Most of the Moms are confused and in rush when it comes to Potty Training since it seems to be a tedious task .In my opinion and experience if we do it the right way then you can Potty train your lil one easily .Let's see few basics of Potty Training step by step which will help to ease the Task:
1 .Introducing the concept of Potty
Ideally the right age to Potty train your lil one is between 18-30 months but before you start Potty Training it is advised to make your Baby aware about the concept of Potty .For example when your lil one reaches around 10 months or so (mostly all Babies can sit unassisted without support this time )you can start introducing the concept by these many ways:
✔Talk often about Potty while story telling or while playing with your Baby
✔When you yourself go to Potty then talk about it so that your lil one is aware about what Potty actually means
My Tip -Consider buying a nice Potty Training book if your Baby loves to read books (like I did ,this helps to some extent as you can show your lil one through illustrations how baby does and enjoy the process .You can Buy it here
The idea here is to make your Baby aware before you actually start Potty Training so that when you actually start the process your Baby can easily relate to it.
2. Look out for the Signs of readiness
Watch for these signs before you start the actual Potty training
✔If your Baby cries or is fussy when the diaper is soiled then you should consider Potty Training your lil one as your lil one can feel the diaper wetness now
✔If your Baby don't pee for continuous 1-2hrs or during /after naps then again this is a subtle sign to Potty train your lil one .
My Tip :Consider Potty training your lil one only when you are completely ready with utmost patience :).If you are unwell or relocating and just because your baby is in the right age to be Potty trained please do not attempt because this needs to done in a relaxed atmosphere .
Note :Your baby should be able to sit unassisted off course.This a very basic requirement which many of us often confuse with signs of readiness 😊
3. Introduction to Potty Training Seat
Buy a nice Potty training seat for your Baby.Few things to consider when buying one
✔It should be comfortable for the baby to sit
✔Preferably the one which keeps Baby hooked for long (consider buying the one with vibrant colors ,or lights /music ).
My Tip :Consider buying a very basic Potty trainer with vibrant colors and have atleast handles for your lil one support ,you can utilize those handles creatively to keep your lil one entertained .I have bought a very basic Potty training seat for my lil one which has handle to help her sit comfortably (I generally hang her toys or my Bangles over the handle to make her sit for long and it serves the purpose ;).In case you want to have a look .You can Buy it here
You can place the Potty seat in play area where your baby is most comfortable .Once your baby is comfortable over the Potty training seat ,you can slowly make the transition to regular Potty Seat 😊
If you are planning to make your Baby sit on your regular Potty seat then atleast your baby should follow basic instructions of taking out pants and sit on their own .Consider buying a step stool too so that your baby can easily climb over it.Also make sure your Babies legs touch the floor during the whole process as Research suggests this is how this whole theory of popping out works 😂😂
4. Set a Routine
It's important for you to create a Routine for your baby to sit on the Potty training seat initially for some time at some specified times of the day so that it comes into habit .Even though your baby may not pee initially but the idea is to create a habit hence stick to it and do not punish your baby if he is not willing to pee or woo initially.Just make your Baby sit for sometime and let rest of things go as they would on any other normal day .
My Tip : Try to make your Baby sit early morning once baby wakes up (after consuming milk or atleast water ) and atleast once in the evening and as your baby gets used to the process you can make baby sit after every 30 minutes or so.
5. Reward and Praises
Don't forget to appreciate your lil one efforts as and when they sit on the Potty seat and pee or woo .This keeps the motivation and encourage them to do better.You can reward them with something with each successful attempt .
For example provide them nice stickers as reward to each successful attempt .BTW these stickers comes handy along with the Potty training book I mentioned above 😎💟
Also make sure your don't overdo it as well 😂
My Tip : Encourage them by clapping and smiling when they do it right or if your baby has soft toys cum friends then appreciate your baby like I do "Look Teddy ,Ashvika has done it right .Let's clap..Yayyyy "❤
6. Talk about hygiene
Last but not the least teach your baby about basic hygiene of washing their hands with soap post usage of Potty seat and wipe the hands completely with clean towel ✔
My Tip : Wash their hands always after the usage of Potty seat even though they don't need it so that they form a habit
If you follow all of the above mentioned steps calmly I am sure this will not be a overwhelming task anymore 🚽
Hope this helps ❤❤🚽😂 .Do let me know if you found this article useful 🆗✔❤🤗
Love,
Kanu