Successful toilet training is always perceived as a major step in the normal development of a child. The topic often creates parental anxiety and frustration if independent toileting is delayed. Most parents are faced with the question, what is the best way to potty train their child? When should I start potty training? Is 12 months of age too young for my baby to potty train?
As parents, we all want to know when to start potty training.
When to Begin Potty Training
According to research, on average, the neuromuscular development of bowel and bladder control begins at 18 months. Other factors that should be considered before potty training are; the communication and motor skills of the child. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Pediatric Society suggest that potty training should begin at the age of 18 and 24 months. It is good to note that if one begins earlier, the process duration may be longer which can frustrate the trainer. Hence, consider if the baby is ready for the training.
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How to know my baby is ready for potty training?
Potty training is a complex skill that demands both behavioral and physiological processes. A child is ready for potty training when;
- they can control their bladder; they should be aware that they are about to urinate or poop.
- Know some of the toileting words like poo!
- Can physically move around
- the child should be able to follow instructions
NB. when the child is able to follow instructions but chooses not to, a parent must make the child follow the instruction without causing temper tantrums which may discourage the progress.
Potty training should start when both the parent and the child are willing to participate.
How to potty train
- At around the age of 18 months, a parent introduces the potty seat.
- When the parent is using the toilet, the child sits on the potty with the diaper on.
- After a week or two of cooperation, the diaper is removed while the baby is sitting on the potty.
- Whenever the baby poops while not on the potty, the diaper is removed and emptied into the potty. This shows the baby that poops belong to the potty.
- If the baby understands this, she or he sits on the potty several times a day. As the interest grows, pants can be removed for shorter periods and the baby is encouraged to use the potty at will and on their own.
- Nap and night training is accomplished later if it doesn’t come simultaneously with daytime training.
Potty Training Hacks.
- Conduct the training in a room with minimal distractions
- The potty’s lid should be easily removable
- Give comments and hugs for every instance that the potty was used right.
- When an accident occurs, deliver a reprimand, make the child change their wet pants, and repeat positive practice sessions.
- Use a wet doll to demonstrate the urination process. This is a form of positive practice session to imitate toilet actions.
- Teach the child the difference between wet and dry pants. Reward every time the pants are dry.
- Encourage the child to take liquids to get the desire to urinate. Then instruct the child to sit on the potty to see if urination occurs. Praise the child for proper potty use.
- Sometimes, if the baby finds it difficult to lower their pants, in the circumstance that they know the use of a potty, let the baby stay without pants to see if they will do it right.