Seeing babies grow from helpless newborns to toddlers and gaining more skills and capabilities is such an amazing journey. And parents need to be there every step of the way, patiently guiding them through each milestone – even if it takes quite a lot of practice and effort, just like potty training.
What is Potty Training?
Toilet or potty training is the process of teaching kids to recognize their bodies and their cues when they need to urinate or have a bowel movement.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, a child may be able to control their bowel and bladder from 24 to 30 months. But do take note that there is no “right” age or duration to start this training as each child has his or her own pace of development.
How to Know if your Child is ready to be Potty Trained?
- Can sit for a short period of time.
- Uncomfortable wearing a soiled nappy
- Able to stay dry for up to 2 hours, which means his / her bladder has developed enough to store urine
- Can express that they want to go pee or poo (even in their diapers) through words or gestures
- Has become more independent and shows interest in imitating what others do, including the adults’ bathroom habits
- Able to pull up or down his clothes himself
Essential Potty Training Tools
Potty Trainer – This is something like a plastic chamber pot for kids. It has a detachable receptacle for easy cleaning and comes in different designs and colours. This is also a great option for kids who feel scared or intimidated by the adult toilet.
Toilet Training Seat – This can be attached to the adult toilet seat. It can be a contraption with both the child-sized seat and a footstool or just the seat. The training seat can help your toddler securely sit on the toilet, preventing them from falling inside.
Pull-Ups – These are diapers with an elastic band and designed to be worn or pulled up or down like an undergarment. It’s more manageable for toddlers who can’t be expected to stay still as you secure the diaper.
Training Pants and Cotton Underpants – It appears like a pull-up but is less absorbent. It lets the toddler feel the moisture if they pee or poo, urging the child to learn the cues that it is time for them to go potty.
Bed Mats or Mattress Covers – As you go through the potty training process, expect that accidents will happen, especially at night. Invest in waterproof bed mats or mattress covers to protect the bed from getting soiled.
Potty Training Books and Toys – It is a way for the child to be gently oriented about going to the lavatory. You can show them the illustrations and pictures so they know what to do even before doing the deed itself. Potty training dolls are also available – dolls that can ‘drink’ and ‘pee’, allowing parents to simulate going to the potty with their child.
Spare clothes – This applies not only to the toddler but to the parent as well. Sudden pee and poo moments may and will surely happen. You wouldn’t want yourself or your toddler to walk around in soiled clothes, right?