Tips for Potty Training Young Toddlers
Potty training is a challenge like no other. If your toddler does not want to make the switch, then it can be very difficult. Fortunately, you have a number of tools at your disposal to help the process along.
Wait until your child is ready
Unless you have a specific need to get your child potty trained such as if you are putting him or her in a preschool that requires it or your physician says that it is time, wait until your toddler is ready before attempting to potty train him or her. The exact age ranges greatly. One child may be very ready at 24 months while another may take another six months or more. Look for the different signs of readiness. According to Parents, these include an interest in the potty, your child vocalizing the desire to go to the potty and the desire for a change quickly after he goes to the bathroom.
Stay positive
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should make potty training an exciting thing by staying positive. Talk to your child about the exciting process and how wonderful it will be. Buy him or her real underwear.
Use the tools at your disposal
A variety of baby supplies make potty training easier. You can purchase fun potty seats that have characters on them such as Dora the Explorer. Some make a fun noise when you flush the toilet. You can decide on a seat that fits over the regular potty or a small potty seat.
Take your child to the potty
When first potty training, your child may not tell you every time he or she needs to go. According to Baby Center, you should use a timer and take your child to the bathroom regularly throughout the day. At the beginning, you may even want to take them every hour.
Use books and movies
You will find a variety of books and television shows related to potty training, some by popular characters such as Elmo. You can choose a book such as The Potty Book. Your child may be motivated to potty train based on these.
Reward the child
Make a celebration every time your child uses the bathroom. You could clap and say how excited you are. Some use small rewards such as stickers, a hand stamp or even a small treat.
Potty training can be much easier if you use the right tools. Try one or more of the above solutions when training your toddler.