Step or Sit Toilet Training Tips
Monday, March 05, 2018
As a new parent, you’re expected to teach your child about the world around them in a wide variety of ways, which can feel quite daunting if you’re unsure where to start. One of these complicated topics that must be tackled is toilet training, which can come with its own set of questions and concerns. In this article, we’re going to look at a few of the common issues faced by parents trying to handle the hurdles of potty preparation!
As a new parent, you’re expected to teach your child about the world around them in a wide variety of ways, which can feel quite daunting if you’re unsure where to start. One of these complicated topics that must be tackled is toilet training, which can come with its own set of questions and concerns. In this article, we’re going to look at a few of the common issues faced by parents trying to handle the hurdles of potty preparation!
How do I even know if my child is ready to be toilet trained?
Every child is different, however, a few of the telltale signs to look out for are:
- That they can pull their own pants up and down with little help.
- They show an interest in the idea of using the bathroom.
- They have dry periods which shows they can control their bladder.
Essentially, the right time to start shifting from diapers to the toilet will be different from child to child. Therefore, paying attention to your child’s behaviour in these areas will give you a fantastic idea of when and where to start.
Potty or toilet?
While potties offer an excellent starting point for children making the transition into bathroom use, they come with both pros and cons when compared to simply starting with the toilet. These include:
Potty Pros
- Potties are portable by nature, so you can set them up in any room of the house and can be easily transported when necessary.
- It’s much easier for a toddler to reach than a regular toilet and is less scary.
- A potty enables kids to practise their toilet going posture with their feet on the ground, so it’s more likely they’ll finish their bowel movements and you’ll have less to clean up afterwards (always a win).
Toilet Pros
- The toilet never moves so the routine to get there remains constant.
- A transition period isn’t required to move from potty to toilet.
- Less cleaning involved as everything goes down the toilet (hopefully).
Potty Cons
- Lots of cleaning involved after each use.
- Getting hands cleaned can be hard if the potty isn’t in the bathroom.
- Germs are more easily spread as the contents of the potty are closer by.
- Extra equipment cost.
Toilet Cons
- Kids may fall in, so you might need to buy a child-friendly seat.
- As they have to climb up to the toilet, they may not make the toilet in time.
- Using unfamiliar toilets can be a problem for some children.
Toileting Tips and Tricks
Mimicking Behaviour
Letting your child see you go to the toilet may be unnerving for some parents, but kids learn by seeing and then doing what they see. The same is true for toddlers.
Routine
Try and implement a routine around toileting. If you go, then your child should go, or alternatively have your child go when they get up, straight after breakfast, or just before bed. Also, make sure to include handwashing into the process so they associate even going to the potty with washing their hands in the bathroom.
Language
Decide what words you are going to use to describe going to the toilet and what happens when you get there. That way,you’re being consistent and your child knows what you’re talking about.
Girls and Boys
In general, girls are quicker to take to toilet training than boys. This is just a developmental process that girls usually hit faster than boys and is nothing to worry about.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a step for your toddler to get to the toilet and bypass the potty or want to ease them into it and go for the potty transition move, Baby Train have got what you need. Get in touch today and we’ll get you toilet training in no time!
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