Keys to start potty training.
Ya! It has begun. Children gain control over their bladder muscles between 12 and 18 months. So that is one of the best times to really start encouraging the use of the bathroom. Waiting until "the perfect time" is like trying to ready for kids in the first place. There really isn't a best time. If you wait, that's your decision but your basically telling them that that's where they need to go then all of a sudden the tables turn. My kids have always had such a fun time learning to use the bathroom and although it takes a lot of time it also is a growing experience.
Piece of advice for the slow day by day method: Child drink enough to stay hydrated but no more. Adult drink double the amount you normally would. This will help you remember and also be an awesome example. You take them when you have to go or need to do anything in the bathroom. I like to have small treats like chocolate chips in a jar that I place on a stool next to them. I've also though about getting mini m&m's (keep it small, you don't want a lot of sugar and your going to be in there a lot!) If anything praise them for sitting there! Praise them if they go and if they don't, this is a fun time. I use this chart, it has helped me the most. I take a highlighter and mark off every hour that we make it to the bathroom. After a while I might add different colored highlighters. Pink if dry, Blue if wet. Yellow for pee, Green for poo (hey keep it colorful!) Whatever helps keep things consistent and fun. I do not expect dryness 100% of the time (or really at all at first) especially during naps, overnight or after drinking lots of fluid.
We got new panties and this is something that has always been very encouraging for my little ones. Sometimes I'd put it over their diapers and it's like a pull up lol the idea anyways. It makes them feel like a big kid especially if they have older siblings.
I NEVER encourage just running around naked during training times. Part of the process is pulling down the pants and panties. Besides that I teach my girls about modesty and privacy early on, I value it and think it's important. If I know they have to go or we're going to be in the bathroom for a while I'll allow no bottoms but only in the bathroom, you leave that room with your clothes on.
Safety: Use a small potty chair for the early ages. You do not want them falling off a full size toilet. They need one they can get on and off by themselves preferably. Sitting still is a big thing, if we're feeling really restless we'll do the count to 5 or 10 and be done. Don't push it just try then go. If your in there every hour there's a good chance they just don't have to go. This afternoon mine sat at least 5 times but only went twice. She also stayed dry the whole time.
Let the fun and adventure begin!
Piece of advice for the slow day by day method: Child drink enough to stay hydrated but no more. Adult drink double the amount you normally would. This will help you remember and also be an awesome example. You take them when you have to go or need to do anything in the bathroom. I like to have small treats like chocolate chips in a jar that I place on a stool next to them. I've also though about getting mini m&m's (keep it small, you don't want a lot of sugar and your going to be in there a lot!) If anything praise them for sitting there! Praise them if they go and if they don't, this is a fun time. I use this chart, it has helped me the most. I take a highlighter and mark off every hour that we make it to the bathroom. After a while I might add different colored highlighters. Pink if dry, Blue if wet. Yellow for pee, Green for poo (hey keep it colorful!) Whatever helps keep things consistent and fun. I do not expect dryness 100% of the time (or really at all at first) especially during naps, overnight or after drinking lots of fluid.
We got new panties and this is something that has always been very encouraging for my little ones. Sometimes I'd put it over their diapers and it's like a pull up lol the idea anyways. It makes them feel like a big kid especially if they have older siblings.
I NEVER encourage just running around naked during training times. Part of the process is pulling down the pants and panties. Besides that I teach my girls about modesty and privacy early on, I value it and think it's important. If I know they have to go or we're going to be in the bathroom for a while I'll allow no bottoms but only in the bathroom, you leave that room with your clothes on.
Safety: Use a small potty chair for the early ages. You do not want them falling off a full size toilet. They need one they can get on and off by themselves preferably. Sitting still is a big thing, if we're feeling really restless we'll do the count to 5 or 10 and be done. Don't push it just try then go. If your in there every hour there's a good chance they just don't have to go. This afternoon mine sat at least 5 times but only went twice. She also stayed dry the whole time.
Let the fun and adventure begin!
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