There are many early milestones in your child’s life. From taking that first bite to their first steps, every one of them is considered huge. One major thing that your toddler needs to learn is to potty – a real leap towards independence and self-sufficiency. This is also the time when your toddler starts to gain confidence. While potty training can be one of the most challenging tasks for parents, there are some helpful potty training tips that will make the experience easier for both parent and child. Knowing when your child is ready for potty training is also important. Be positive and stay calm – it will make your child more comfortable.

Here are ten potty training tips parents must know about:

Perfect Timing

Parents can try to start training their toddlers for potty at an early age. Most toddlers show signs that they are ready for potty training when they are about two years old. Biologically speaking, there is really no starting point when a child will show signs of readiness. Some may show that they are ready as early as 18 months, while others may be already over two years old. Keep in mind that potty training normally goes smoothly when your toddler is physically and emotionally ready for it.

Look out for signs of readiness

There are a few markers you should watch out for to know when you can begin potty training your toddler. Staying dry for a few hours at a time, being uncomfortable with being dirty, and showing interest in using the potty are some of the indicators that your child is ready for the potty.

Focus on your child as much as possible

One of the most important potty training tips is to give your full attention to your child when doing so. Watch them closely for the first few days when they are ready for the potty. Consider this as a great bonding experience between you and your child. Don’t show boredom when it takes longer than expected. Your child will be able to see your emotions and will have a difficult time during the process.

Find out what approach works best for your child

With so many conflicting information and tips for potty training parents can find online, the experience can be overwhelming and frustrating. Basically, parents need to trust their own instincts. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all method when it comes to potty training. Decide what approach makes sense for you and your child. Consider how your child will learn best from the experience and deal with new and unfamiliar situations.

Stick to a system

Most often, parents use a reward system to help their child learn things. And this is one of the potty training tips that has been adapted by most parents when it comes to potty training. Basically, it is still up to you what trick will work for your child. Incentives can be helpful, especially during the early stages when accidents are likely to happen. It can also make the experience more fun and exciting for a child. Since not all families have the luxury of time nor every child is a self-starter, every little positive push is a huge help.

Get the right gear

When your child is starting to learn how to sit and use the potty, it is useful to leave a child-size potty on the bathroom floor. A potty ring set is also ideal as it will help your toddler sit comfortably and securely on toilets built for adults. It will also prepare your child to use an actual toilet in the future. Step-stools are also useful, especially for some children, as it is the only way for them to reach the sink or potty on their own.

Look for helpful tools

There are many tools parents can use when potty training their child. Traditional tricks like board books, story books, or potty songs can be helpful. In the modern era, there are apps available to help with the process, which combine potty-related visuals and music. Your toddler may respond better to one method than the other. In the end, it’s all about individual wants and needs.

Track their progress

Make the training more enjoyable by making it like a game. Set up a goal with your child and track their improvements.

Show consistent support

Potty training may test your patience, especially if multiple accidents happen. However, parents need to show support at all times. And the more consistent you are, the more success your child will have with the potty.

Go pantless

Once your child becomes interested in the thought of potty training, let them run around naked before it’s time for a bath and encourage them to start using the potty. You can also take a weekend wherein they are free from undies, diapers, or pants. During this period, ask them if they need to use the bathroom. Offer incentives or reward them when they are successful and offer gentle encouragement when they couldn’t manage to do so. This will help them focus on what it feels like when they need to use the bathroom and putting the mess in the right place.

If you need more helpful parenting tips and advice or if you’re looking for the best quality early childhood education, please visit Creative Learning Academy.