Unleashing the Basics of Potty Training

Are you planning to stop diapers for your kids? Do you want to know when to potty train your kids? Here are our tips for transitioning your kids from diapers to toilets.

What is potty training?

Potty training is when you are planning to move your kids from diapers or cloth nappies to the toilet room. Training them to use the toilet with potty training essentials like a potty chair, or potty stools is the first step toward potty training. Potty training is considered an important milestone in the lifecycle of kids.

When to start potty training?

The biggest worry is knowing when to make them use the toilet and the right cues to know signs of toilet readiness. Tell you what, potty training doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach and requires immense patience from us, parents. Do not fret, if your baby has achieved a toddler stage, he/she has to be trained immediately. Some kids gravitate towards toilets very early in their childhood but some take time, throw fits and give a hard time going to the toilet on their own. While age is very tricky to establish for potty training, there are surely some cues that you can watch out for if potty training is right on top of your list.

Signs of toilet readiness

• Dry diapers/nappies: This is one of the easiest cues that says your kid is ready for potty training. Check your kid’s diaper and if it stays dry for more than two hours, it is clear that the bladder control of your kid is getting a grip. The dry time is applicable for night and day, both. If your kid is not urinating in their diaper during nighttime and is waking up with dry diapers the following morning, then this is a sure sign that he/she is ready to transition to the toilet.
• Being independent: Some kids love to show their independence in their activities. Whether it is brushing, wearing a dress or school bag, etc, they love to assume the role of grownup pretty early on. Sometimes, they imitate their siblings and try to copy their activities to show that they are equals. If your kid exhibits independence in their daily routine work, grab this opportunity to teach them how to use a toilet for their potty.
• Facial cues: Kids generally show it on their faces when they feel the urge to urinate or go to the toilet. Once they are capable enough to communicate it through gestures or expressions, you can slowly train them to use the toilet.
• Diaper aversion: Sometimes, kids are fed up with diapers and they want us to set them free from diaper-wearing. If your kid is expressing dissent for diapers through their facial cues or runs every time you try to wrap them around with one, you can feel assured that your kid is ready to use a toilet.

How to make your kids toilet ready?

Introduce the toilet concept – Every time you plan a milestone, you should try and get resources to familiarize your kids. Just like there are different activities and books to introduce them to dental hygiene, there are potty training books to get them associated with the concept of a toilet. Not only that, you can bring up the subject of toilets in your routine conversation to get them invested in the concept.

Offer a reward – Children love the reward system for every activity. Whether it is giving them stars or praising them, or just spending time with them, they love the reward method and find it hugely satisfying to receive one. Start giving stars for every move they take. Like entering a toilet, sitting on a potty chair or potty seat, etc. Rewards motivate the kids to be better and achieve better results in an activity.

Have a potty schedule in place – Potty training requires a structure just like your meal and sleep times. Before going headlong into the potty-training activity, make them understand that this is also a routine to be followed just like any other daily hygiene. Make them sit on a potty seat every few hours just to get this habit in their vein and make them shed the early inhibition. They may not feel the urge initially but once they do it as a regular habit, they will latch on to the toilet. Richa, Momly mom, also vouches for a potty schedule as she says, “Make your child sit every two hours to start with till it becomes a habit” She further adds, “personalized potty songs help a lot to make the activity exciting”

A word from Momly

We had a conversation in our Momly WhatsApp group regarding potty training basics and how to cultivate this habit in kids.

Our Momly mom community never stops to amaze us as they shared invaluable tips right from how to start and what activities to include while training your kid for potty.

Divya Kapoor, Momly mom, says, “Pushing too much only delays the activity further. You need to make them associated with the activity as they connect when they associate with things, be it eating or any sundry skill. Try using books and playtime to explain the concept well before stressing about sitting on the potty seat or chair. You can use flashcards for smaller kids who associate more with pictures than words. Take measured steps while training and stop when your kid rebels. Devise some new strategy every time for a good engagement.”

Dr. Amrita Khattri, Momly mom, agrees with Divya. She also adds a point about child readiness when she says,“I completely agree. You need to know your kid’s mood before starting any skill. My kid resented it a lot when I started. I stayed put to give her more time as it is important to give them positive association”

Amrita Saluja, Momly mom, says communication helps a lot. “Talking to your kids about the need and importance of the habits when they are sleeping, helps a lot especially if they are showing behavioral resistance. It has worked with a lot of my clients.”

Nandini, Momly mom, says the schedule is very important. She says,“I keep a track of my kid’s potty timings and as my kid is an early riser, I grab this opportunity to take him to the washroom in the morning.”

Remember, every kid is different. Do not compare your kid with other kids as your kid is born with some sensibilities and you need to know them first before you start any skill or plan to reach a milestone. Stay in touch with our Momly community and join our Momly app to know more such interesting details and read more insightful blogs.