Potty training your toddler

Parents usually can’t wait for their child to talk but what is heaven is when a baby starts uttering words like “wee wee” or “poo poo”. These words indicate your child may be ready to let go off the nappy and start the journey of going to the bathroom on their own. Disposable nappies are expensive so most parents cannot wait to start potty training their child so that they have one less expense. Potty training normally begins when your child is between 18 months and three years old. This is the age when children begin to do things on their own, and it’s up to you to let them.

Signs that your tot is ready

Paediatrician Dr Elna Gibson says that when children start bending down or pulling on their pants, it’s usually a sign that they need to go. Author of Toddler Sense,  Ann Richardson agrees with Dr Gibson and says the first sign that your child is ready for potty training is when she shows awareness of what’s happening before or after a bowel movement. “She may say words such as ‘poo, ‘wee’ or ‘toilet’, squirm and touch her bottom, or may stop what she’s doing,” says Richardson

When to know your child is ready

No one knows your child best except you – you will notice when your child is ready to potty train. In order for the potty training of your child to be successful, your child at least needs to be able to stand, sit and walk as well as follow certain simple instructions. When you think your child is ready, get a potty and get started. Put the potty near the toilet and explain what it is and what it is for. Children learn through imitating behaviour so allow your toddler to come with you to toilet from an early age, so they can learn from watching you. Invite them to tear off the toilet paper and help you flush.If your child prefers to sit on the ‘big toilet’, invest in a toddler inner toilet seat.You may allow them to wear a nappy at night and enforce wearing underwear during the day as they practise.  

Tips for training

• You can’t buy a potty and force your baby to use it. Toilet training is a partnership- you need to be involved and patient with your child.

• Only begin toilet training when you are sure your child is ready. There is no use in rushing your child to it when you can tell they are going to struggle.

• Let your toddler decorate their potty. Buy stickers of their favourite animated characters.

• Make positive and uplifting comments when they use the potty – the praise will lift their confidence and encourage them to use the potty again.

• Your child will know when they want to go; put your confidence in them.

Shower them with compliments

When they keep successfully using a potty on their own, shower them with an applause so that they do it over and over again. If they mess on themselves, don’t lose your temper, encourage and remind them why they need to use their potty. Remember practice makes perfect. Potty training your child is a process and requires you to be patient with your little one.