The ability to control the need to visit the toilet is manifested in the second year of life, but the full mastery of this skill is completed by 6 years. You can teach the potty from one year and two months, at first, it acts as new furniture, gradually, during the game, the baby will understand its purpose.
When to potty train a child
In the second year of life, the child is already able to communicate his physiological needs, but this does not mean that he will always use the potty. Control over urination and defecation are different – it is easier for the baby to go “big”, because the pressure in this case is stronger than the pressure of the bladder. Therefore, we are more likely to encounter such a problem as wet panties, rather than dirty ones. In many ways, this process depends on age and general development. The child must be at least 18 – 24 months old for the time to come. Also, acquaintance with him should begin if the baby has certain skills:
- understands and executes simple commands
- sits and plays for a few minutes
- indicates that the diaper is dirty
- the diaper stays dry for at least two hours
- repeats the actions of adults
- put things in place
- Shows interest in senior toilet
- takes pride in acquired skills
There are special (stressful) situations during which potty training is not recommended:
- changing of the living place
- weaning or pacifier
- birth of the youngest member of the family
- family conflicts
- illness of a loved one
In such cases, potty training is fine-tuned until the situation in the family stabilizes, otherwise, this action can lead to chronic constipation.
Choosing a pot
Choose comfortable and practical – with an anti-slip base, made of quality material that is easy to clean. Color is not important at all, but gentle tones are preferred, it should not be a toy – give preference to a simple option without flashing and musical settings so that the child understands that a physiological need is not fun.
Potty training
It is necessary to accustom to the potty gradually, at first, this item serves as furniture or a pot for dolls, then explain that he can also use it as his own toilet. Parents, of course, should not scream, scold or shame the child if he refuses to sit on it. Some children start using a new object after a few weeks and this moment should be actively encouraged – show your joy and delight – the baby should feel that he has done something valuable and good, feel proud of himself. Successful potty training during the day does not mean that the child will also behave at night. During the first few months, your baby will need a diaper while sleeping. If the baby wakes up to eat, offer to visit the “private toilet”.
It is important to teach your baby to use the potty not only to meet the needs. After use, offer to empty the contents of the pot yourself using a toilet bowl. The child must perform this action with the help of parents, at least for the first two weeks. When you see that he is doing a great job, let him show his independence. This will be the first step towards nurturing self-care.
How to keep on the potty
To be honest, it is not necessary to hold on and even harmful. You can provoke hatred for the subject or in the worst case, constipation. To delay for a few minutes, try to distract the crumbs with praise, if the child has not gone to the toilet, let him go and invite him to the potty after 30-40 minutes, but without coercion. Pay attention to the time of defecation. Planting according to an individual schedule will help you get used to the potty and not blacklist objectionable items. Be patient and be sure to praise, only in this way, addiction will pass without tears and conflicts.
When to potty train – video