Top Menu

How to potty train a toddler

So our two-year old is finally getting the hang of going to the adult toilet and using the big boy’s and girl’s potty!

Woohoo. This may seem like nothing to you, but trust me, for a parent, it’s certainly a milestone.

Some might say 2 years old is a late start, but we actually let our toddler take the lead on this. Once she started to show signs of wanting to be out of the diaper, we trained her to sit on the potty then finally the adult loo (with modifications, ie. a fitted toddler seat plus a step up stool to reach the height of the seat). One tip, there’s no point in trying to get a head start. When parents begin potty training too soon, the process is likely to take longer In other words, you’ll arrive at your destination at the same time, no matter when you start. We went from 2 weeks on the toddler potty straight to the adult toilet seat. She took to it instantaneously.

Tips on how to get to the adult loo..

1. Toddlers learn by imitation, and watching you use the bathroom is a natural first step. She will notice daddy uses the potty differently than Mommy does, which creates a great opportunity for you to explain the basic mechanics of how boys and girls use the bathroom.

2. Train from the ground upwards. When your child is sitting on the potty, it’s important for her to be able to plant her feet on the ground, especially when she’s having a bowel movement. Most experts advise buying a child-size potty, which your toddler can claim for his own and which will also feel more secure to him than sitting on a full-size toilet. After a month we progressed to the big toilet and she was fine.

3. When you progress to the big toilet, get an adapter seat for your regular toilet, make sure it’s comfortable and attaches securely. You’ll also need to give your toddler a stool because he needs to be able to get on and off the potty easily any time she needs to go and to stabilize herself with her feet.

4. Nothing helps your toddler figure out when she needs to go like letting her spend some time bottomless. Put the potty in an accessible area while she plays, and encourage her to sit on it at regular intervals.

5. Once your girl stays dry all day, you can start formulating a game plan for nights. Wait until she’s reliably using the potty during the daytime, then start checking her diapers in the mornings and after naps to see if they’re dry. We have not progressed to dry sleeping yet so will let you know how that pans out!

 

, , ,

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This