Being toilet trained is a big milestone for your baby’s development. Find out the signs indicating toilet training readiness and how you can assist your baby.
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Understanding the Signs |
Baby’s Toilet Training |
| a. |
Baby is able to understand simple directions like pulling up pants, walking to bathroom, etc. |
Set an example either from yourself, brothers and sisters or even neighbour’s children if need be. |
| b. |
Baby remains dry for a long period of time. |
Encourage baby to understand signs of bowel movement and what to do when it occurs. |
| c. |
Baby is not comfortable in soiled or wet diaper. |
Ask baby regularly to instil awareness and readiness at all times. |
| d. |
Baby understands and shows signs of bowel movement like grunting or squatting. |
Use easy-to-understand and positive words like pee pee & poo poo to further encourage baby rather than words that promote negative perception. |
| e. |
Baby shows interest towards using toilet bowl. |
Familiarise your baby with putting their pants on and off on their own. |
| f. |
Baby is not comfortable with sitting on a potty chair. |
Provide a sturdy yet comfortable potty chair and train your baby to use it properly. |
| g. |
Baby is done with the potty and stands up. |
Teach baby to clean after themselves after each potty session in a fun and healthy way! |
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Handling Toilet Training Issues
You might face several issues when toilet training your baby. Try some of these tips to manage it:
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Resistance |
Daytime Bladder Control |
Nighttime Bladder Control |
| a. |
Do not worry if your baby seems to resist the use of potty chair, they might be uncomfortable or have had some bad experience. |
Daytime control of your baby’s bladder is more manageable and can be induced through proper training and monitoring. |
Nighttime bladder control is involuntary and may take up to several months to several years after your baby is able to master daytime bladder control. |
| b. |
Try to understand and overcome the issues instead of forcing which could deter baby even longer. |
Train your baby to inform you when it is time to go. |
Continue using diaper at night as your baby might not be able to control their bladder until maturity or schooling age. |
| c. |
Baby’s age and mental readiness could also be a factor. |
Alternatively train your baby on a schedule to foster habit. |
Parents will have to be patient and help their baby develop their state of mind. |
| d. |
Promote rewards and praises instead of scolding and punishment. |
Let your baby take charge and set the pace on their own. |
Try to promote habits like urinating and drinking less water before going to bed. |
| e. |
Baby shows interest towards using toilet bowl. |
Familiarise your baby with putting their pants on and off on their own. |
|
| f. |
Baby is not comfortable with sitting on a potty chair. |
Provide a sturdy yet comfortable potty chair and train your baby to use it properly. |
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| g. |
Baby is done with the potty and stands up. |
Teach baby to clean after themselves after each potty session in a fun and healthy way! |
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Here are some useful links on how to potty train your baby:
Toilet Training Guidelines for Parents
Potty Training Readiness Quiz
Toilet Training Made Easy
Toilet Teaching Your Child
If Your Child Resists Toilet Training
Potty Training Tips
