Potty training is an essential milestone in your toddler's development. It’s a huge step towards independence and self-care. If you’re a parent of a toddler, it’s helpful to understand the potty training process and know effective strategies to make this stage smoother for both you and your child.
Below, the team at Mama Bamboo has written a short, useful post about the different aspects of potty training and offered a few tips on successfully potty training your toddler - keep reading to learn more.
Getting Prepared
Before you start on the potty training journey, it’s important to assess your little one’s readiness cues. You should look for signs such as showing interest in the bathroom, staying dry for longer periods, or showing discomfort when their nappy is dirty. Remember every child is different, so it's best not to compare your child with others.
The summer months are a popular time to potty train, as the days are warmer and fewer clothes are worn. No wrestling with tights or jeans! Also washed clothes dry more quickly. If weather permits, your toddler can enjoy some nappy free time or simply wear a training pant.
Once you’re confident that your toddler is ready, this is time to buy the essential supplies. These include a potty, children’s training seat, wipes, nappy pants and eventually training pants. Creating a positive and welcoming environment in your bathroom will help your toddler feel comfortable and happy to begin potty training.
Introducing Potty Training
Next, you need to familiarise your child with the concept of potty training. This should begin by explaining the purpose of a potty, using simple, clear language and encouraging your little one to ask questions.
You should show them how to sit on the potty and child's training seat, highlighting the right posture and encouraging them to relax. Alongside this, it helps to let your child see you using the toilet and explain what you're doing, you can supplement this with books or videos that normalise the process and showcase other children's experiences.
Having a Routine
Try potty training when there are no great disruptions or changes to your child's or your family's routine. Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Therefore, set a consistent schedule for potty breaks, ensuring your toddler visits the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day. The idea is to make sitting on the potty part of everyday life for your child.
You should pay attention to your toddler's bodily cues and encourage them to communicate their needs. During potty training, celebrate small victories and progress made, instilling a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Using Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is really helpful in potty training. Examples include offering praise and encouragement every time your child successfully uses the potty. You can also create a reward chart that lets your toddler place a sticker for each accomplishment.
Encouraging independence and self-pride in their achievements can boost your little one’s confidence and motivation. Your child will be delighted when they do succeed.
Some children start using the toilet instead of the potty earlier than others.
Dealing With Accidents
Accidents are a natural part of the potty training process, so it’s crucial you stay calm, patient and understanding when accidents happen. You shouldn’t punish or negatively reinforce.
Instead, redirect your toddler to the potty and calmly explain that accidents happen but provide reassurance that they’re making progress. You can also teach them how to help with cleaning up, getting them involved in wiping and changing clothes.
Good luck!
Transitioning to Underwear
Over time, as your child becomes comfortable using the potty, you can introduce training pants during the day. These pants are a bridge between nappies and regular underwear, allowing your child to feel the wetness while minimising messes.
You should practise wearing underwear during the day, encouraging your toddler to recognise the need to use the potty and communicate it to you.
Buy Sustainable Nappies in the UK
Now that you know more about the potty training process, if you are searching for eco-friendly nappy pants to buy, then Mama Bamboo is the number one destination. We stock award-winning sustainable bamboo nappy pants (sizes 4-7) and wipes. Our eco nappies are incredibly soft and reduce the chance of nappy rash, as they’re made from bamboo.
Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, breathable and temperature regulating like silk. All of our nappies are made from sustainably certified bamboo viscose, plant-based liners and chlorine free pulp. Our nappy packaging is 100% compostable too.
To buy sustainable bamboo nappy pants at affordable prices, visit our online store today. You can choose by size and buy your desired quantity for your little one. With free shipping on all orders over £30.
