Sitting Pretty: Toilet Training your Little One

One of life’s most important milestones is learning how to use the toilet. We know as adults, this is a deeply ingrained part of our confidence and independence, and it’s no different for your child! Not to mention the new sense of cleanliness for you — no more messy tushies! Truly, a potty trained toddler is a breath of fresh air, literally! We know you’re excited to leave the diapers and wipes behind you, so without further ado, here are our favorite toddler potty training tips! 

Living for the Loo

We know you’re ready for it, but is your child? In order to get your child out of diapers, they have to want it as much as you do. Start by creating excitement about learning how the toilet works. Show your child how to sit, go, flush, clean up, and wash their hands. Showing them the process will make them feel more curious and confident about getting started. Once they’re ready, go to the store to pick out fun underwear with them so they feel like a big kid! If they like dinosaurs, pick out some undies with a cute t-rex. If they like butterflies, go with those instead. Let your kiddo get motivated to use the toilet through excitement for their new big kid pants! 

Ditching the Diapers

Wondering when to start potty training? Typically, toddlers start switching to the seat at around 1.5 to 2 years old. But making the switch is all about getting your child’s mind as set as their bummies for the toilet seat. Remind them that their hard work will pay off in the end when they don’t have to wear diapers anymore! Start by letting them know that they will be stopping diapers as soon as the remaining ones run out so they will need to learn to use the toilet. Show them that it is a happy and rewarding experience by setting an example with tone and teaching. Work together with your child and include all of the other adults they trust in the process. Get everyone on board, encouraging your kiddo in the same way! 

Ready, Set, Go!

So, it’s time to give it a go. Be sure to plan to start your journey out of diapers when you can spend the full day at home. Trust us, accidents will happen! Begin by giving your child lots of fluids so they will need to use the potty. Watch for signs that they might need to relieve themself. Switch up their normal routine by having them wear underwear or go bare for the day. Every half an hour, ask if they need to go potty and offer to take them to the toilet to try. If they are reluctant, give them a little more time until they finish up their current activity and then explain that it’s time to give it a go. After the first day, be sure to visit the toilet every time you change locations and always keep changes of clothes and clean up essentials on hand!

Accidents Happen

If your child does a good job, reward them however you think is best! If they like praise, snacks, or playtime as a reward, go for it! If your child has an accident, be calm and neutral about it, asking them to help clean or if they could try the toilet next time. Do not make a big deal of it when they don’t get it right. This can build negative feelings around toilet training and make them feel self-consciousness. We don’t want that! So stick with encouragement and don’t get discouraged if it takes some time. This is a process where they learn to recognize their urge to go and act on it before it happens. Practice makes perfect! 

In Their Dreams

We all know about wetting the bed. This is a tough thing to train out! Sometimes, kids can feel embarrassed when they are out of diapers but still can’t make it through the night. So, try to bear with them and make the experience as positive as possible. It is totally up to you if you want to let them wear a diaper to bed or during naps. Some prefer to quit the diapers cold turkey, others ease off. When your child is more comfortable, try asking them what they prefer. If they feel ready to sleep in underwear, go for it!

At Coastal Kids Pediatrics, we understand that making the transition from diapers to the toilet can get tricky, and messy, at times. So, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s toilet training, don’t hesitate to reach out. Now that you have potty training tips and tricks up your sleeve, ditch those diapers and get going!