In case you missed it:
Post one: Preparing to Potty Train a Toddler
Post two: Potty Training a Toddler in Less Than One Week
Like everything else, do what you feel is best for your child when it comes to outings and bedtime (or naps). I chose to keep our daughter in a diaper for naps and overnight the first few days but reminded her we only used the potty now. After she awoke from all naps and bedtime dry for four days straight and we got rid of diapers for sleep by day five when she woke us up in the morning by yelling ‘’I have to go pee’’.
Starting the second day we left the house in her new underwear driving to daycare. I always make sure she goes potty immediately before leaving the house (wherever we’re going) and we’re usually good to go for a while. In the beginning I made sure to ask her every few minutes if she had to pee and even if she said no, would attempt every 30-45 minutes (where the travel seat comes into play). Now, three weeks into it, I just trust she’ll tell me.
Since day two we have had almost no accidents and the two accidents we did have were my fault, she told me she needed to go and I didn’t get to her fast enough.
Things to remember about potty training:
- There will be accidents, when they happen make sure the child knows it’s no big deal. We don’t need them feeling any sort of shame.
- The first day I felt like I was making little to no progress initially with the amount of accidents but after nap and starting afternoon there was only one accident and going 30 minutes plus between potty time!
- Every child is different and unique. I ‘’just knew’’ my daughter was ready so it was an easier transition. She has been ready for a few months now but I didn’t have the patience to do it until recently.
- If you child has alternative childcare make sure they are aware of your potty training plan and will be able to stick to the plan. For us, I requested she stay in underwear all day and go to potty at least every 15 minutes to start. Every day I would let her sitter know how the day would go and we stayed in constant contact throughout the day.
- Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel like your 18-24 month old child is ready despite the books suggesting they should be, don’t worry about it. They will get there, give it time.
- Spend time getting to know your child’s bathroom signals. My daughter has always been shy about going #2 and fought doing it on the potty a bit, almost as if she would get in trouble, but since I recognized the physical cues she gave, I didn’t let her off the potty until she went. After she did this two to three times she realized it wasn’t a big deal and was fine to go.
- Make use of public washrooms or allow them to see you go so they get used to them and so they know they’re ‘’not scary’’ as the loud flush can scare some kids.
Potty training can be very challenging but taking time to prepare yourself and your child will make your life much easier.
Did you use any special tricks when potty training?
Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.