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TOILET TRAINING TIPS
It’s toilet training time, every child goes through it and so does every parent. It doesn’t have to be a time of dread and tears, just prepare yourself for a few puddles and a little bit of laundry and it won’t be long before you’re cheering that little bit of liquid in the potty!
When is the right time to start?
It's really important that your child is ready to give up using nappies. If they are not, the process can become quite stressful for both you and your little one. As with all developmental stages it is only when your child is ready that success can be achieved. You may want to consider waiting if you have recently had a new baby, moved house or your child has started going to childcare to avoid any added pressure.
Don't try to toilet train by a certain date. Time pressure can cause you and your child unecessary stress.
Don't try to toilet train by a certain date. Time pressure can cause you and your child unecessary stress.
If possible, it’s a good idea to start when the weather is warm. This means that your toddler can wear less clothing than normal and you may want to go nappy-free. In the early days, your child may not give you much notice before they are ready to use the potty so summer toilet training makes the process simpler.
Your toddler can stay dry for up to 2 hours or during a nap.
They let you know when they need to go to the toilet
They imitate your behaviour and follow you to the bathroom
They're showing signs of independence by doing things themselves
They ask to be changed and dislike the feeling of being wet
Taking the first step
It’s often good to stay at home for the first few days of toilet training, making it much easier to clear up the occasional accident. To begin, familiarise your toddler with their potty, so let them carry it around with them during the day and involve the potty when playing. You could even sit them on the potty fully clothed and let them read a book or play. At first keep the potty within easy reach during your daily activities but once your child gets into the habit of using it, the potty can be left in the bathroom.
TIP: Put multiple potties in different rooms so your child can go wherever!
Be prepared for setbacks
Be ready for the occasional accident even when you think you have got it mastered. Carry spare clothing with you and always use toilet training undies, especially for long trips when out and about. If you continue to have lots of accidents follow your instincts and be guided by your child. Perhaps take a step back and remember to praise the successes and reassure your child if there are any accidents.
What happens at night?
If your child is toilet training during the day, this may not mean they are automatically trained to get through the night. It could take up to two years for your child to stay completely dry at night time. Continue to use nappies at night and gradually move to toilet training undies. Pop your child on the potty just before bedtime and as soon as they wake. However, you may want to invest in a waterproof fitted mattress protector to shield their mattress of any accidents.
MAKING TOILET TRAINING FUN!
A toilet training reward chart is an ideal way to reward your child and help them understand their toilet training journey. Use stickers and place them on the chart or even to decorate their potty after every success. Mimic their favourite toys using the potty to show them how it works and eliminate any fears they may have. Reading a potty related story can also prove successful to get your child engaged. Most importantly relax, stay calm and try to enjoy this new stage with your child. Your child will succeed eventually and those nappy days will soon be just a happy memory!
Mix & Match
Choose the right essentials to make your journey easy peasy!
potty
Lightweight and portable for quick reach without fuss
POTTY CHAIR
A sturdy potty that can be used in a permanent location
step stool
Sturdy stool for those hard to reach areas
TRAINING SEAT
To help ease the switch from potty to toilet
When it comes to choosing the right products to toilet train like a pro, there are a few important things you should look for. Ensure that the products are easy to clean as you will be doing a lot of this and be sure that they are sturdy with non-slip surfaces to ensure the ultimate safety for your toddler.
Unlike nappies, toilet training undies can be pulled up and down by your toddler and are the first step towards big-kid undies! Reusable toilet training undies will contain little accidents saving outer clothes, socks and shoes from getting wet. But unlike disposable training undies they will not take the moisture away from the skin, giving your child the association of feeling wet with needing to use the toilet. Using toilet training undies is a vital part of toilet training as your child will notice the difference between wet and dry.
