Potty training can be hard for some babies. It's a new routine in their daily life and it can be quite frightening for them. It can take some time, but perseverance is the best policy.
Here are some techniques have been combined together to help you and baby on your way to being nappy free.
The Potty
A good age to introduce your child to the potty is around 2-3 years of age. Some parents like to start a little sooner or a little later but that's entirely up to you. If you haven't bought a potty already then take your child out and let them choose the potty. This way they see it as a toy rather than something out of the ordinary. Explain to them what is and what they are going to use it for.
Potty's today come in all shapes, sizes, colours, and can also have their favourite cartoon charters on them. This can help in a big way.
If you have bought one already, you as a parent should place it in sight of the child. This way the child becomes familiar with it. This technique also lets your child play with the potty, and will encourage them to sit on it at an early age, with or without their clothes on.
Best Time of Year to Start Training
Wait until the summer comes in. This way you can get them in the garden and run around with no nappy on. Keep the potty close by, so when your child needs the toilet or starts leaving little treats around the garden, you can place them on the potty. When they do finally sit on the potty and complete a full service. Praise them for it. Clapp, sing, jump for joy and really let them know that they have done a great job.
Timing
Another way is to get your child on the potty is to put it into their routine. This should be at least 3 times a day. Including mornings, evenings and nights. Slowly introduce it more into the daily routine and they should start getting it themselves. The more you practise with your child the more confident they become.
Anxiety
Some children just wont go near a potty, sit on it or actually go to the toilet on one. This is very normal and there are a few techniques you can use.
Pants. Put your child in a pair of pants and tell them they are a big boy/girl now. Sometimes this helps. They will go to the toilet in them at first but they will recognise that it is uncomfortable and very messy compared to using the nappy.
Toilet seat. You can buy a child toilet seat that sits on the toilet. Some children prefer this as they feel more comfortable after watching everyone use the actual toilet, as appose to the potty.
Distraction. Some times you can distract your child from the fear of the potty just by simply playing with them or reading a book to them. This stops them getting up and running away while your trying to train them.
Recognition
While watching your child play and develop, you will pick up on small mannerisms your child might do - just before they need the toilet. Some signs are hiding, standing very still, can't stay still, running away or even a funny face. Most children have them. So if you're quick and pick up on it, you know its time for them to sit on the potty.
