Is the constant stream of dirty diapers driving you crazy? Are you dreaming of the day your little one uses the potty like a champ? Ditch the frustration and embrace a new reality – potty training in just a few days!
1. Readiness is Key
The first and most important thing to know is that your child needs to be ready for toilet training. Rushing the process can lead to frustration for both you and your child, and can actually prolong toilet training. There are two main signs to look for:
- Bladder control: Your child should be able to stay dry for one to two hours at a time. This typically happens around the age of two.
- Bowel movements: Your child’s poo should be soft. If your child is constipated, wait to potty train until this is addressed.
2. Ditch the Diapers (Mostly)
Once you’ve established that your child is ready, it’s time to get rid of the diapers. This will help your child develop awareness of wetness and dryness. Opt for underwear or training pants. Training pants have an absorbent layer in the crotch to catch small accidents, but they won’t absorb everything. This will help your child feel the discomfort of being wet and motivate them to use the potty.
If you’re not quite comfortable ditching diapers completely, you can allow your child to wear them underneath underwear. This will still allow them to feel wetness and discomfort, and will also give them a sense of control as they can pull their underwear up and down.
3. Ditch the Question: “Do You Want to Go to the Toilet?”
This question is a recipe for disaster! Most of the time, your child will simply say no. Instead, focus on highlighting the signs your child is showing that they need to go to the toilet. For example, you might say, “Sarah, you’re jumping up and down. Your body is saying it needs to go to the toilet. It’s potty time!” By phrasing it this way, you take away the option for your child to refuse and you also reinforce the connection between their bodily sensations and using the toilet.
4. Short and Sweet Potty Visits
There’s no need for lengthy potty sessions. Keep it to a maximum of five minutes. You don’t want your child to associate using the toilet with punishment. Also, avoid using the toilet yourself in front of your child as they might see it as a place to relax, rather than to use the bathroom.
5. Be Patient with Pooping
Pooping on the potty can be scary for some toddlers. Don’t force it! It’s common for this to be one of the last things they master. Here’s a gradual approach to help them overcome this fear:
- Allow them to continue wearing diapers, but have them poop in the bathroom. Flush the poo down the toilet and say “poo goes in the toilet.”
- Once they’re comfortable with that, see if they’ll sit on the toilet while wearing a diaper.
- If they’re okay with this, try cutting a hole in the diaper so the poo falls into the toilet.
- Gradually remove the diaper altogether.
6. Accidents Happen: How to Respond
Accidents are inevitable. Here’s how to respond:
- Stay calm and avoid yelling or getting frustrated. This can make your child fearful of using the toilet.
- Say something neutral, like “I see you had an accident. Let’s go get you changed.”
- Change your child in the bathroom where the toilet is. This allows them to practice the routine of using the toilet.
7. Comfort is Key
Make sure your child feels comfortable sitting on the toilet. They need to be able to relax their muscles to eliminate properly. If your child is too small for the toilet seat, consider getting a toilet seat reducer. You might also want to invest in a stool so their knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. This position is more comfortable and helps with elimination.
By following these eight steps, you can toilet train your toddler quickly and efficiently. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key!
