Potty training your toddler can be both nerve-racking and eagerly anticipated. The mere thought of saving money on disposable nappies or cloth nappies can be very satisfying and a great way to boost your motivation to potty train your little one. I recently potty trained my two years old son and I was very impressed with his fast grasp of the whole idea. At first, I was nervous and worried (based on hearsay) about how I would potty train a boy, since rumour has it that girls learn to potty much better and faster than boys. I would say I agree to this, because my daughter was daytime potty trained in 3 days and hers was quite smooth sailing; whilst my son was daytime potty trained in 4 days with the occasional accidents here and there. A day's difference doesn't hurt, does it? Here are my handy tips to help you potty train your little one.
WHEN TO START POTTY TRAINING?
I like to start potty training my toddlers when they turn 2. I feel it's a safe time to start. It's not too early or too late, it's just right there in the middle. I also like to start potty training my toddlers in the summer. That way, they can walk about with just a tee and pants. This helps them instinctively remember to potty. Best thing about potty training your little one in the summer is the weather. They can run wild and free around the house during the heat of the summer.
Toddlers at the age of 2 can understand verbal commands like "would you like to potty?" "it's potty time!" or "let's go to the potty." They also learn how to control their bladder at this age and would tell you when they need to use the potty. Boys tend to be much slower at potty training than girls, but I feel like my son learnt so fast from his big sister who is four and fully toilet trained.
Best time to start potty training your little one is when you are home with your child and home life is stable without distractions of travel/new daycare/a change of home. As a work from home mum, I was able to be around my kid as he went through this huge milestone. If you are a working mum, you can potty train your little one over the weekend, when you are less occupied by work.
WHAT YOU NEED TO POTTY TRAIN
This is a checklist of items you need to get, to help with potty training your little one:
1. Potty - buy a potty a few weeks before you start potty training. Leave it around the house, so that your child can get used to seeing it
2. Underwear - take your toddler to the store and have them choose their favourite "big boy" or "big girl" pants. This would help them anticipate the transition
3. Toddler toilet seat - very handy on the toilet seat so your child feels more comfortable using the toilet and not afraid that they might fall into the toilet bowl
4. Step stool
5. Hand soap - for lots of hand washing
6. Toilet rolls (very essential)
7. Stickers and storybooks (optional)
STEPS FOR POTTY TRAINING SUCCESS:
1. Start when your child is ready. Your child will give you clues when they are ready to transition. Pay attention to such clues, but remember to relax and be ready yourself, both mentally and physically too
2. Remember to ask your child if they need a wee every 30 mins and take them to the potty every 1-2 hours
3. Be patient throughout the whole process. Your child will learn as soon as possible
4. Wipe your child each time they use the potty and gradually teach your girl to wipe from front to back. As for the bottom, they won't have the dexterity to wipe their bottoms themselves until they are four
5. Expect accidents here and there. It's part of the learning process
6. Potty train at home when you are free to train your child. Try to avoid distractions for the first 3 days of potty training
7. Give positive affirmations to your child and celebrate each successful potty as a way to motivate their independence and encourage bladder control
8. Remember to use the nappies at night until your little one is drier and has more bladder control during the day
I hope this information was useful to you and I'd love to know your thoughts in the comment section below. Lots of love,
Ezi x
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