Are you gearing up for one of the most pivotal milestones in your toddler's life? Yes, we’re talking about potty training! It can be a rollercoaster of wet pants, unexpected puddles, and countless bathroom runs. Not to worry, we’ve got some tips to ensure the journey can go as smoothly as possible! Let's dive into how you can conquer the potty training challenge with a little bit of fun and a lot of patience.
- Check for Readiness
This might be a tip you’ve heard before, and for good reason. Ensuring your little one is ready to start potty training is crucial. Trying to make it happen before they are ready can create a negative association with going to the bathroom and overall prolong the learning process - most likely causing stress for you both.
Some signs of readiness include showing interest in the bathroom, staying dry for longer periods, being able to recognize when they need a diaper change, routines forming around their bathroom habits, and being able to follow simple instructions.
- Make it Fun
Make the bathroom a welcoming place with a fun potty chair, a clip on seat with their favorite characters on it, or a colorful step stool. Make a little basket for them with their favorite books or toys for those longer sits.
- Create a Routine
Consistency is key! Establishing a potty schedule ensures that your little one can learn the routine, both mentally and physically. Take your child to the potty at regular intervals, especially after meals and before bedtime. This helps build the habit and reduces the chances of accidents. Phone alarms can be great for this!
- Celebrate Every Victory
Every little success deserves a celebration! Clap, cheer, put a sticker on a sticker chart – make it a big deal! Positive reinforcement goes a looooong way in making your toddler feel proud and motivated to keep going.
- Dress for Success with Believe Bottoms Up
This is where Believe Bottoms Up Toddler Training Underwear by Believe Baby comes into play! These training pants are the perfect bridge between diapers and real underwear. They feel identical to diapers for your little one, but give them the new experience of pulling underwear up and down when it’s time for the potty. Plus, they are soft and comfy with a stretchy waistband that moves with them.
They also feature the same wetness indicator line just like Believe Baby Diapers, so you know when it’s time to change them. This also allows you to see exactly when they went to the bathroom so you can remind them to try and go on the toilet next time they feel the urge to go.
- Keep Calm and Carry On
Accidents? They're part of the journey. Take a deep breath and accept that now! The key is to stay calm and reassuring. Never scold, punish, or make a big deal out of accidents. Instead, gently remind them that next time they should try to use the potty. This ensures the experience remains positive. It’s a new skill, and it takes time to learn it and for your body and mind to form that connection!
Take note of when the accident occurs, especially if they are happening frequently. Are there any patterns? Perhaps you need to shorten the window that you remind them to try, or waiting 15 minutes after a meal is better than going right after, etc. It might be random, but there might be something to learn there!
- Involve Them in the Process
Let your little one choose their potty, step stool, or underwear they can wear when the time comes. This gives them a sense of control and adds something fun to the process. Plus, it gives them something to look forward to! Once they have mastered potty training, they get to wear fun new undies with their favorite characters on them! If you’re going the reward route, this is another great place to allow them to be involved.
Also, encourage them to help clean up after accidents. It teaches responsibility and the natural consequences of not making it to the potty in time. But again, do not scold or use it as punishment. It is all a part of the learning process!
- Patience, Patience, and More Patience
Remember, every child is different. Some may master potty training in a few days, while others may take weeks or months. Be patient and keep the end goal in sight. You're not just teaching them to use the potty, you're also building their confidence and independence. It’s also okay to start the process and recognize that perhaps they aren’t as ready as you originally thought! No need for pressure on you or them throughout this process.
Potty training is a HUGE step in your child's development, and while it might seem daunting, it's also filled with moments of laughter, learning, and love. With the right approach and tools like Believe Bottoms Up by Believe Baby, you're ready to make this journey a success. Here's to dry days ahead and the proud moment when your little one declares, "I did it!" Cheers to you and your potty-training champion!
