Toilet training
Are you and your toddler just about ready to say goodbye to dirty nappies for good? If you are, then it’s time to get clued up on the subject of toilet training. Toilet training (also known as potty training) can be a difficult and challenging time for both you and your little toddler but with good advice and guidelines it’s east peasy. It can also be a fun and memorable time, as your child is likely to say things about bodily functions that will make you laugh.
Some kids just seem to toilet train themselves; while for others it can be a long, slow road to the toilet. But by knowing all the facts about toilet training and by being sympathetic and understanding, you’ll have your child confidently using the potty in no time and you can get rid of that nappy change table for good.
How to master toilet training
The most successful toilet training techniques use positive reinforcement and it’s a good idea to begin only when a child is physically and emotionally ready. If you try to potty train your toddler before they’re ready, it can be a very frustrating time for both of you.
Your toddler may be ready to start toilet training as early as 20 months old. If he/she can signal to you that he’s/she’s wet and their nappy needs changing, then it’s a good bet he/she is ready for toilet training. There are other factors that may determine whether your little one is ready or not. Huggies explores these factors in its when to begin toilet training section.
Don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t take to potty training right away. It’s considered ‘normal’ for kids to wet the bed up to 5 years old. If your child does have problems with using an adult toilet, punishment and excessive discipline are not the answer. Consideration and familiarity with the toilet can help a lot. Your little one is considered to be ‘toilet trained’ if he/she knows when to go to the bathroom and can actually use the potty with little or no help.
How to toilet train
There are several things you can do to help your child become potty trained. The first thing you should do is some toilet training preparation. This consists of getting your toddler familiar with all those words associated with toilet training (fun words like poo and wee) and explaining where their ‘wee and poo’ comes from and that it’s ok when they do it. You could tell them that it’s a good thing – fun even – and that they’ll feel so much better after been to the potty. You could also take photos of junior sitting on the loo, washing their hands and using the towel. This will help reinforce their toilet training achievements, although some children may be a little shy about being photographed at this time.
You should also start to introduce your child to the potty so that they know what it is and what it’s used for. There are also some potty training items you may need before you start your child’s toilet training. Things like a potty or a kid-friendly toilet seat can be very helpful. You could take your child with you when you buy these items. Make it a special trip and let them help you choose the items and explain why you are buying them.
Huggies also explores common toilet training myths and distinguishes fact from old wives’ tales. Such myths like “all children should be fully potty trained by a specific age” are debunked. If potty training your child is becoming a real struggle and you are starting to feel that you are the only parent going through the ordeal, then you should check out Huggies’ toilet training tips from parents. Tips like: “Let your child flush the toilet after weeing (even from the potty). My daughter thinks it’s the best thing; it’s her special job.” can really help. A big step to take is moving your bub from nappies to toilet training pants This can speed up the process, but should only be done when you child is ready.
Toilet training tips
Even the most understanding parent with the most co-operative child can sometimes hit a snag. For these occasions, we have compiled a list of 6 top toilet training tips to get you back on track. Getting your child to stay dry at night can be a tough task to accomplish. Huggies has a great resource on nighttime toilet training to stop all those wet beds and soaked sheets.
Using a proper toilet brings with it a whole heap of toilet training hygiene issues that your little bub needs to know, including remembering to flush and the proper way to wash hands. You should also practice out and about toilet training so that your little one can get used to going to the potty in places outside of your home and feel comfortable with it.
One of the biggest things you can do to help your little one along is give generous praise during potty training. In this section Huggies delves into the right way to reward and praise your child for doing a great job. Unfortunately, some children can suffer from toilet training regression where for some reason (often a new baby in the home) all that hard work is undone. Dr Charles Shubin gives some expert advice about how to get back on track so that your little one will be using a proper toilet again in no time. Boys and girls can be very different when it comes to something like this, so the toilet training boys vs. girls Huggies resource has great tips like:
- Dress boys in pants with an elasticised waist so that they can easily be pulled up and down
- Remember to teach your daughter to wipe from front to back to stop any nasty infections from developing.
Huggies also offers a free toilet training guide with any purchase of Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants. This guide contains some great suggestions to help you along your way including:
- Signs to tell when your child is ready to start potty training
- The stages you and your child will work through together during toilet training
- A Big Kid certificate
- Progress Chart featuring your child’s favourite Disney characters
- Great tips that are really useful for any parent
- Frequently asked questions about toilet training
Parents send us all kind of toilet training questions. We have answered all of the most commonly asked questions and compiled them into one great toilet training resource. If you feel there might be a problem or you’re worried about how your child is coping with potty training, check with your doctor. The most important things to remember with toilet training are to wait until your child and family are ready and to make it a positive experience. Be patient, and look forward to the days of freedom from nappies and little accidents.