Before you start potty-training your child, make sure that it is ready at this stage. Starting too early may disappoint both of you and prolong the process. Follow these guidelines for training your child to use the potty.
Make Sure Your Child is Ready
Children become more aware of their bladder muscles and bowel movement at one year old. Some start getting used to it at 18 months and others are not ready until they are three years old. There are individual differences based on the child development. Watch for readiness signs. Can the child sit? Can he or she undress themselves?
Avoid starting the training process under unusual circumstances such as moving to a new home, changing jobs or pregnancy. Start the process in the bathroom when you have complete free time.
Use the Right Tools
Buy a suitable potty. Children may find it difficult to use the toilet seat. If your child is older, invite him or her to choose the potty they like.
Make it a Routine
Start by having your child sit on the potty once a day, for example, in the morning. If the bathroom is not suitable for the child to stay in until done, you can put the potty in the place where he usually spends his time, such as his playroom.
Explain the Process
Next time your child has a dirty diaper, take him and have him sit on his potty. Put his stool in the potty so he knows this is where it should go. Have him see you while you are getting rid of it.
If your child understands what you say, tell him stories involving this subject.
Reinforce this Habit
If you can, try to let her/him play without his underwear on near the potty. The longer s/he stays without a diaper, the faster s/he will learn.
Buy Clothes that are Easy to Take Off and Put On
There is underwear specially made for this purpose. Some are single use or disposable. Have her/him wear it all day then put her/him in a regular diaper at bedtime.
One theory says that children keep their favorite underwear clean longer, for example, if it has pictures of her/his favorite character.
Night Training
It may take months or sometimes years for the child to stay dry at night. Before having the child sleep at night without a diaper, encourage her/him to visit the bathroom several times at night so s/he gets used to it. Then you can start having her/him sleep without a diaper.
When your child is able to master a particular skill, s/he will undoubtedly learn it. Learning a new skill is usually a difficult process for you and the child.