Potty Training
The outcome brings relief, but the journey requires perseverance, patience, and sometimes praying. Equip yourself and your
diaper genies and changing stations. Sorry to see them go? Didn't think so.
Preparing for Potty Training Success
Get ready for go-time with these planning ideas:
* A step ahead: Make sure that you're
step stool may help your child reach a toilet that's too high. Start prepping by talking with your child about the toilet's function in understandable terms and illustrating its purpose with your child's diaper. Let your child explore the toilet or potty chair, even in
diapers. Familiarity breeds comfort and trust.
* Make it a regular thing: Establish a
toy to use while on the potty to make it seem less like a chore than a natural activity. Stay with your child during potty time, and let him or her know that trying again later is O.K.
* Learn the signs: Make sure you know how your
washing hands.
* Potty prizes: Develop an incentive program for using the potty properly and voluntarily. But, make it clear that these incentivesare for potty training only.
* Celebrate the switch: After a couple weeks of smooth potty training, take your child out to buy "big kid"
underwear. Make the trip a special, celebratory occasion.
* Praise, don't punish:
absorbent underwear to keep at home, and anywhere else your child spends a lot of time.
* Take necessary nighttime precautions: Nighttime bladder control takes a bit longer to master. Buy
mattress covers to prevent leakage or staining. Also, make sure to encourage your child to go to the bathroom just before bedtime.
* Don't Jump the Gun: Sometimes, despite your child's age or maturity level in other areas, it may not be time for potty training. Don't feel like
process, and feel better if the going gets tough.
Essential Items
Related Guides
*
Baby Health and Hygiene
*
Children's Books
*
Toys and Games
*
Babies and Toddlers
*
Toddler Clothing
*
Baby Nursing and Feeding
*
Babyproofing and Home Safety
