With many staying at home during this pandemic, what better time to start toilet training your child at home. Toilet training happens at different times for different children; however, most children start to show an interest in no longer using nappies from between 2 -3 years old.
When should you start toilet training your child?
It’s important to look for signs that your child is ready to use the potty or toilet. Signs include:
- Showing discomfort when a nappy is wet or soiled.
- Waking from a daytime sleep with a dry nappy.
- Taking an interest in a potty or the toilet.
Before starting
- Timing is crucial. It is best to pick a time to toilet train your child when you have lots of time available to spend with them and when there are not any stressful events occurring such as moving house, moving from a cot to a bed or the arrival of a new sibling.
The process
- Toilet training can be a lengthy task, so ensure you tell your child’s practitioner at Balfour Nursery when your child has started the process to ensure you can work together to make this process as easy as possible for both you and your child.
- Whilst this may sound strange, talking to your child about saying goodbye to nappies will help to encourage them to move towards a potty or toilet. There are an array of books available about the toileting process that you can read with your child.
- As with anything, praise is key. Children thrive when gaining much-desired recognition from their parents, carers and practitioners. Please do start praising your child from the moment they start to show an interest in the toilet training process. Sticker charts are a great way of doing this.
- Accidents are inevitable. Please be patient with your child.
- Note the times that your child is most likely to use the toilet. For example, after meals or when they wake up from sleeping. You could also remind your child to use the potty or toilet at hourly or half hourly intervals.
- Stick to a planned routine, until it becomes established (e.g. using the toilet before and after meals.)
- Ensure the toilet or potty is comfortable for your child and that they can sit on the toilet or potty without fear of falling off. Some children may prefer to use a training seat. Using a small step up to the toilet can help your child to feel more independent.