Tips For Potty Training

Diaper changing for a parent can be tiring, if continues beyond 2-3 years of age. For the child, prolonged usage of diaper means restrained freedom and discomfort especially for an older child. Potty / Toilet Training, is about enabling the child to recognize its own body signals just like hunger, sleep, fatigue. From experiences of mothers across the board, we have put together some must-try-techniques to train the child to poop and pee only in the washrooms
There are primarily two things that govern this process – One is child’s physical development until he/she gets bladder control, secondly, making the child aware of voluntary behavior. For the first one, one has to wait for the right time, whereas the second one is where our tips may come in handy.

ONE CAN’T BEAT THE SCHEDULE

Right from birth, observe your child’s natural body clock. If you see a rhythm, abide by it as much as possible. Potty frequency and consistency changes greatly when the child starts weaning off breastfeed. It may take a month to figure out his digestive capacities, meal timings (say at 6-8 months age), food preferences and accordingly, set a schedule. When you have figured out that it’s poop or pee time, take the child to the washroom (especially after 8 months or so), no matter what! Gradually you may see indications from the child around that time.

FAMILIARITY MAKES THEM COMFORTABLE

Invest in a potty seat at the earliest (there are different types available in baby stores. Choose one which will be comfortable for your child’s age and upgrade at the right time). Make the bathroom and the WC/ potty seat familiar and talk/show about it whenever the child poops/ pees. Even if he/she poops in the diaper, still take them to the bathroom, make him/her sit on the potty seat and do the cleaning part (Say”, “wash, clean” etc in whatever way the child understands). Once they are comfortable on the potty seat, consider the job half done.

UNDERSTAND SIGNS AND USE SIGN LANGUAGE

Notice your child’s expressions just before he starts pooping. The minute he starts getting cramps on the stomach his/hers expressions will change. Some might stand still, some might sit down on the floor, some might cry or even hide in a corner. Start noticing the expression, and once you see them doing this, rush them to the bathroom. Also, sometimes when you need to ask whether he/she is feeling like it, use some sign language (until the child understands words) or fixed vocabulary to indicate and do it consistently. Signs can be used at a very early age.

ENCOURAGEMENT MAY WORK WONDERS

Whenever your child indicates to you in advance, encourage your child in all possible ways. Clap, say “Well done!” do his/her favourite act, show Thumbs up, give his/her favourite toy and so on… When you start the process, the child may take his/her own time to respond, be patient. Every time, he/she does in the diaper or elsewhere, don’t get upset with the child. Just continue repeating the signs/words that you have been using to explain poop and pee.

MAKE THE PROCESS FUN

Make crazy fun sounds, or sing or recite rhymes or make up a song like (“Going to the washroom is so much fun!”), give a hi-five and continue chatting with the child as he sits on the potty seat. Sometimes, there’s a time difference between feeling the pressure and actually pooping. Children may get impatient during that time lapse, make up for it with the zing.

As the child co-operates with you on 30-40% of the occasions, begin to keep him/ her diaper free for a longer period of time. That will fasten the process. Also, don’t force the child too much when he/she is unwell, that may go against you. Age is not a bar, the mother/caregiver knows best when the child is ready to try these methods on.

So, what are you waiting for? Try these tips out and it may just be a matter of time before your efforts pay up.

Also read more about: 7 popular children’s classics to spark the love for reading, Top 11 Do’s and Don’ts for Infant health care,15 Must-know tips for each trimester for an expecting mother, Diaper Hygiene: Things that you took for granted but you shouldn’t!

_{Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Teddy Baby Diapers}

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