Daytime potty training is part of a baby’s development and is considered one of the most special changes. After all, it is an important transition, responsible for showing how quickly our little ones grow. During this period, insecurities and anxieties are normal, as until then that experience was just a distant reality.
As it is a new phase, parents may have several questions, such as when to start potty training, what signs show that the child is ready, how to do it, among other questions. This content contains answers to these and other questions.
Continue reading and find out everything about the subject!
When to start potty training?
In the same way that gentle weaning does not have an exact time to occur, neither does taking off the baby’s diapers. Each individual has their own time and starting potty training depends on different factors, such as the baby’s development.
In general, toilet use begins at two years of age, being able to anticipate or take longer. For example, children who go to school early tend to begin the process of change in their first year of life. Others even ask to stop using diapers.
In any case, we recommend that you learn to identify the signs that show your child is ready to potty train.
Know the signs of potty training
Some signs show that the baby is ready to give up diapers. Therefore, recognizing them is crucial. Below, we list what the indicators are. Understand:
Doesn’t like having a dirty diaper
One of the first signs that it’s time to start potty training is when the child becomes uncomfortable with a dirty diaper. When this discomfort appears, parents must show that There is a way out to solve the problem: use the toilet.
During the conversation, talk about how the place is comfortable and ensures that the baby is always clean.
Although this step is important, it is not a guarantee that the child will accept the idea. Therefore, remember to be patient in the process.
Do you know what pee and poop are?
It may seem insignificant, but knowing how to differentiate pee from poop is also a sign that the end of the era of daytime diapers is near. From there, it’s easier to get your little one to learn to ask to go to the bathroom.
My child still doesn’t know how to name pee and poop, what now? Just introduce the subject during diaper changes and other appropriate moments, such as reading books that talk about the subject.
Want to imitate your parents
Well, it’s not news that parents are always examples for their children. The new fact is that this has been happening since childhood, not surprisingly, the ability to imitate must be used to your advantage during this transition. For that, allow your baby to see you using the bathroom.
When you take him into the room, explain what is happening. Little by little, invite the child to try to use the toilet and perform the same action.
Can you sit now?
Child potty training starts with your child’s ability to sit. Therefore, the first step is to teach him to sit for a few minutes on the floor, crib or other surface. To encourage, you can suggest some activities that allow this action, such as creating a reading corner to read books.
Developed sphincter control
In the first months of life, the baby cannot control the release of feces and pee. For this reason, sphincter control is crucial for anyone who wants to start using the bathroom. Unfortunately, there is no exact age and children acquire the ability at different times.
How can this control be identified? Understand if your baby pees in installments or all at once. If he does it all at once, it means he knows how to hold the liquid and eliminate it only when he feels the urge.
How to potty train? 8 tips to help you
Now that you know what signs show that your little one is ready for the change, it’s time to learn how to start potty training. Check out the tips:
1. Start gradually
Change doesn’t happen overnight, so Respecting your baby’s time is crucial for trauma-free potty training. It could be that the child learns to use the bathroom in a month, or it could take a year.
Apply the steps gradually and respect the baby’s limits. Furthermore, identify the difficulties presented. This way, you understand which points can be improved in the transition.
2. Read stories about the subject
Children tend to act better with playful incentives, so include books in their development. In addition to reading stories on the topic, you can do puppet shows and present educational videos about the subject. Take tests to see which option works best for your baby.
3. Encourage the baby
Even if the child doesn’t progress or show a desire to learn how to use the toilet, be sure to encourage him. To do this, use words of affirmation and praise whenever she agrees to go to the bathroom. In moments when the baby is resistant, offer support and show that it is okay to refuse the proposal.
4. Invest in accessories
In the list of the main difficulties at this stage, the fact that the child does not want to use the toilet is one of the most common. The good news is that it is easy to solvejust make the environment attractive with children’s decorationa toilet reducer and, if deemed necessary, a small toilet.
Oh, it’s also important to keep your home protected, so buy waterproof sheets to put on your bed and sofa. This way, it is possible to leave the child without a diaper during the day, without risking dirtying the furniture.
5. Create a routine
Having a routine is synonymous with success when it comes to leaving diapers in the past. Take your child to the bathroom at the same times every dayeven if she refuses to use the toilet or is unwilling.
6. Buy fun underwear
When starting the process, give your child underwear from characters they like, such as princesses or superheroes. Explain what the function of the piece is and how great it is to be able to use it, after all, it is a sign of growth.
If you consider it important, include the little ones in the choice.
7. Reward progress
No matter how small it may be, every evolution deserves to be recognized and congratulated. Show with kind words how proud you are of your progress. If you prefer, demonstrate this with small treats, such as setting aside an afternoon to make homemade modeling clay.
8. Be patient
Mom, we know that transitions are often stressful and challenging, and it’s okay to feel angry or disappointed in yourself. But remember that the child is not to blame, ok? Try to remain patient and be understanding during the process.
Making children feel incapable directly interferes with children’s self-esteem and can have several consequences in the future, such as the feeling of not belonging to any group or not being truly loved.
Is there a right age for daytime potty training?
Little ones experience changes at different ages, so Potty training doesn’t have a right time to happen. If you want to know the best age to start, we recommend that the transition begins around the second year of life.
If you feel insecure, talk to a pediatrician about the matter.
Day and night potty training: can you do it at the same time?
As it is a phase surrounded by challenges, we recommend that nighttime potty training be done separately from daytime. When they are carried out at different periods, the child may have an easier time coping with the changes, as well as dealing better with the suggestions proposed by the parents.
Okay, now that you know how and when to start removing diapers, we hope you have a successful transition. We are here to help you, so count on us at all times, whether difficult or good. Until later! ❤️