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Potty Training Tips

Ways to Know Your Child Is Ready

  • Your little one may show an interest in the potty anytime between the ages of 2 and 3. It is time to give toilet training a go if your child shows some of the following signs,
  • Your little one shows an interest in you using the toilet
  • They do not like wearing a soiled diaper and ask to be changed
  • Tells you when they need to go to the toilet
  • Regularly has dry diapers in the morning or after sleep times

Potty-Training FAQ's

My child will use the potty but refuses to flush what can I do

Most kids go through a developmental stage when they don't like to see a "part of themselves" disappear, so they resist having their bowel movements flushed down the toilet, Dr. Wolraich explains. "That's probably what's happening - but don't make a big deal of it." The fix here is simply to remain patient. This too shall pass, and your toddler will be flushing in no time..

We have had accidents in the car, do you think we should put her in DIAPERS for outings?

Switching back and forth between diapers, disposables, and underwear is confusing for a child. Keep it consistent at home, at day care, and on outings. When you head out with a toddler who is still learning to use the toilet, keep a portable potty in the back of your car; that way, you can always make an emergency stop if necessary. And don't forget to take her to the toilet as soon as you reach your destination and once more just before you head home.

My son has been using the potty for about a month, but now he has saying that he wants to go back to DIAPERS what do you suggest?

Take a good look at what is happening in your household. Because potty training is one of the last developmental skills that 2- to 3-year-olds master, it is often one of the first that regresses when something such as a new sibling disrupts the child's routine, Dr. Wolraich says. If your tot is having accidents on a consistent basis, use diapers for a while until he has ready to try again. Many kids take a few steps backward, but that does not stop them from reaching their goals

My daughter will pee in the toilet but would not poop there, what should I do?

Your daughter may be constipated, or maybe she was constipated within the last few weeks. If it hurt her to go to the bathroom that time, she will probably be scared or reluctant to go again. If the problem persists, talk to her pediatrician.

Advice

Here is some advice to keep in mind.

Girls tend to show an interest in toilet training a little earlier than boys but both are around 2 years or so.

Littlies learn to toilet train in stages - first peeing in the toilet or potty, then pooping, then staying dry at night.

Telling your child off after an accident does not seem to be effective, we recommend instead using positive reinforcement such as a reward chart.

Girls tend to be fully trained by about 33 months and boys around 36 months.

Ideas to Diaper-Free Nights

Often children do not have dry nights until up to 6 months after they potty train during the day, although littlies in cloth diapers do tend to be earlier than this. Here are some tips to dry, diaper free nights!

Try not to give your little one too much to drink late in the evening

Put your little ones in our Trainer Pants at night (see accessories tab)

Try a reward chart - 3 dry nights and they get a reward! The reward only has to be little thing but do not take away a reward if they have an accident.

Try one of our waterproof bed protectors (see accessories tab) for quick clean-ups of any accidents.

Relax....

If you are getting stressed and frustrated at potty training so will your child. Take your time and do not try to rush the situation in stressful times, such as:

When your little one has a new sibling

You are moving house

When they are trying to wean off another habit eg pacifier

Starting a new pre-school or nursery

Benefits for everyone

Just think of the financial savings you can enjoy - over $1000 a year by not buying diapers!

No more trolley loads of diapers

No more time spent changing diapers!

If you are using disposables, no more diapers going to landfill

No more bulky change bags to take around with you!