Toddler Potty Training
How to Toilet Train

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Read these questions and answers about toilet training toddlers...potty training toddlers tips

Is there a good time of year to potty train toddlers?

A lot of families choose to do toddler potty training in the spring or summer. usually this means warmer weather and less clothes to worry about. If you like your toddler can then run around with a bare bum or with just underpants which will mean less hassle at potty time. I remember dressing my daughters in skirts and dresses with no underpants whilst we were at home.

How to Toilet Train

Are there any times that I should avoid toddler potty training?

It is best not to try toddler potty training if you are moving house, having a new baby in the family, or your toddler changes rooms at daycare. Avoid potty training at the same time as transitioning to a bed from a cot, if you are recently seperated from your partner or if there has been a death in the close family then wait for a while.

Toddler Potty Training

What can I do with a reluctant potty training toddler?

If your toddler is really reluctant don't force the issue. Have a break and try again in a couple of weeks. Try pouring a few drops of blue food coloring into the toilet bowl. It will turn green when your toddler does a wee. Let your toddler put his toys on the potty and make a game of potty training them. Use rewards if your toddler will enjoy this. Try buying picture books about potty training for your little one, and looking at them together.

If your toddler is older say around 3 be firm and consistent about what you are expecting of them. At all times remain patient and calm. Try not to get into a battle of wills with your toddler. Avoid trying to potty train your little one if they are at the stage of saying "no" to everything. They will be unlikely to cooperate with potty training either.

What about toddler potty training when I am out and about?

When you first start potty training it is easiest if you determine to stay in for 3 or 4 days with no distractions. This way you can watch your toddler carefully for signs of needing to use the potty. If you are very busy and out and about all the time you will miss the signs and potty training will take longer and be much more difficult. Potty training is easiest if you focus entirely on that.

When your toddler gets to the point that they tell you they need to use the potty then you can purchase a portable potty if you like and carry it with you. Toddlers either have a fascination for other peoples loos and public loos or they hate them. Take with you changes of clothes and wipes and plastic bags to contain any accident spoilt clothing.

For a car journey some people initially use nappies or pull ups. Perhaps the best option is cotton pants with plastic training pants on top for any accidents. A plastic mat underneath your toddler is also an option for accidents.

Do I teach my son to wee standing up when I start toddler potty training?

You don't have to. It is sometime easiest to get them to sit so that you can deal with the wee's and the body movements. Some boys only learn to stand and wee when they get to school age others younger. It helps to have a male role model to show them how to do this.

You can encourage accurate aiming by using aiming targets. This can be cheerios or a table tennis ball or food coloring in the toilet bowl that changes color when your son wees.

You can now purchase a toddler urinal which can be attached to floor or wall or can be free standing. it is flushable and is easily cleaned.

My toddler is weeing in the potty, but won't do bowel movements on it, what should I do?

Some toddlers are afraid of doing a poo in the potty or toilet.
Try putting some toilet paper in the toilet so the water won't splash back up if your toddler uses the toilet.
Give plenty of fluids and fresh fruit and vegetables to keep the stools soft.
Try giving your toddler some privacy to poop on the potty or toilet.
Let them watch you on the toilet.
Give rewards if they manage to use the potty or toilet.
Be careful that your toddler does not become constipated. It is easy to get into the cycle of toddler withholding poops until they have a diaper on.
You refusing them a diaper and them refusing to use the potty or toilet.
If a toddler has a bowel movement on the potty that hurts this may put them off doing it on the potty again.
If your toddler is clearly in discomfort and is badly constipated and has held his poop despite being given a diaper then seek medical advice.
For a toddler of 3 to 4 years of age having them clean themselves up may help the process of potty training.
If your toddler really likes their pants then throwing them away after soiling may motivate your toddler.
Try not to get grossed out by accidents. Just quickly and calmly clear them away and say "poop goes in the toilet".

Will my toddler be dry in bed at night when I potty train him?

Your toddler may take a while to be dry at night
My sons were dry at night around five in fact one was a little later than that.
You can try waking your toddler up just as you go to bed and placing them on the potty or toilet for a wee.
They may then wake up in the night to use the toilet.
When you are leaving the diaper or pull up off then purchase a mattress protector for the bed in case of accidents.
Withhold drinks for an hour or two before bedtime.
Leave a nightlight on so that your toddler can see to use the potty or get to the bathroom.
Wait until your toddler has dry diapers in the morning more often than not to try leaving a diaper off at night.

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