Potty training is a huge milestone for kids and parents — it’s also one of the most stressful. Instead of Kodak moments, you’re on hands and knees, wiping up yet another accident.
The good news? You don’t have to venture into the potty training battleground on your own.
Dr. Ugonma (ugo) Harriet Okparaocha and our Laurel Pediatric & Teen Medical Center team are here with simple, practical strategies to help you and your child potty train with confidence.
There’s a lot of buzz around potty training these days. Many moms have joined the “elimination communication” club, which harkens back to when mothers had their infants out of diapers before they could walk; other moms don’t start potty training until closer to three years old.
It all comes down to the individual child and what they’re ready for. You can start as early as you like, but most babies and toddlers are ready to potty train around their second birthday.
Signs your child is ready to 86 the diapers include:
Once your little one is ready to potty train, it’s time to formulate a game plan. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks.
Having the right tools before you start potty training can make a huge difference. We recommend having a child-sized potty seat for your regular toilet, easy-to-pull-down pants and underwear, fun books or stickers for education and encouragement, and lots of backup training underwear.
In the first few days (or possibly weeks), you’ll want to take your child to the potty every 20-30 minutes. It’s okay if they don’t actually go — in the beginning, it’s all about practice and getting used to sitting on the toilet.
Even after you get the hang of things, you’ll still want to have a routine or schedule. Have them sit on the toilet at key times, such as after meals, before bed, and before leaving the house.
You can’t discipline your child out of diapers, so remember to keep the process fun and exciting. Use sticker charts, small prizes, songs and storeis, and lots of parental encouragement.
Accidents are going to happen both at home and out in the world. Don’t panic and throw in the towel. Have cleaning supplies and extra clothes on hand, and as you clean up the mess, talk your little one through what happened and what should happen next time.
For some reason, many children struggle to go poop on the toilet even after they’ve mastered peeing in the toilet. Don’t be surprised if they have many fecal accidents and it takes them longer to get the hang of that side.
Once your child is having regular success, we recommend switching to underwear during the day. Nighttime and naptime potty training might take longer, so consider using training pants until they’re consistently waking up dry.
Potty training doesn’t have to be a battle, but it is a process of trial and error. Stay patient and remember that every child learns at their own pace. If you start on the right foot and keep a level head, your child will be diaper-free before you know it.
Our team of pediatricians is here for you and your children at every phase of their lives. Whether it’s troubleshooting breastfeeding, learning to potty train, or navigating puberty, the Laurel Pediatric & Teen Medical Center team wants to partner with you.
Call or click to schedule an appointment at our Bel Air, Maryland, office today.
