How to potty train a child

A small child is constantly learning something. Literally from the first days of life. Explores the world through a series of trials and errors. And he gains invaluable experience. But sooner or later the time comes when an adult must teach a child skills required throughout life. Eating, dressing or going to the potty independently. It is the issue of personal hygiene that will be discussed in this article.

What time to potty train

No matter what age your child begins potty training, the main thing in this matter is patience. Do not scold your child for “relapses” under any circumstances.

So, about preparedness. Someone starts putting the child out as soon as he sits down. At the age of 6-8 months. And if this business is crowned with success, then we can only say that it was a correctly trained reflex. Because the child himself at such an early age is not yet ready for this. More precisely, his nervous system.

Before the age of one year, the baby perceives the potty as a toy. Therefore, he simply does not understand how to use it for its intended purpose.

The first signs of consciousness and self-control in children appear at 18 months. Of course, this is general data. Every child is unique and will be ready for anything in their own time. Those who claim that their 9-month-old child goes to the potty on his own have only trained his reflex. And sooner or later they will fail, the moment the baby begins to realize the need.

The bladder sends a signal to the cerebral cortex. And as soon as the nerve endings of the cortex are sufficiently strong, the child will begin to write meaningfully. By getting used to emptying the bladder on command, human nature is broken. Initially laid down - there is a need, then action follows.

You should not teach your child to write using the characteristic “pee-pee” sound. This way you will get a child with Pavlov's dog syndrome. But this is not an independent conscious desire. Moreover, such an approach can result in incidents in adulthood. Hearing these sounds on the street, the child’s brain will send a signal to the urinary organs. Will the child have time to take off his pants or not?

How to wean your child off diapers

Your baby is ready to wean off diapers if:

• can independently remove and dress panties or panties;
• a routine of going to the toilet has been developed, that is, the process occurs at certain intervals;
• realizes the inconvenience of being in a wet diaper and can show this by crying or making gestures;
• the diaper remains dry from 2 hours to the whole night;
• knows the names of body parts and items of clothing.

The “wet panties” method is considered the most effective.

1. Put your child in clean, dry pants. Make sure the elastic is not too tight.
2. Explain what a potty is, what they do there, and show with sounds how to ask.
3. Wear a diaper only at night and for walks.
4. At first, the baby will still wear his pants. It is necessary to give the opportunity to realize that wet underwear is not comfortable and cold. But do not abuse this - no more than 10 minutes in wet panties and only if the house is warm.
5. After 3-4 days, the child will begin to ask to go to the toilet.
6. You should not start weaning before 1.5 years, because the child is not yet aware of what he needs out of necessity.

How to potty train a child

The most important thing in any teaching is not to forget to praise during time. For any, even the smallest, achievement. A child who feels the support of an adult develops faster.  It is important for children to know that they are valued and loved.

Please note that after potty training your child during the day, you will still have to make do with a diaper at night. After all, the moment of night control in children occurs at 3-4 years.

Choose a regular plastic pot. You should not buy models with sound or light effects - they will distract your child from the action. Plus, a pot in the shape of a duck and a car will be perceived by the child as a toy longer. It is advisable to buy a “throne” with a backrest, it is more convenient. Divide the learning process into several stages.

1. Acquaintance.  The best way to potty train is through play. Place the toys on the potty, tell them that they are already big and go without diapers. Explain in colors and sounds how “ka-ka” and “pee-pee” happen.
2. Planting. If the child arches and cries while sitting on the potty, leave this idea for a while. This means the baby is not ready yet. The first plantings should be done at the most appropriate time - after sleep or food, when the little person most likely wants to go to the toilet.
3. Don't let your child spend too much time on the potty. This can adversely affect health - it puts pressure on the pelvic floor and rectum, which can lead to fissures and hemorrhoids.
4. So, the baby is used to the potty, sits on it calmly and does not cry. Proceed to planting more frequently - every 2-3 hours. As if trying to catch the need. Of course, before sitting down, you need to ask the baby about his wishes.
5. Do not intimidate your child or threaten him with punishment. Only a positive attitude will bring you quick and confident use of the potty. You should not chase speed and cause psychological trauma to your child.

Tips: how to potty train a child

Training should be postponed until later if:

• the child feels malaise— teething, period after vaccination;
• Stressful situations occur - moving to a new place of residence, the appearance of a second child in the house;
• there are delays in psycho-emotional development;
• sitting on the potty the baby experiences stress, do not hold him forcibly;
• Perhaps your baby wants to immediately start mastering the toilet, like adults, purchase a special pad;