Toilet training your child with a potty is a crucial starting point for fostering independence. So, when is the best time for your child to start sitting on the potty? And how can you train them in a way that's both fun and engaging, while allowing you to relax? This article from Mytour will help answer those questions.
1. When is the best time to start toilet training your child with a potty?
In reality, every child will have different ideal times to start toilet training, but typically, children may be ready to start toilet training at 18-36 months old, although most may not be accustomed to self-toileting until they're 2 years old.
When initiating this 'independence' training for your child, it's essential to ensure that the child is physically and mentally ready, capable of sensing and controlling bladder and bowel movements. Additionally, the ability to control bladder and bowel activities should be well-established.
If most children show signs of readiness, it's the ideal time to start toilet training. However, if a child is ill or experiencing significant changes in living conditions, such as starting daycare, a mother expecting another baby, or moving, parents should reconsider postponing toilet training.
The Kiza MF-01 potty trainer is designed to mimic the adult toilet bowl.
Signs of Readiness
When your child exhibits at least two or three physical, emotional, and cognitive signs similar to those listed below, it may be the right time for parents to begin guiding them through toilet training.
Physical Readiness Signs
- The child is developing habits around urination and defecation.
- The child can pull pants up and down without much assistance.
- The child can move or walk to the bathroom independently.
- The child has a sense of when they need to go to the bathroom or can hold it until assistance is available.
- The child's diapers or training pants remain dry for longer periods, around 2-3 hours, indicating increased bladder control.
Emotional Readiness Signs
- The child can distinguish between urination and defecation and can communicate about it when you change their diaper.
- The child understands what 'wet' and 'dry' mean.
- The child feels uncomfortable and signals to you or removes the diaper themselves when it's dirty or wet.
- The child can indicate and tell you when they need to use the toilet.
- The child understands what you say and follows simple instructions like 'go get your teddy bear.'
Social Emotional Readiness Signs
- The common phrase 'I can do it' shows the child's desire for more independence.
- The child demonstrates their independence by saying 'no' when asked to do something.
- The child imitates the actions of others.
- The child expresses happiness when praised and wants to please you or other adults.
2. Effective Tips and Strategies for Mothers when Toilet Training their Child
Introduce the toilet to the child: Show the child the toilet and explain what it's used for. Place the toilet in a corner or in the bathroom for a few days for the child to become familiar with it. Then, encourage the child to sit on the toilet while still wearing pants or diapers to get them used to it. Practice like this for 1-2 days to familiarize the child before removing the diaper and pants. Encourage the child to use the toilet without forcing them: Initially, the child may resist, but suggest and encourage them to sit a little longer by giving them a toy, a book, or playing music for them. If the child doesn't feel the need, let them stand up and play some more. And when the child truly sits and uses the toilet, always praise them, parents!Avoid putting diapers on your child during nap time: Teaching your child to use the toilet during nap time means you'll gradually stop using diapers for naps altogether. This will help prevent bedwetting. When your child wakes up from a nap, remind them to use the toilet for urination or bowel movements.Avoid scolding your child when accidents happen:
Install a child toilet seat with stairs:
Signs that your child needs to urinate or defecate: Your child may have a flushed face, squirm, or touch their genital area. They may suddenly stop playing or become quiet, or they might use words like 'pee' or 'poop'. If you've been teaching your child, they may go at the scheduled times.Encourage your child to use the restroom: After a few weeks of daytime toilet training, suggest to your child whether they'd like to use the toilet like adults do. Children around 2-3 years old often enjoy mimicking adults, so you can 'tempt' them to use the toilet like mom and dad.Show your child how to sit on the toilet: and don't forget to explain what they're doing. You can demonstrate or have your child practice while sitting on the toilet when their siblings are using it.Establish daily routines for your child: Teach your child to use the toilet after waking up or about 40-60 minutes after drinking plenty of water. You can observe and supervise your child when they urinate, have them sit for a few minutes, and let them stand up if they want.Have your child sit on the toilet for 15-30 minutes after eating:
Dress your child in simple, easy-to-remove clothes: To best support your child's toilet training process, avoid dressing them in jackets or ponchos that could get tangled around their waistband.When your son is ready to pee standing up: parents should remember to guide him towards the toilet target.Always praise and encourage your child: even if they haven't mastered sitting on the toilet yet, don't punish or scold them if they make a mess at home or on their clothes, but instead provide guidance, assistance, and encouragement. You can reward your child with a small gift if they successfully sit on the toilet to encourage them.Choose a suitable toilet seat for your child: with a size that fits your child's 'bum' comfortably, neither too tight nor too loose, to provide a comfortable, pleasant feeling, and choose cute, attractive toilet seats to attract children.
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