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The end of cloth nappies - if you are as enthusiastic as I am about washable nappies you'll know about the mixed feelings we have on this inevitable subject!
Of course potty training is another sign of growing up, and something to be proud of - it's another milestone in your toddlers life, and something to celebrate (in a kind of emotional way as we look longingly at the pile of unused nappies!)
Signs of readiness for potty training
Signs to look out for include your toddler going longer between wees - then doing big wees all at once - this is called 'power weeing!' It is just a sign that your Lo's bladder is getting bigger, and holding more, this can be a difficult time, as your nappies have to work doubly hard at soaking all that wee! It may help to have faster absorbing fabrics closer to baby's bum like cotton terry or microfibre, with hemp behind. Hemp is great for long term storage but not so great at soaking up wee quickly. Add extra boosters if necessary. Remember this is a physical step, it doesn't mean he is mentally ready yet for potty training.
Another sign is awareness of his bodily functions - if he lets you know he needs his nappy changing, this is a good sign!
First steps
Buy a potty early on, before he is ready for training, and leave it somewhere visible, like the bathroom, so he gets used to seeing it around. When you buy the potty, make sure it has a wide, comfortable seat and is sturdy with a wide base - so many potties on the high street look so uncomfortable, it's no wonder toddler's don't always want to use it! If you have a little boy, make sure it's high enough 'up front'. Ask him if he wants to sit on it every now and again, between nappy changes, at bath time etc. Let him see you use the toilet, or if he has elder siblings let them show him how it's done. Give him a bit of nappy free time when you get time at home.
Wait until your toddler is ready
Training will be so much quicker when he actually wants to do it and they'll be less tears! Pull ups are generally counter - productive. Trainer pants, either cloth or disposable tend to be just like all in one nappies with no fastenings - to your toddler they will just be another nappy, and they will use it like a nappy. The exception to these are the Bright Bots trainer pants, which are just like proper pants with a small amount of absorbency - these are meant for later stages in training, when you are out and about with a young child who lets you know at the last minute, and should be changed as soon as possible after they have got wet. It's best to go 'cold turkey' and let your toddler run around trouserless, and later in proper pants.
Don't stress over accidents
They are bound to happen to the most keen of potty trainers, don't make a fuss, it will only upset your little one. Just be prepared - this is where all those terries and muslins come in handy again, keep a stash downstairs for quick mop ups. Some white vinegar with a couple of drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle make a good carpet deodorizer.
Lots of praise
Children really respond to praise, especially when they do their first 'performance' in the potty! It will probably be a tiny amount to start with but it's a big step. Keep the praise up throughout training, stickers also work well if they need extra encouragement. When your child is getting on really well, take him out and let him choose some lovely new 'big boy pants', or big girl pants!.
Night nappies
Make sure you put the night time nappy on last thing, after bedtime drinks, teeth brushing, last wee, etc.
Night time training
Some children are dry at night at the same time, or just after potty training in the day. Others take much longer. If your potty trained toddler is waking in the morning with a dry nappy, and making a regular habit of it, it's time to ditch the night nappy. It's a bit scary (for parents!) but your child may surprise you, and he'll feel so grown up!
Waterproof sheets are a good idea, lay one on top of his normal sheet so if he does have an accident you can just take off the waterproof sheet and still have the regular sheets underneath.
If your child isn't dry at night, but feels to big for nappies you could try lifting him - taking him to the toilet in the night, before you go to bed. He will probably barely wake up, and will wee automatically. This is usually the only wee they need - if he still wets the bed, or you don't want to lift him, stick with the night nappies for longer. Many children are still wearing night nappies at 7 or 8, it doesn't mean there is anything wrong, just that he is a heavy sleeper!
This is a general guide to potty training
Based on my experiences with my own 3 children and the input of friends. I have found that no 2 children are the same, they all train at different rates and at different ages. The main thing is that they all get there eventually - you don't usually see school children in nappies! If you are worried about anything in regards to your child and potty training, please see your health visitor, or your doctor.
Angel tots Logo and website copyright© Sarah Malone 2004-2009
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