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How to potty train your toddler

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These are the steps you can take to ensure your child’s success when potty training is a natural step.
You might have noticed that you are changing fewer diapers recently and that your little one seems to be dry during naptime. These signs and others indicate that potty training is a good idea.

Patience is the key to success in potty training. It’s important to remember that every child will achieve this milestone at his or her own pace. While there are many strategies that work for different children, these tips will generally get the job done.

How do I tell if my toddler has been potty trained?

Your little one won’t be able to use the toilet if they aren’t yet ready for it. These are sure signs that your baby is ready to learn:

You’re changing fewer diapers. They are changing fewer diapers. Toddlers still have to pee from time to time until they reach 20 months. But, once they can keep dry for an hour or so, it is a sign that they have developed bladder control and are physically ready for potty training.
You will notice a greater frequency in your bowel movements. This makes it much easier to get the potty out when it’s necessary.
Your child is more vocal when it comes to going to the bathroom. Your child will start to show you his facial expressions and verbally announce that he is going to the bathroom.
Your child might notice dirty diapers and decide not to like them. It’s possible for your little one to decide that dirty diapers are gross and he doesn’t want to be in them. Yay! Your child doesn’t like stinky diapers and wants to use the toilet instead.

When should you start potty training your toddler

Most children are not ready to learn how to use the potty before age 2. However, some children will wait until they are 3 1/2 years old.

It is important to keep your child calm and patient. Potty training is something that every child should do at their own pace. You can be sure your child is not developing slowly if he takes a while to get the hang of potty-training.
How to prepare your child in potty training

All signs indicate that his potty training system is working. However, don’t give up on your stash of diapers. There are still things to do. These potty training tips can make it easier to transition to the active phase of toilet training.

Make sure to highlight the positive aspects of using the toilet. Make sure to highlight the positives of using the toilet when you’re starting your diaper-free trial. Perhaps you’ll say, “Wearing your underwear is fun!” You might say, “Pretty soon your child can flush like Mommy and Daddy!” However, don’t call your child’s habits “babyish” or knock them out of diapers. That could trigger your child’s contrarian streak.
Establish standard bathroom talk. Experts suggest using formal words (defecate and urinate) over slang to avoid embarrassing your children. But it’s important to be consistent in your use. Never refer to your child’s diaper contents in negative terms. He will be more comfortable toileting if you see it as a natural and non-yucky activity.
Commend grown-up behavior in general. Your child should know that you appreciate his maturity. Praise feats like sharing toys with a friend and drinking from a cup without spilling. Do not expect your child to be a perfectionist. He may feel pressured and start to yearn for simpler times.
You must dress for success in pottytraining. Make a habit of dressing your toddler in potty-training clothes that are easy to pull down. Ask your toddler if he will pull his pants down for diaper changes, and then pull them up afterwards.
Your toddler should know how to use the toilet. Toddlers love to imitate, and so is the toilet. Although you could show your child how to flush, squat, and wipe, it is far more effective and efficient to just bring your child to the bathroom to demonstrate. You may not be comfortable sharing your modesty with all parents, so don’t feel guilty about skipping this step.
You can bridge the gap between diapers, and the potty. Your tot can be changed in the same room as his potty, if possible. This reinforces the relationship between them. If he is unable to change his diaper after he has had enough, he should go to the bathroom and watch you flush it. If he gets scared by the sound of the flushing, he can just flush and dump it later.
The right potty is important. Make sure the potty is sturdy and doesn’t tip over when your child tries to check his progress. For an extra thrill, you can shop together for the potty to gift your child. A potty seat is also an option. Some children will not tolerate the “baby” potty and insist on using the “grown up” one. A potty seat that attaches at the toilet is a good option in such cases. You want a seat that is stable — a loose fit can force a child to change diapers every few days.

How to potty train your toddler

Potty training is an important milestone that can feel like a rollercoaster for parents. However, you have done all the work and now it is time to use the potty! These are some ways to potty-train your child.

Move to pull-ups. The disposable option is safer when your child is first using the potty. The disposables can be worn down by your child like underpants. However, they can absorb like diapers and can be removed if necessary. Once your little one is comfortable using the potty and has made some progress, it’s time to switch to washable cotton training clothes.
He can expose his bottom. Your child will be more aware of his body’s signals if he can scamper around in a room or yard with a washable flooring. If there isn’t a diaper to keep it in, it’s difficult to ignore urine. To help your child quickly react to his body’s signals, keep the toilet close at hand.
Be attentive. This is the point where you may be more adept at identifying your little one’s signals that he is. If you notice any signs of distress, such as fidgeting or straining, ask gently if he is going to the bathroom. You can encourage him to sit on the toilet even if it is too late.
Motivate him. Remember to remind him that using the toilet means he is growing up. You can also offer small, tangible incentives in the beginning. A sticker on the calendar, or a penny in your piggy bank, might be helpful. It’s best to gradually remove the rewards as he becomes more comfortable with the potty.
Teach him to look for dryness. This gives him an additional sense of control. You can give him a hug if you’re dry. However, don’t be critical if it’s wet.
Be patient. Even the most enthusiastic toddlers can take several weeks before they master potty training. It is often as slow as possible. Your expectations may be unrealistic and could cause your toddler to lose his self-confidence. You shouldn’t shame, punish, or scold your child. While it’s not something that parents enjoy doing, don’t let your toddler urinate in the puddle. You might discourage your toddler from trying new things in the future if you react too quickly.
Stop nagging. When reminding your toddler about using the toilet, keep it casual. Napping will only lead to resistance. Don’t force your tot to sit on the potty or to stay there, even if it’s nearing empty. (You can lead your pony towards the potty but it’s ultimately up to him to use it.
Don’t deny drinks. Many parents believe that restricting fluids will decrease the chance of their toddler getting into an accident. However, this is unfair and ineffective. It is better to increase fluid intake for your child to make him more successful.
Avoid a battle for the toilet. Squabbling about using the toilet will only make the situation worse. If you are met with resistance, it’s better to throw in your towel (and the toilet tissue!) Give it a few more weeks. Be patient. While you wait for your child, don’t bring it up or compare him to other underpants-wearing children.

Potty training can be difficult and sometimes bumpy. It’s all about setting the stage, waiting for signs of readiness and then going for them.

It’s exciting to think of the day when you can ditch diapers. However, this will require patience. But don’t lose hope. It may seem like potty training your toddler is a tedious task, but your little one will eventually master the art and be able to use their diapers again. Good luck!