St. Louis Mom aims to make mothering a bit easier, which is why we are excited to share this sponsored post by Kiddie Academy!
Over the first two years alone, your child will need about 5,000 diaper changes. No wonder potty training is such a big milestone for you and your kiddo! While ditching the diapers can be a welcome relief to your budget and your routine, the process can be stressful. Kiddie Academy includes potty training as part of our educational childcare program. So, our team has lots of experience with what works (and what doesn’t). Read on for our tried-and-true tips and advice.
When to Start
Readiness to learn toileting skills generally begins around 18-24 months, though some children are ready earlier or later. Here are a few behaviors to look for that can signal your child is ready:
- Showing signs of discomfort with soiled diaper
- Staying dry for two hours at a time
- Showing interest in using the toilet
- Ability to take off and pull on pants with little assistance
Keys to Success
There are many different approaches to potty training -here’s what our team recommends:
- Limit toileting activity to the bathroom only. Potty seats in other locations can encourage your child to continue going wherever they want –as they did in their diaper.
- Use a potty seat placed on top of the regular toilet. It can decrease the fear of “falling in” while reinforcing the new routine of using the bathroom only for toileting.
- A step stool provides easy access and supports the correct position for bowel movements.
- Read potty training-themed kids’ books aloud to introduce the subject and invite conversations about this change. “Poopasaurus” is a favorite!
- Avoid clothes that are hard for your child to take off to decrease frustration and promote independence.
- Invite your child to choose their own “big kid underwear” in a design they like. Keeping their favorite character dry can be an added motivation.
- Decreasing the amount of liquids offered before bedtime can help to diminish overnight accidents.
How Long Will It Take?
Toilet training can take from three to six months, but can vary greatly. Start by taking your child to the bathroom every hour, and then gradually increase the time between trips to train their bladder and build up the muscles needed.
We suggest offering praise for all attempts and avoiding showing disappointment for any accidents. Reassure your little one that this is a new skill that will take time to master.
The “Bottom Line”
Every child is different, and no two children will follow the same path to saying goodbye to diapers forever. As always, listen to your child and observe how they’re responding to toilet training efforts -if they seem hesitant, back off and try again in a few weeks.
If your child has ongoing struggles with potty training, follow up with your pediatrician for more assistance and to rule out any potential physical issues.
Nicole Meyer is a lead teacher in the 3-year-old room at Kiddie Academy of DesPeres. Affectionately referred to as the academy’s “Potty Training Guru,” Nicole has had tremendous success working with children and families to accomplish this major milestone in a young child’s life.Kiddie Academy of Chesterfield
(Accredited in 2021) Now Touring and Enrolling
196 Hilltown Village Center • 636.778.4888
Kiddie Academy of Des Peres
(Accredited in 2017) Now Touring and Enrolling
13133 Manchester Road • 314.394.2800
Kiddie Academy of O’Fallon
(Accredited in 2016) Now Touring and Enrolling
4088 Winghaven Boulevard • 636.265.3444
