When to Start Potty Training: Everything a Parent Should Know

When to Start Potty Training: Everything a Parent Should Know

The process of potty training is a major milestone. It is a stepping stone for your toddler towards independence. Many parents are left wondering when to start potty training. Toddlers who are ready sooner and those who are ready later are both quite normal.

Follow the cues of your child's readiness that appear and provide some assistance in the process. With patience, encouragement, and proper preparation of your child, it is possible to make potty training an enjoyable process. This instills confidence in your child.

Key Takeaways

  • • The symptoms involve the length of dry spells, knowledge of wet/dirty diapers, and interest in the toilet.
  • • It can also be stressful to the child and the parent when it is initiated too early.
  • • It is better to wait till your toddler is ready than to make potty training easier.
  • • The time of every child varies, and that is absolutely normal.

Signs of Readiness for Potty Training

An image of a baby during a diaper change

All toddlers develop at a different speed, yet there are some indicators that your toddler might be ready to begin potty training. These cues may allow making the process less stressful and easier to track:

  • Being sensitive to a wet or dirty diaper.
  • Curiosity of the bathroom or observing other people using the washroom.
  • Simple obedience, such as the ability to sit down on instructions or pull up pants.
  • Sharing needs in the form of words, gestures, or expressions.

These signals suggest your toddler is beginning to connect body awareness with bathroom habits.

Signs Your Child Is Not Ready for Potty Training

Sometimes, it is best to wait before starting potty training. Look for these signs that your little one may need more time:

  • Shows no interest in the potty.
  • Gets upset when the potty is mentioned.
  • Cannot stay dry, even for short times.
  • Struggles to follow simple directions.
  • Has trouble pulling clothes up or down.

If you notice these signs, waiting a little longer can make training easier later.

The Right Age to Potty Train

An image of a baby fixing in a bathroom.

There is no perfect age for potty training. Each child is unique and develops differently. The majority of babies appear to be ready when they reach 18 and 36 months, although it depends on the development of your baby. Their character and their daily activities are also factors. Some children might develop an interest at a younger age, and others take time.

The calendar does not really count, but rather whether your child shows any signs that they are ready to train. Postponing potty training until they are actually ready will make it easier. It will also be less stressful and more effective for everyone.

When to Start Potty Training?

The best way to use potty training is to make sure that the time fits in with your child as well as the day-to-day life of your family. Although your toddler may be demonstrating that he or she is ready, you may end up making learning more difficult by starting at a stressful moment. It is better to wait till things are peaceful and predictable at home.

The best times to start are when things are going predictably, like a long holiday back at home or when your children are not adapting to big changes like a move, a new daycare, or a new sibling. The right moment will place your toddler in a more successful position and with reduced stress.

Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Toddler for Potty Training

All that you need to get your toddler ready to potty train is to create comfort and confidence. It is better to start small day by day, so it can be easier to do it in the future. The following are some useful ways of preparing:

  • Get your baby used to the potty before training begins. It’s prior to the actual training.
  • Talk in simple words such as: pee, poop, etc.
  • Have them observe you using the toilet to be able to learn.
  • Let your baby wear clothes that are easy to take off so that practice does not cause stress.
  • Give claps or praise whenever one achieves little in order to build up confidence.

With the help of a trusted item such as the Best Baby Monitors, you can monitor your toddler during potty training without too much hovering as long as their safety is maintained.

How to Start Potty Training?

An image of a baby getting their diaper changed.

The best way to begin potty training is by making it natural and stress-free for your toddler. Start by placing a small potty chair/seat insert in the bathroom. Allow your child to play around with it without making it feel forced. Furthermore, invite them to sit on it with their clothes on at the beginning to develop a sense of comfort.

Second, make it a habit and make your child go to the potty right after some meals or before going to sleep. Praise and give lots of praise to any action, regardless of whether they potty or not. It is best to maintain a positive process and make your little one feel proud and motivated to make a second attempt.

Potty Training Tips

Training the potty may seem like a huge challenge, but some simple tricks will help you and your baby deal with it. To make the process less stressful and a positive experience. Here are some tips to use:

  • Get used to waiting and do not rush your baby.
  • Keep a routine by providing potty time after meals or naps.
  • Praise and encourage every little success.
  • Put your toddler in simple clothes to ensure that when he needs to go to the toilet, to ensure potty trips are quick.
  • Calmness in an accident is part of learning. Stay calm.

Everyone will find it easier to train to use the potty and be motivated to do so. To make it even more comfortable, use the Baby Nasal Aspirator so that the congestion will not cause them any discomfort, and use the Best Baby Monitors to keep an eye on them during the training period.

Momcozy Baby Nasal Aspirator. White and green baby nasal aspirator with clear nozzle for gentle congestion relief.
Strong Suction Low Noise Portable Self-cleaning
Momcozy 1080P High-Performance Video Baby Monitor BM01, white baby monitor showing a baby on screen.
Non-wifi 1080p Full HD Long Battery Spilt Screen Mode

When to Delay Potty Training?

An image of a baby washing their hand.

In some instances, you want to wait until your child is almost ready to go to the potty. There are situations that can make the learning process tricky, and delaying means your toddler will be better off in the future. Consider holding off if:

  • Your child is ill or has recovered from an illness.
  • One is the big life changes, which include a move or a new sibling.
  • Your toddler is opposing or is afraid of the potty.
  • Every day of life is stressful or erratic.

Training is easier and not so intimidating to everybody as they wait until life is calmer.

Using the Toilet Instead of the Potty

Other toddlers do not want to use the potty chair, instead, they go directly to the big toilet. This will do pretty well, particularly when your child expresses interest in using the toilet as an adult. To simplify it, a seat insert of child size and a solid step stool to ensure that they feel safe and supported. Remember, initially, the height of the toilet may seem scary, and the support you give and the company help in gaining confidence in your baby.

FAQs about Potty Training

An image of a baby using a potty.

What Is the 10-10-10 Rule for Potty Training?

The 10-10-10 rule suggests that your toddler should spend some time, say about 10 minutes, on the potty three times in a day, usually, after meals. This will help them to get used to the idea. There is no immediate success but rather doing something as routine, comfortable, and confident.

What Is the Best Age to Start Potty Training?

Most children are not yet prepared to start potty training, but 18 to 36 months of age seems to be the average age at which children are prepared (there is no age that is best). Instead of focusing on age, observe indicators of readiness like remaining dry, interest in wet or dirty diapers, or interest in the toilet. You will be better off beginning when your child is actually ready, and it will not be as difficult.

What to Expect on Day 1 of Potty Training?

Introduction of the potty and creation of comfort is on the first day. Anticipate crashes, further wardrobe shifts, and plenty of patience. Your child may go, or your child may not go. Make it good, with compliments and encouragement, and remember, it is not an all-or-nothing game.

How Do I Know If My Child Is Emotionally Ready for Potty Training?

Emotional preparedness means that your child should be interested, confident, and eager to explore and experiment. The symptoms include the need to work alone, the need to appreciate small accomplishments, or to pretend to be like siblings in the bathroom. In case your child is not helping or appears to be angry about potty talk, then perhaps you need to take a break and continue at a later stage.

Can a 3-Year-Old Not Be Ready to Potty Train?

It is a real fact that not every 3-year-old is ready, and it was only natural. A child develops at his/her pace. Waiting a little longer can help when your toddler is not in the mood since he/she does not want it and are too wet. Most children need time, patience, and encouragement before they will get on board with it when they are truly prepared.

Conclusion

Potty training is one of the significant milestones, and it may seem to parents as significant as it is to toddlers. This is a gradual process which requires patience, encouragement and some flexibility as all children learn differently. It is not that it is the right age to start, but it is better to wait when your toddler displays the indicators of being ready so the process will be less stressful and the process is less painful to everyone involved.

Learning involves accidents and failures, and, therefore, you should strive to celebrate minor achievements rather than dwell on failures. A relaxed, encouraging style makes your child feel more confident and will develop independence that will benefit them in many other respects in life.

On the road, you are able to use some useful things. A Baby Nasal Aspirator Collection will make your baby comfortable at home, and the Best Baby Monitors Collection will give you peace of mind as your baby becomes more independent.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.

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