Tips For Potty Training Your Toddler

I am a mother of eight children: five girls and three boys. As a mother of multiple children, I have learned that when it comes to potty-training techniques, not every strategy works for every child.

Another thing I have learned throughout my different potty-training adventures, is that girls often potty-train earlier, easier and faster than boys. The average age of potty-training readiness for toddlers is usually somewhere between 18 and 24 months. This is the age range where toddlers are ready to start learning how to control their bladders and bowels.

One of the first steps in potty-training a toddler is determining whether or not your toddler is ready to start the process. Does he or she pause during activity when they realize they’re urinating or moving their bowels? Does he or she become uncomfortable and want to be changed immediately after soiling themselves? These are both signs that your toddler is probably ready to start learning to potty-train.

Choosing a Potty

There are many different choices when it comes to choosing the proper potty for your toilet-training toddler, and deciding which one to purchase can be a daunting task, to say the least. You can either choose to purchase a standalone potty chair that your toddler can use anywhere, or a potty seat that you place on the seat of your toilet, making it easier and more comfortable for your toddler to use the toilet.

Some parents find that potty chairs are more convenient because you can take them to any room of the house. You can even sit your toddler on their potty chair in the family room after a meal, and let them watch their favorite show on television while waiting for them to get the urge to “go potty.”

If you do choose the potty seat method, you will need to make sure your toddler Is near the potty chair soon after meals. You may also want to find activities you can you use to keep your toddler occupied while they are waiting for the urge to “go potty.”

Consistency Is Key

The worst thing you can do is to start potty-training and then stop. This can confuse your toddler and even cause them not to take potty-training seriously. The process can take anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on how consistent you are and the willingness of your toddler to learn.

You may want to use training pants instead of pampers when you begin to train your child, because this will signify to them that they are no longer supposed to “go” in their pamper or diaper. You should set your toddler on the potty as soon after a meal or beverage as possible. Keep them occupied until they finally “go” and then use positive reinforcement to congratulate them afterwards. Some parents shun using rewards as motivation, but others find this strategy to be very effective. In the end, whichever method you choose to use is entirely up to you.

You will usually find that your toddler will be potty trained during the day pretty easily. Sleeping all night without an accident will take more time and other strategies. Until then, stay consistent and stay positive, and your child will eventually make the transition from pampers to potty before you know it.