Flushing out diapers for potty training

Toilet training or toilet learning as some newer literature calls it, because we don't train our children but rather we teach them, can be one of the most stressful yet rewarding milestones you experience with your child. Similar to learning how to walk or talk, your child may show signs of being ready to ditch the diaper long before they actually get on the toilet. Interestingly, in North America, children are being toilet trained much later than in the past which can be attributed to a number of factors. Modern diapers are better at absorbing liquids and keeping kids dryer and more comfortable for longer. Many parents lead busy lives and are overwhelmed by the prospect of carving out time for potty training. Some parents are adopting the child-centered approach, honoring their child’s feelings for when they are ready, which may not be until the child reaches age four¹.

When to begin:
When do you start toilet training your child? You might be anxious to find an answer to that question. Unfortunately, there is no correct time to start potty training. Each child has a different temperament, so you need to pay close attention to the signs your child is showing in order to judge whether or not they may be ready. Some studies indicate that children introduced to potty training before eighteen months may take longer to train, but will be completely trained at an earlier age. Others argue that a child’s control of his bladder and bowel movements must be mature, and cannot be rushed².

There are several toilet training approaches, including:

• Child-centered Approach – This way of child rearing concentrates on the child’s feelings, and allows him to dictate when he is ready to use the toilet
• Elimination Communication (Diaperless Method) – On the other end of the spectrum, the diaperless approach encourages babies to tune into their need to go to the bathroom. Babies start training from day one. Parents assist by holding their child over the toilet, giving a cue, by making a certain sound, for the child to release
• Somewhere in the middle – Somewhere between these two techniques of potty training is vigilance on your part as a parent to decide when your child is ready. “It is important to be aware of when and how much your child is drinking, keeping track of predictable times she goes to the bathroom, and reading her body language. Keeping a journal of these activities could be very helpful,” says registered nurse Cindy Zizek

Make sure baby is ready:
Waiting until your child is ready before you begin the process of toilet training can make the experience easier for you both. Your child will give you cues such as:

• Being uncomfortable in a wet or soiled diaper
• Staying dry for longer than three hours
• Bowel movements are regular and expected
• Asking to wear big kid underwear
• Exploring the toilet and trying to sit on the potty-chair
• Grabbing at diapers or crossing legs

Make sure you are ready:
Although your child is the one learning how to use the toilet, you also have to make sure you are ready for this big moment. Do not begin training if you are unable to give your child your full attention. Toilet training requires endless patience and a sense of humour, so make sure you don’t have any other stressors in your life³. Your child will not become self-sufficient over night, but she will quickly catch on to the routine, and it may even become a fun ritual.

Invite your little one to be part of the process:
Like every developmental milestone, there are ways to help motivate your child and get him interested in the idea of potty training. When shopping for a potty-chair, it’s a good idea to encourage your child to come with you and test out the options. If he gets to pick out his own chair and feels it is comfortable, chances are higher that he will be excited to start using it during training. “There are many different designs out there to choose from,” says Zizek. “There are potty-chairs that grow with the phases your child goes through as well as ones with realistic sounds and music to help keep kids interested.” At this stage, it is also key to teach your child the proper terminology for his/her body parts. “When your child knows the right names for what he is doing and how he is doing it, the skill naturally becomes easier,” says Zizek.”

Making the connection between feeling and doing:
Once you and your child are ready to start training, it is important that your child understands the steps because, as Zizek explains, “potty training is all about helping your little one to recognize when she feels the urge to go to the bathroom and then make the link to actually go to the toilet. Many children learn by imitation. It can be helpful to allow your child to watch when you go to the bathroom so they can understand the process, and they will be eager to test it out for themselves.” The idea is to make the connection between elimination and sitting on the toilet. Whatever age you choose to toilet train, and whichever method you decide is right for your child, the key is to stay positive, patient, and, as always, consistent. Remember that your little one is trying to understand an important step in his development, and he may have accidents along the way. Don’t get frustrated, and make sure to praise him for his hard work. Encouragement goes a long way.