Out of all the milestones that a baby achieves in the first five years of life, potty training is one of the most stressful ones for parents, and sometimes for the baby as well. Something that comes naturally and all of us do daily all our lives, to begin the journey can be a bit stressful if we start it with half or wrong information. There is no specific potty training age, but if you start too early or too late, the child can be under pressure and traumatised. This article by Care For Child will help you understand the basics of potty training, and understand the signs of readiness which will help you know when to begin for best results. Keep Reading!
What is Potty Training
Teaching a young kid to use the toilet instead of wearing diapers is known as potty training. When a child reaches this developmental milestone—learning how to manage their bladder and bowel movements—it is crucial. During the potty training process, parents or other adult caregivers assist the kids in identifying when they need to go potty and in using the restroom on their own. This entails being aware of the bodily feelings associated with the urge to pee or poop, communicating their requirements, and using the restroom appropriately. When a kid exhibits readiness indicators, such as keeping dry for extended periods, showing discomfort with dirty diapers, or mirroring adult toileting activities, potty training often begins. Parents must be patient, consistent, and supportive of their children.
Importance of Knowing About Potty Training Readiness
Knowing about the potty training readiness of your toddler is important and crucial for a successful potty training experience both for parents and for the baby. Here are some reasons why it is important to know about kids potty training readiness:
Avoids unnecessary stress and frustration for both the child and the parent
Prevents potential accidents and discomfort for the child
Saves time and money by avoiding premature attempts at potty training
Encourages a positive and supportive environment for the child
Helps establish healthy habits and independence in the child
Builds confidence in the child and promotes positive self-esteem
Reduces the likelihood of setbacks and regression
Promotes a smoother transition to underwear and toilet use
Now, coming to the main topic of this article. How would you know that this is the right time to start the potty training journey and buy a few pairs of Padded underwear / Toilet Training Pants for your toddler? In this section, we talk about that. Recognizing signs of potty training readiness is essential for a successful potty training experience. There are three main categories of signs to look for: physical, cognitive & emotional, and behavioural.
Physical Signs - Physical signs include staying dry for longer periods, regular bowel movements, and improved bladder control. This means that the toddler can hold their pee for a longer time and can go for longer periods without soiling their cloth diaper. They may also show signs of discomfort when their diaper is soiled or wet. These physical signs indicate that the child's bladder and bowel muscles are developing, which is crucial for successful potty training.
Cognitive & Emotional Signs - Cognitive and emotional signs include showing an interest in the bathroom when they see others using the bathroom, understanding basic instructions, and expressing discomfort with soiled diapers they have peed or pooped in. The child may also imitate adult behaviours related to toileting or show an understanding of the words associated with using the toilet. These signs indicate that the child is beginning to understand the concept of using the toilet and is becoming more aware of their bodily functions.
Behavioural Signs - Behavioural signs include verbally communicating the need to use the bathroom, displaying independence in dressing and undressing, and imitating adult behaviours related to toileting. The child may also show an interest in using the toilet or wearing underwear. These signs indicate that the child is becoming more independent and is ready to take on the responsibility of using the toilet.
It is important to note that every child is different, and readiness signs may appear at different times. Parents should observe their child for these cues and begin potty training when they feel that their child is ready. Recognizing these signs will make the potty training experience more successful and less stressful for both the child and parent.
Tips for Parents
There are many different products available in the market for helping your child potty train. Talk to parents who have already potty trained their children and figure out what works best for you and your baby.
No matter how small the success, praise your child at every step when they use the toilet seat. This will motivate them to keep using it regularly.
If they accidentally pee or poop in their diaper or underwear, do not show anger or disappointment. Let your child take their own time. To avoid pee puddles and mess all around, use potty training pants.
Some Recommended Books & Products for Potty Training
Potty training can be stressful for both parents and children. Starting when the baby is ready is the best approach to reach this milestone effortlessly.
Use the right products for better success. Padded Underwear and potty training books can help you in this journey.
Do not lose patience or get disheartened if your child is having pee or poop accidents. Appreciate every small success to motivate your child.
FAQs
Q1 – How do I encourage my child to use the potty seat?
Ans – Appreciating each success & not discouraging them when there is an accidental pee will help kids reach their potty training milestone with ease. Keep talking to your toddler and tell them that grown-ups pee and poop only in the bathroom and now they are a grown-up too. This sense of responsibility will help them take charge.
Q2 – How long does baby potty training take?
Ans – It completely differs from child to child. Some kids take barely three days to be completely potty trained, while a few others can take up to a month or more. Let the child do it at their own pace without pressurising them for successful milestone completion
Q3 – What is the right potty training age?
Ans – There is no specific age at which you need to start the potty training process. If your child is ready and shows signs of readiness, it is the right time to start.
