The most important question about potty training a toddler is how to potty train your baby. Here are some great tips and helpful hints to help you get started in the right direction.
Give your baby plenty of love and attention. Whether you find yourself alone at home or with friends, make sure your child knows you’re there for him or her and make sure your child knows that he or she can call you if they need you. When a toddler needs to go, it’s a great time to reinforce good behavior, whether you’re doing it through playing or physical contact.
Start out with baby time and start with the potty training. Every three to four months, take your child out for a walk or playtime, either before bedtime or after school. If you do this regularly, you’ll be well on your way to potty training your toddler. When you’re playing with your toddler, let him see that he’s loved and wanted; that by being his friend, he’ll get what he wants.
You’ll be amazed how quickly a new addition to the family can learn to use the potty. In fact, most toddlers will use the potty before they’re three months old, even if their parents don’t want them to use it. Remember, though, that toddlers are prone to accidents, so be prepared for accidents when you introduce potty training to your child.
Because you’ll be introducing this to your child early, make sure that you have plenty of positive experiences.
Set up a routine of playtime, outdoor activities, and family time, and your baby will feel more secure and more cared for.
Paint the baby’s room with bright colors, and use a white potty chair or changing table. For those using the toilet, make sure it’s safe for your child by using cotton underwear and a new diaper. Don’t forget to cover your child’s nose and mouth with a wet sheet.
Use a potty seat that’s easy to use and clean up with, and get ready for some good habits to form. Then when your child is ready to go potty, you can just send him or her over there and watch as he or she slips right into the potty.
Use a timer to control how long it takes to potty train your toddler. Start small, and after a few weeks you can gradually raise the number of steps your child must go before going potty.
Your plan for potty training a toddler should be based on what your family likes to do together. Be sure to let your toddler know what the number of steps you want him or her to go before you allow him or her to go potty. The potty may take longer than expected if your toddler doesn’t understand that he or she has to go as soon as possible.
Plan a potty session the night before. Tell your child what you want to do, such as to get undressed, let him or her get dressed, and then have them get dressed and ready to go. Once your child is ready, lead him or her into the bathroom, close the door, and have a go at potty training.
Make sure your child has plenty of praise and encouragement. Tell him or her how good he or she looks, or have a friend go to the bathroom with your child and praise him or her when it’s done. And keep positive, consistent suggestions in your parenting and discipline strategy.
If your child is willing, you can also teach him or her how to use the potty. This may involve some patience and a lot of hugging. As a bonus, your child will have lots of time to practice early toileting and learning to use the potty.
