You might long for the days when diapers are a thing of the past for you and your baby, but be careful about hastening the toilet training process. You will train more successfully if you recognize signs that your baby is receptive to the idea of using a toilet, introduce the concept gradually and wait for the prime moment to implement active training techniques.
Assessing Readniess
Babies aren’t all ready to start toilet training at the same age, but most develop the physical and mental ability to begin training between ages 18 months and 24 months, according to BabyCenter.com. Your baby may be ready if he tells you when he is using his diaper, expresses interest in using the toilet and is able to undress himself, says BabyCenter.com.
Setting Up a Plan
Talk to your partner about how you will handle the process of toilet training your baby before you ever set your baby on a toilet seat, suggests BabyCenter.com. For example, discuss whether you will try to implement a fast or gradual method, decide on what type of potty chair to use and agree about how you will respond to inevitable accidents and how you might offer encouragement. Consistency will be the key to success.
Preparing Your Baby
Allow your baby to watch you and other family members using the toilet so that she will begin to understand toilet use as an everyday event, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other ways to get your baby used to toilet processes is to let her flush the toilet, encourage her to practice sitting on a new potty chair with her clothes on and invite her join you in “teaching” a wetting doll to use the toilet.
Early Training Methods
After your baby is comfortable with the idea of being on a toilet, dress him in loose and easily removable pants or let him go bare-bottomed whenever you are at home. Any time he sends “potty time” signals, such as stopping his regular activity and making a face, place him on his potty chair, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. Also take him to use his potty chair within an hour of eating or drinking and place him on his seat every one-and-a-half to two hours, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Encouragement Tips
Remain with your baby while she sits on her potty chair and give her “potty time only” toys such as a special doll to keep her occupied. Also consider reading her children’s books about going potty. Praise her every time she has the smallest of successes and casually brush off any accidents, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. You may also consider offering her a special reward such as a sticker for each success.
When to Consult a Doctor
Chances are, your baby is simply not ready to be toilet trained if he has had consistent problems after a few months of persistent efforts, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. However, you may talk to a pediatrician just to be on the safe side.
