Baby Potty Training Tips and Ideas

Before you begin potty training your child, you must first gauge his readiness for it. This stage usually occurs between 18 and 36 months of age. There are certain signs that will tell you if the child is ready for potty training such as understanding and being able to carry out instructions and wanting to perform activities by themselves. At this point of time, you will notice that they will also be able to sufficiently control their bladder and bowel movements and are able to refrain from soiling the diaper for at least 2 to 3 hours. Once the child is ready you can employ any of the following baby potty training tips and ideas.

Making an association between bowel movements and the potty or toilet by changing the child’s diaper in the bathroom helps the child to form a mental link between the two. Placing the child on the potty when he wakes up in the morning, before bedtime, after meals or when you notice him feeling uncomfortable will also help to reinforce the behavior. Knowing the times at which the child has bowel movements will also help you to enable to reach the potty in time. In some cases, the sound of the toilet flush can be a bit alarming for the toddler. You can help him get over this by making him flush the toilet himself for a few times so that he becomes accustomed to the sound. The child needs to develop a level of comfort with sitting on the potty and having him sit on it fully clothed will help him to know what it feels like and he will be less likely to resist it in future. Having your child use a name for bowel movements will allow him to indicate his need to you easily, especially in public.

Giving the child a prop while he is on the toilet; enables him to perceive the activity as more likeable. You can have him read a particular book or play with a toy during those times. Allowing water to run in the sink or tub also helps encourage the child while he on the potty or toilet. Teaching the child to go to the bathroom at night is another important task. You can keep a light on in the bathroom so that he doesn’t feel scared while making his way there. Using a doll to potty train the child is another effective method. Use a doll that is anatomically correct and demonstrate the right technique with it. Reward and praise is very encouraging for the child and makes them engage in the same behavior again. Once potty training begins, diapers must not be used again even if accidents occur.