Potty is a word used for a toilet or other device for urination and defecation. Kids often learn to use the potty at day care or when they visit friends’ homes.
Start potty training when your child is ready. Be sure to choose a good time, like first thing in the morning or before meals, naps and bedtime. Keep reading the article below to Learn More about potty training.
When a child begins potty training, their parents and caregivers can make the process more successful by preparing the environment and establishing a routine. This helps children feel comfortable and allows them to learn.
It is important to remember that potty training is a new and challenging milestone for many kids, so it may take time. Some kids are ready at an earlier age than others, but the key to success is patience and consistency. It is also important to help the child recognize their own bodily functions as they begin, so that they can tell when they need to use the toilet.
A child’s ability to control their bladder and bowel is an important developmental skill that typically develops around the age of 2 for most children. Parents who are not sure if their child is ready to start potty training should talk with their pediatrician. They can examine the child and offer a physical assessment and additional insight into the specific needs of the child.
When beginning potty training, parents should set realistic expectations for their child. This will help them not become discouraged if it takes longer than expected or they experience a few accidents along the way. Ultimately, with patience and consistency, every child will eventually be able to use the toilet independently.
It is also important to have a good supply of toilet supplies on hand so that children can practice and become familiar with them. This includes diapers, wipes, washcloths and a potty seat or toilet. These items can be purchased from local hardware stores and online retailers. They should be of high quality and should be easily cleaned and sanitized.
The best place to begin is in a small room such as a playroom or bedroom, which will allow the child to feel more comfortable and can be easily supervised. The potty should be in a clear, visible location with a toilet lid that can be opened and closed easily. A child can be encouraged to sit on the potty by offering them a beverage, snack or favorite book.
Create a Routine
A good potty training plan should include a consistent routine and reasonable expectations for your child. It should also avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, which can overwhelm both children and parents.
Try to train during a time when your child will be close to home and the bathroom. Spring break, summer vacation, or a long weekend can be great times to begin. Set a visual timer, like the Potty Timer, to help with timing and encourage your child to use the potty. This will help them build a routine, and it will also let them know that they can get rewards for using the potty!
Begin to dress your toddler in underwear, or pants with a snug waistband, to encourage them to sit on the toilet. It is also important to avoid clothes that are difficult to take off, especially overalls and shirts that snap or button at the crotch. Encourage your child to sit on the toilet by playing with toys, reading books, or watching TV, and praise them for their successes. Having them wash their hands after each potty trip helps to establish a regular handwashing habit, too.
Most toddlers have a time of day when they typically pass urine, so it can be helpful to have your child wear underwear at this time. Some parents find it helpful to schedule a potty trip for this time, so the child can learn that they will need to sit on the toilet when they feel the urge to urinate. It is also important to schedule a potty trip right before naps and bedtime, so the child can learn that they will want to go poop right before sleep.
It is normal for parents to feel a twinge of sadness when their child begins potty training. It is a sign that they are growing up and leaving the diaper years behind. It can be hard to watch your baby morph into a big kid, but it is a wonderful way for them to gain confidence and independence. If your child refuses to use the toilet, it is best to step back and wait. It is not healthy to force your child to do something against their will.
Reward Success
There is a lot of debate about whether or not to offer rewards during potty training. Some parents believe that it is wrong to bribe a child during such a crucial time in their life. Others argue that rewarding progress will help your child stay motivated and focused on the task at hand. If you decide to use rewards during potty training, be sure to choose effective reinforcers. Food and toys that are highly motivating for your child can be very effective, as can stickers and special prizes. Many parents report that once they switched to using effective reinforcement methods, their potty training was much faster and easier.
Some common rewards during potty training include candy, cookies or small toys like little animals or a new book. These rewards can be given after each successful potty break or used to encourage a good performance on the toilet. Parents can also reward a child by reading to them while they sit on the potty chair or toilet (especially first thing in the morning and right after naps).
You can also try a sticker chart that is customized to your child’s interests. For example, you can draw a grid of their favorite television character, animal or other item on poster board and let them place a gold star on it each time they successfully use the toilet. Some parents even buy a special coloring book that can only be read in the bathroom and allow their children to color each page after each successful potty break.
Other fun ways to reward your child during potty training include taking them to the store to pick out cheap prizes that they love, such as little animals or figurines. You can then place these special treats in a decorated box or basket that only they can access. You can also turn potty training into a fun science experiment by placing drops of different colored food dye in your toilet water and having your child watch the color change after each successful pee.
Many kids are naturally motivated by the social recognition that comes with being praised for their success. When your child uses the toilet properly, it’s important to give them plenty of verbal praise and a big hug and kiss. This will make them feel great about themselves and will encourage them to keep up the good work.
Keep it Clean
Keeping a hygienic potty area is essential to helping your dog stay healthy and comfortable. Regular removal of waste, washing down surfaces and applying natural cleaning agents prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors. Vinegar is a powerful disinfectant that also neutralizes odors, and can be combined with water in a spray bottle to make an effective cleaning solution for your pet’s potty area. Using pet-safe, eco-friendly soaps for washing down surfaces reduces the amount of harmful chemicals used in your home and also aligns with sustainable water usage, reducing the environmental impact of your pet’s care.
It’s important to use words like “potty,” “pee” and “poop” so your child can learn to identify what she is doing, and to communicate it to you. Refrain from using slang or sarcasm, which can confuse and discourage your child, and instead use a calm, matter-of-fact tone when discussing potty issues with her. If she does not complete a bowel movement or urinate in the potty, be patient and gently encourage her to try again later. When she does successfully complete a bowel movement or urination in the potty, be sure to praise her with plenty of positive verbal feedback.
Providing good drainage is another easy way to help maintain a clean potty area. A slight slope and the use of materials that allow liquids to drain quickly reduce the risk of standing water, which can breed odor-causing bacteria. Providing drainage is especially critical for outdoor potty areas, where a lack of proper drainage can lead to flooding and soil erosion.
Another great way to keep your dog’s potty area clean is by using a natural deodorizer, such as baking soda. This natural odor absorber can be sprinkled generously on the potty and left to sit overnight or until the odor is neutralized, before vacuuming or sweeping. Baking soda can also be combined with water and lavender essential oil to make a simple, eco-friendly stain remover. For tough stains, make a paste with water and baking soda, let it sit on the stain for a few hours or overnight, then scrub lightly before rinsing.