Do you have a toddler at home? Is the dreaded potty training stage coming up? Do you need some advice and potty training tips? If so, you have come to the right place. At Potty Training Planet we have everything you need to make potty training your child a breeze.
We have the answers to all the questions you could possibly ask – questions such as:
- When should I start potty training my child?
- Is potty training for boys any different to potty training for girls?
- Are rewards a good idea here? If so, how do I use them effectively?
and, most importantly ………. - Are 3 days all I really need to potty train my child?
Why You Need to Think About Potty Training Right Away
Things have changed a lot over the years – the cloth diapers that our parents or grandparents used have largely disappeared. Disposable diapers are so easy and convenient to use that potty training these days has become much less of an issue than it was then.
But back before disposable diapers were so common, it made sense to start potty training as early as possible. After all, washing cloth diapers was really inconvenient. Add in the higher potential for diaper rash and is it any wonder that 18 months was considered a good age to start training children to use the potty?
Modern thinking is that we should never rush our children’s development. Many people think that children should be allowed to naturally decide when they want to learn to use the potty. We are not suggesting that you rush your child or force them to quit using diapers before they are ready. That said, there are a lot of good reasons for getting them out of diapers sooner rather than later.
You Save Time, Money and Help the Environment
Disposable diapers can end up costing a good deal of money – money that could be put into a college fund instead. Disposable diapers are also not a very environmentally-friendly option. If you want to be more environmentally-friendly without actually switching to cloth diapers, you can teach your child to use the potty from about two years on.
And, while we love the fact that our kids need us, having them go to the potty on their own means that you have one less item on your To-Do list. This frees up a little more quality time to spend with your child.
Diapers Can be a Health Hazard in Themselves
Potty training your child helps them to learn how to properly drain their bladders. When they have a diaper on, they are less likely to do so and this can increase their risk of developing urinary tract infections.
Most modern disposable diapers work well at locking in moisture away from your child’s skin. There is, however, a limit to how effective they are. The longer your child wears a diaper for, the higher the risk of diaper rash and discomfort becomes.
You Increase Your Child’s Confidence and Reduce the Risk of Embarrassment
Potty training your child early on can help to build their confidence – not only does it give them a sense of achievement, but it spares them unnecessary embarrassment when dealing with peers who have already gotten worked out how to use the potty.
In their formative years, it can be very damaging to your child’s confidence if they feel that they are not keeping up with their peers.
→ Read more: How to potty train a boy?
Potty Training Made Simple
First things first – each child is different. The methods that your mother used to potty train you are not necessarily going to work for your child. All children develop at a different pace. It can be difficult then to figure out exactly when you should start with toilet training your child so let’s make it a little easier.
When Should You Start Potty Training Your Child?
Our child’s development is something that we as parents spend a lot of time agonizing over. When are they going to say their first word, take their first steps, etc? And, much as we like to agonize over these issues, there is no real right and wrong age when it comes to developmental milestones. The same thing is true when teaching your child how to use the potty.
Generally speaking, most children are ready to start potty training between the ages of 18 months and 24 months old. Your child will start to show signs that they are to learn and you as a parent just need to watch for these signs. Potty training can be a bonding experience for you and your child if approached correctly.
It is important not to force your child if they do not feel ready – forcing them will make the experience unpleasant for both of you and make it less likely that they will succeed.
→ Read more: How to potty train a girl?
What Signs to Look Out For
The following can be signs that your child is ready to start potty training:
- They are able to walk unassisted and able to support themselves when sitting.
- They are able to hold in their pee for at least two hours.
- They find the functions of the toilet interesting, especially when it is in use.
- They begin to complain that their diaper is soiled.
- They tell you that they are getting ready to pee or poop or that they have peed or pooped.
Making this a good experience for both of you means that you are going to need to learn to relax a bit and manage your expectations. It doesn’t matter how well your best friend’s child is doing at potty training – this is not a competition.
If you are more relaxed about the whole issue, your child will be as well and the process will go a lot more smoothly. If you try to force your child’s progress, you are increasing the odds that potty training will become a problem for both of you.
Primary Potty Training Concepts
When it comes to potty training, there are some basic principles that will apply to just about everyone. You could ask 10 different people for advice when it comes to potty training your child and you could end up with 10 different answers but if you get the main concepts squared away, you will be fine.
One of the hardest concepts for most parents to accept is that there is no going back once you have started. If your child is allowed to use diapers again, they will just get confused. There are going to accidents when you potty train your child but going backward is not going to help. Once you have made the switch, there are no more training pants or diapers.
Potty training should be incorporated into your child’s regular learning schedule and activities. You can start by teaching them about the potty and introducing the concept gradually. That way the training will seem to be a natural progression to your child.
It is also a good idea to create a regular schedule that will make it possible for you to watch your child while they are learning – you will need to be able to watch them for indications that they want to use the potty for peeing and pooping.
It is also a good idea to be consistent when it comes to how you refer to the act of using the toilet and what the different body parts are called. Make sure that anyone who looks after your child is on the same page – it is a lot easier for your child to learn about potty training if everyone uses same terms with them.
Also, think about how you can reward your child for getting this right. Every time he poops or pees in the potty, he should get a reward. Make it as fun as possible – make up a little potty training jingle or cheer. You and your child can have a lot of time doing the pee pee or the poop dance.
If you congratulate your child every single time and give them potty training rewards then they will look forward to using the toilet. A reward can mean sweets or it can mean earning stars on a star chart – choose the way that works best for your child and that is positive.
→ Read more: 9 Potty Training Tips that Provide Positive Results
3 Days to Potty Train Your Child
Training your child to use the potty does not have to be a long, drawn-out process. Make it fun and easy by using The 3-day potty training method. Once your child has shown that they are ready to start learning, they could be ready to use the potty in as little as three days with this safe, proven method.
The 3-day method can help you make quick work of potty training. Some children might take a little bit longer to get things exactly right, even with the Three Day Method but you and will, at the very least, learn how to make the transition from diaper to potty seamless.
→Read more: The Ultimate 3 Day Potty Training Method