Birth and Beyond - Potty Training

The key thing to potty training is never rush in, All children develop in their own time and there is no particular age but generally children can have dry days from 18 months, but most successful potty training takes place between 2yrs to 2yrs 6 months, But in some cases later...depending on each child.

Here are some Important Tips

1- Never force a child to use the potty this can cause unnecessary distress, If your child shows no interest it may be because they are not ready.

2- Your child will become aware of their toileting and have more bladder/bowel control and will be aware when wet or dirty and may tell you, follow their leads.

3- Start to potty train when you know that you can give your child your full attention,Not when you are preoccupied with other areas of your life.

4-  I always recommend potty training in Summer months if possible which allows less layers of clothes and will enable your child to roam freely without a nappy. its also helpful for washing and drying of extra clothes.

5- Leave a potty out so your child may become familiar with it...don't be afraid of letting your child see you using the toilet....children learn through example.

6- Children often become confident in weeing at first but may take longer to poo on potty/toilet....watch out for regular bowel movements and encourage your child to sit on the potty...if your child does soil themselves put he poo in the potty/toilet "this is where the poo goes" and we flush it away "bye poo" be animated it helps.....

7- Don't get upset if your child wets or soils themselves, be calm and reassure them.

8- Gentle reminders - every now and again ask your child if they need the potty,always be positive in your approach.

9- Always praise and encourage toileting success make a big fuss if your child wees or poos on potty you may want to give them a sticker or use a sticker chart this will encourage and develop their self confidence and give them a sense of achievement.

10- Remember children feed off your emotions so be calm and relaxed in your approach this will enable your child to be more relaxed too.

Good Luck