It's hard enough potty training a toddler when they're ready, but how can you tell that they're ready and what is the right potty training age? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most toddlers are ready to start potty training between the ages of 18 and 24 months old. But every child is different, so it's important to watch your child for signs that they might be ready earlier or later than this range. If you think your toddler is ready, follow these tips to get the job done quickly.
What potty training is and what you need before you start
It's time to say goodbye to diapers and welcome your little one to the world of big kid underwear. But before you start potty training, it's important to be prepared. Here's what you need to know about potty training, according to the experts.
Potty training is the process of teaching a child how to use the toilet for urination and defecation. Most children are ready to start potty training between the ages of 18 and 24 months, although some may be ready earlier or later. There are a few things you'll need before you start potty training, including a potty chair or seat, training pants, and patience.
The best way to start potty training is by helping your child understand what the potty is for and how to use it. You can do this by reading books about potty training together, such as “The Potty Book” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli or “Once Upon a Potty” by Alona Frankel. You can also try demonstrating how to use the potty yourself or with a doll. Once your child seems interested and ready to start learning, it's time to begin.
There is no one right way to potty train a child. Some children learn quickly and are potty trained in a few days, while others may take weeks or even months. The most important thing is to be patient and consistent with your child.
Potty training age – when is the right time?
It's a question that every parent struggles with – when is the right time to start potty training? Unfortunately, there's no easy answer. Every child is different, and there are a number of factors that can influence the potty training process.
For example, girls typically potty train sooner than boys, and children who are exposed to toilets at an early age are more likely to be successful. Most experts agree that children typically begin to show interest in using the toilet around 18 months old. Of course, every child is different, and some may be ready earlier or later than others.
However, waiting too long to start potty training can often make the process more difficult. So if your child is showing signs of readiness, it's usually best to start sooner rather than later.
Signs of readiness include staying dry for longer periods of time, hiding to go to the bathroom, or telling you when they need to go. If your child is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it's a good time to start potty training.
With a little patience and plenty of encouragement, you'll soon be on your way to an accident-free home.
How to potty train a toddler – the basics
One of the first things you need to do when potty training your toddler is to get rid of any diapers or pull-ups. Contributing to the potty training process by making it easier for him to succeed will set the stage and help ensure success. Once you have decided that it is time to start, be sure that you and your child are both ready. A good rule of thumb is that if your child can follow simple instructions, he is probably ready to start learning how to use the potty.
When you are both ready, take some time to explain what is going to happen and why. Use simple terms that your child will understand, such as telling him that he will be using the “big boy potty” from now on.
Toddlers usually have a short attention span, so keep your explanation short and sweet. It is also important to choose a good time to start potty training. If possible, start when there are no major life changes happening, such as a move or the birth of a new sibling. Here are the necessary steps you need to master:
1. Start by establishing regular bathroom routines. Make sure your toddler goes to the bathroom at set times throughout the day, such as after meals or before naps. This will help your toddler get into the habit of using the potty regularly.
2. Encourage your toddler to use the potty before and after activities that normally cause them to need to go, such as playing outside or taking a bath. This will help them become more comfortable with the idea of using the potty.
3. Use positive reinforcement when your toddler uses the potty successfully. Offer praise and rewards, such as stickers or small toys, to encourage them to keep up the good work.
4. Be patient and recognize that accidents will happen. It's important not to get frustrated or punish your child if they have an accident. Just calmly encourage them to try again next time.
With a little patience and plenty of encouragement, you'll soon be on your way to an accident-free home. Just remember to go at your child's pace and be prepared for a few accidents along the way. Soon enough, potty training will be a thing of the past.
Advanced potty training techniques
So you've decided it's time to start potty training your toddler. Congratulations! Potty training can be a challenging process, but with a little patience and perseverance, you and your child will get through it together. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you through the tough times:
• Make sure your child is ready. Potty training is a big step for a toddler, and it's important to make sure they're physically and emotionally ready before you start. If they're not interested in using the potty or seem resistant, it's best to wait until they're a little older.
• Establish a routine. Toddlers thrive on routine, so it's important to establish one for potty training. Try to take your child to the bathroom at the same time each day, or after every meal. This will help them get into the habit of using the potty regularly.
• Be patient. Learning to use the potty takes time, so don't expect perfection from your toddler. They may have accidents, and that's okay. Just stay positive and encourage them to keep trying.
• Offer incentives. Many toddlers are motivated by rewards, so consider offering them something special when they use the potty successfully. This could be a sticker, a small toy, or even just some extra attention and praise.
• Be prepared for setbacks. Potty training can be a long and difficult process, so it's important to be prepared for setbacks. If your child seems to be regressing, don't get discouraged. Just take a break from potty training for a few days and try again later.
Common potty training problems and how to solve them
Parents magazine has a great article on potty training that I read when my son was first starting out. They list the most common problems parents face when potty training their child and give solutions for each. I'll list a few of the problems and solutions below.
1. My child won't sit on the potty.
This is common, especially with boys. They just don't like the idea of sitting down on a cold, hard toilet seat. The solution is to get a potty seat that goes over the regular toilet seat. This way, it's not so cold and hard, and your child will be more likely to use it.
2. My child won't stay seated long enough to go potty.
This problem is usually caused by anxiety or excitement. The solution is to have your child sit on the potty for short periods of time throughout the day, even if they don't have to go right then. This will help them get used to the idea of sitting on the potty and eventually they'll be able to stay seated long enough to go.
3. My child won't poop in the potty.
This is a common problem because, let's face it, poop is gross. The solution is to be patient and encourage your child to try a little bit each day. Eventually they'll get used to the idea and won't mind doing it in the potty.
4. My child is scared of the potty.
This is another common problem, especially with girls. The solution is to let your child play with the potty before you start using it. This way they can get used to the idea and won't be so scared when it's time to use it for real.
5. My child won't potty in public.
This is a common problem because many toddlers are afraid of using the potty in public restrooms. The solution is to find a family-friendly restroom that has a potty seat, or bring your own potty seat with you when you go out. This way, your child will feel more comfortable and be less likely to have an accident.
6. My child won't potty at night.
This is a common problem because many toddlers are afraid of using the potty in the dark. The solution is to keep a potty seat in your child's room and take them to the bathroom before they go to bed. This way, they'll be less likely to have an accident during the night.
7. My child won't potty when they're sick.
Sickness is a general problem with little kids, not only while potty training. They're overly emotional and react to everything. The solution is to be patient and understanding. They'll eventually get over it and potty like normal again.
8. My child won't potty when they're constipated.
Well, that's a tough problem. It requires a lot of patience, emotional encouragement and love. The solution is to help your child through constipation with laxatives or stool softeners. This way, they'll be able to potty like normal again.
9. My child won't potty when they're on a schedule.
The solution is to be patient and try to potty them every hour or so. Eventually, they'll get used to the idea and potty on the schedule.
10. My child won't potty when they're on a diet.
Dieting is already a tough problem for a child. Not being able or being allowed to eat the things she loves is hard. Maybe this is not the right time for potty training or a second thing to learn parallel. You should encourage your little one to try the toilet every now and then, but when it gets tough, reschedule the training to another day.
11. My child won't potty when they're on vacation.
We all love our own toilets, don't we? And even a lot of adults have problem with pottying in foreign toilets. The solution is to bring your own potty seat with you when you go on vacation. This way, your child will feel more comfortable and be less likely to have an accident.
Potty training tips for boys vs girls
While there are many similarities between potty training boys and girls, there are also a few important differences.
For example, boys typically require more patience and reinforcement than girls. This is because boys often have a stronger natural instinct to hold in their urine, which can make potty training more challenging. In addition, boys tend to be more active than girls and may be less likely to stay still long enough to use the potty. As a result, it is important to be patient and consistent when potty training a boy.
Girls, on the other hand, typically respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle encouragement. This is because girls tend to be more compliant and cooperative than boys. In addition, girls usually have weaker bladder muscles, which can make accidents more common. As a result, it is important to be prepared for accidents when potty training a girl.
Despite these differences, potty training boys and girls can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children.
When to stop potty training
When it comes to potty training, there isn't necessarily a hard and fast rule about when to call it quits. However, most experts agree that the job is usually done when your child is able to stay dry for several hours at a time, has decreased the number of accidents overall, and is using the toilet without prompting or reminders from you. You can also check with your child's pediatrician to see if he or she has any specific recommendations.
Once you've determined that potty training is complete, there are a few other important tasks that should be next on your schedule.
For instance, it's important to teach your child how to properly wash his or her hands after using the toilet. This will help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs. Additionally, you'll want to show your child how to properly clean the toilet, both for hygiene purposes and to prevent clogs. Finally, you'll need to stock up on potty training supplies, such as toilet paper, flushable wipes, and a small step stool.
With a little patience and effort, potty training can be a successful and positive experience for both you and your child. Just remember to be prepared for accidents, keep a sense of humor, and most importantly, stay calm. Good luck!
What potty training tips and tricks have worked for you and your toddler? Share your experiences in the comments below!