wake up from a nap with a dry diaper.
- They have somewhat predictable bowel movements, like early in the morning and after meals.
If a child absolutely refuses to start training, you can try again in a few weeks, and with a new approach.
3. Am I ready?
If you’re like me, you love lists and schedules that help you stay organized but don’t keep you tied down.
My shopping list to start potty training goes something like this
- Training potty and/or a portable toilet seat with a step. (While many Mommies prefer toilet seats, a training potty can be more acceptable to your child and easier to get used to.) You can even let your child choose the design on the potty.
- New underwear. Make graduating to underwear a big step. Celebrate!
- A change of clothes and diapers both to carry with you and at the nursery for accidents.
- A list of songs, books and games to entertain your child while on the potty.
- Cardboard, markers and stickers to set up the Potty Chart; where your baby gets a sticker every time he/she notices they need to go. And a smiley face every time they use the potty.
- Baby napkins and paper towels.
- A toy your baby will appreciate when they’ve succeeded to spend a whole dry day then week.
Wait for part two of how to potty-train your little one next week. Until then, let us know if this article was helpful.
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