Potty Training Tips

I still can't quite believe we have a potty trained 2 year old. I still expect to feel his squishy nappy bum when carrying him about but alas it's just his bony wee bottom! I've previously written about our potty training journey as it unfolded (1, 2 & 3) but today I thought I'd offer my two cents and write about Potty Training Tips.

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Start with a baby. Potty training is something that should start long before your wee one even has an ounce of bladder control. I'm not talking about Elimination Communication (far from it) but instead involving your wee one in your own toilet activities from a early age. Make peeing & pooping a social event! Make it something as normal as getting dressed or eating your tea. Don't let it be something  that happens behind closed doors, something to be ashamed of; instead just a normal part of daily life, that everyone does.

Avoid Negativity. That means no, "oh poo - that's smells horrible!" or "aw no, have you pooped?" The aim is to make going to the toilet a positive experience, something that your wee one is happy to participate in. This is another one that can be started whilst still in nappies and carried right through the potty training process. Put a positive spin on everything, even accidents. Stinky nappy? Well done for doing a fab poop - lets get you a new nappy. Peed on the floor? Oh dear, how about you be a big boy/girl and help Mummy clean it up? Poop in their pants? Whoopsy, lets get you some lovely clean pants on & try again next time.

Wait Until They're Ready. Potty training before your wee one is ready will only result in two things - mess & tears! So how do you know they're ready? First there's the physical signs; knowing when they pee/poo, the ability to undress themselves and being able to tell you when they need to go. There's also thinking about it from an emotional point of view; try to avoid potty training when a new arrival is imminent - John first started showing signs of being ready just months before David was born and typically he regressed as soon as he became a big brother, also try to avoid big events that will disrupt routine and lifestyle changes, such as nursery.

Go Straight To Pants. Not only are pull-ups, expensive, they're also a glorified nappy. They don't allow wee ones to know when they've had an accident, nor identify the difference between what a nappy & pants feel like. Of course, you will feel like the washing is endless but when at home let your wee one just go around in pants (or nothing) to cut down on washing and opt for easy to wash clothes like jogger bottoms.

Poop Goes In The Toilet. This was one tip my Mum gave me - when a wee one does a poop in their pants, sit them on the loo & put the poop in behind them (by dropping it out of the pants - I'm not advocating handling human faeces!). This reinforcing the message that poop goes in the toilet.

If All Else Fails, Bribe. Stickers are your best friend. Even sweeties. If it means they'll do it, they can have it! Obviously it's not a long term solution but if it helps them get in the habit when they're otherwise reluctant, it can be a good deal to make.

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Do you have any of your own tips to add? Let me know in the comments!

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