Potty training!

The book Oh Crap has a solid method!

I’ve been advised from a few friends and family that have gone through the potty training stage already to not use pull ups as it can cause potty training to go longer and accidents to happen more frequently for some kids due to the similarity between pull ups and big kid underwear. I’m about to go through potty training as well (not there yet) so that’s all I’ve got rn so I’m following too

-Asking every half hour, this includes when playing. If your child starts to say ‘no’ change the asking to ‘ right we are going on the potty now’- firm but kind. -Keeping it a positive experience, lots of praise even if they just go to sit on the potty and don’t do anything. Clapping and cheering! -Books about potty training, (don’t overdo it and make it boring) -Awards system- this could be something like a sticker chart, add a sticker every time they do actually go. (Some people are against this though, but totally up to you as the parent) You can start with nappy and just getting your little one used to the idea of going to the toilet, but pull ups are great. They allow the child to learn independence, with the motions of how to go on the potty etc. it’s hard work and expect lots of accidents but it will get there.w You can just go straight to pants, it all varies between each child but ofc lots of accidents (which is normal!) to be expected.

Patience, kindness, encouragement and praise is key. I’ve potty trained a fair few amount of children. (Used to be a nursery teacher and then manager) They all respond differently and find what technique works for yours.

My boy is also 18 months, he has been sitting on the potty since before he was 1 due to constipation and randomly trying to help him go - wouldn’t say he is fully ready to potty train, but he knows what it’s for and can say wee wee and poo poo. We use potty books, and normal books he sits and we read it on the potty. We also use sounds so we make sounds that relate to the potty for him. I’ve also just got him pull ups as well as some training pants from temu. Blowing is also a good technique for them trying to see so blowing bubbles for example. Lots of praise whether they do something or not, a rewards system can work for some, others may just constantly sit on the potty for the reward. Don’t discourage/tell them off if they have accidents, this can set them back, as well as putting them in pants then back into nappies, that can also set some children backwards. Ask them every 20-30 minutes if they need a toilet - make sure you use only a couple of key words.

You should get a potty that sings that helped a lot with my nephew and niece try to put them on it at least every hour or two