Moving on without a diaper and being potty-trained
When you start potty training depends on the individual child. Each child is different, they learn to walk and talk at different times and they also learn to use the toilet at different times. However, most children are ready to go on the potty between 18 months and 3 years old. You know your child better than anyone, so you do not have to start potty-training just because other people think you should.
It should be the right time to start potty-training. Do not start until you can devote a lot of time and attention to it. An ideal time to start is, for example, during the vacation period. If you are in a busy period, for example when you’re moving or when a new baby is on the way, it is not a good time to teach your child to use the potty.
How do I know if my child is ready to sit on the potty?
Your child needs to be physically ready, so he or she needs to be able to sit on the potty and get up when he or she is ready. Make sure your child does not reluctantly sit on the potty. If this is the case, you will have to postpone the potty training for a while. If your child can already follow the instructions and let you know what he wants or needs, this can also be a sign of readiness.
Understanding pee and poop habits
It is important to get an accurate picture of your child’s pee and poop habits. It gives you insight into the number of times they pee and poop in a day. If they can stay dry for an hour or two, they are usually ready for potty-training because their bladder stores more urine and gains more control.
Absorbent diapers
It can be difficult to tell if a child is wet because disposable diapers are so good at sucking up urine and keeping the skin dry. A good tip is to put some folded up kitchen paper in the diaper. This stays wet when they pee.
If your child notices when he or she has urinated or pooped, it means that he or she is beginning to learn which signals the body is giving. A great time to prepare for potty training.
How do I prepare my child to say goodbye to the diaper?
You can involve your child in changing diapers. Let them help with their clothes and wash your hands together when you are done. Talk about pee and poop without any shame. Tell them that their diaper is wet or dry when you change it and talk about the pee or poop that is in it. Keep the diapers in the toilet and change your child in there so that they associate pooping and urinating with the toilet area.
Reward your child
Schedule a reward system such as a sticker or a small gift. For every small step like sitting on the potty, washing your hands, and getting dressed. Rewards are a good incentive. Keep it small and direct, a sticker or some candy for example.
Show that you also go to the toilet!
If one of the parents goes to the toilet you can keep the toilet door open. Young children learn by watching and copying. If they see that parents are sitting on the toilet, they will try to do the same. Remember: it is not your fault and you are not the only one… It is important to reassure children that they are not the only ones having accidents. It is never intentional, and they shouldn’t be made to feel guilty. With these tips, your child will go to the toilet without a diaper before you know it.
Dry during the day but not yet at night
The next step in becoming toilet trained for your child is to get through the night dry. Half of all children who are toilet trained during the day are not yet toilet trained at night. A lot of training options are available in this area. We are convinced of the effectiveness of the bedwetting alarm. We test all known brands and offer an extensive review!