Potty training is an important milestone in a toddler’s development, but it can also be a stressful time for parents. With patience and a positive approach, you can make potty training successful and relatively stress-free. Here is a guide to low-stress potty training for toddlers.
When to Start Potty Training
Most children show signs they are ready for potty training between 18 months and 3 years old. Signs of readiness include:
- Staying dry for longer periods of time
- Showing interest in the potty
- Recognising when they are wet or soiled
- Indicating when they need to go through words, facial expressions or body language
Try not to start too early, as this can lead to frustration. Wait until your toddler is developmentally ready. If you are a foster carer with fosterplus.co.uk, you will need to ask your social worker whether or not they are ready.
Preparing for Potty Training
Make preparations before you begin potty training:
- Buy a potty and let your toddler get used to it. Keep it in the bathroom or another convenient place.
- Ensure your toddler can reach the potty and get on it easily. Use a step stool if needed.
- Buy training pants or underwear as you will use these instead of nappies.
- Dress your toddler in loose clothing that is easy to remove quickly.
- Stick to a routine as much as possible as toddlers thrive on routine.
- Read potty training books together.
- Make a potty training chart with stickers to mark successes. This provides motivation.
- Plan to stay home during the initial training period to better supervise.
- Explain what you are doing so your toddler understands the process.
Potty Training Methods
There are several potty-training techniques you can try:
Naked Time
Let your toddler play naked from the waist down. This helps them recognise when they need to go. Praise them for telling you and getting to the potty on time.
Gradual Change
Slowly switch from nappies to training pants/underwear over a few weeks. This gradual approach helps the transition.
Consistency
Stick to a schedule, using the potty at regular times like after meals, before bedtime and first thing in the morning. Toddlers like predictability.
Positive Reinforcement
Offer lots of praise, encouragement and rewards like stickers when they use the potty successfully. Never punish accidents.
Toilet Reminders
Prompt your toddler regularly to “try the potty” so it becomes a habit.
Weaning Off the Nappy
Once your child starts using the potty regularly, you can stop using nappies altogether. However, night-time potty training may take longer. Continue using nappies or training pants at night until your toddler stays dry most nights.
Handling Accidents
Accidents are inevitable so stay calm, be patient and be prepared to clean up. Never scold or shame your child for accidents. Gently say that next time they must try to make it to the potty. Keep extra clothes and cleaning supplies handy. With a positive attitude, your toddler will get there.
Be flexible and tailor your approach to your child’s needs. With time and encouragement, potty training will be accomplished with minimum stress on you and your toddler. Consistency, praise and patience are key. Celebrate milestones like the first poo in the potty!
Potty training is a process but your toddler will get there.
