Diaper Weaning: How To Teach The Child To Go To The Bathroom
You have already changed more than two thousand diapers a year. Now you are certainly looking forward to the summer to set off on a new path together with your child. The moment that parents eagerly await is the moment of nappy weaning, when you teach your child to stop using a diaper and to go to the toilet on their own.
However, diaper weaning raises a number of questions for parents : When do I start? How do I know if my child is ready? How do I behave in relation to personal hygiene?
Few parents are prepared for this time-consuming phase. While some children learn to use the bathroom on their own in a few days, most of them take several months. You might think that the sooner you start weaning, the faster it works. But the opposite is true.
Therefore, it is advisable to consider a few tips that will help you know that you can start nappy weaning and that the child is ready to learn to use the toilet on their own. This article describes how to successfully master the basic steps.
When do we start
There is no exact age when a child is ready for potty training. However, most develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months. Even so, many parents wait until their children are two and a half or three years old.
It is a right decision for parents to wait a little before weaning. If you start before a child is ready, the process usually takes longer. Remember that a child may not be able to control his or her sphincter before the age of one. Even if the first signs are there, it does not automatically mean that a child is ready.
For practical and convenient reasons, parents usually begin diaper weaning in the summer. In this way, the child can be in the fresh air with their buttocks, go to the toilet faster and thus avoid possible accidents.
Signs to Watch Out for
Physical signs
- The child has adequate balance when walking and shows stability when walking.
- It no longer feels the urge to urinate constantly, but in a controlled manner.
- The stool is normal and soft.
- It will keep the diaper dry for three to four hours.
Signs in behavior
- It can sit for two to five minutes.
- A full diaper causes discomfort.
- It is curious and tries to imitate adults when they go to the bathroom.
- When the business is done, it is done with noise or it is uttered directly.
Cognitive signs
- It follows simple instructions.
- It is able to use words to describe bowel movements and urine.
- Through physical signs, it recognizes when it has to go to the toilet and can stop until then.
- The child can easily pour water from one container to another. This test shows if the sphincter is ready to start exercising.
Gradually remove the diaper
Get everything you need to wean diaper
The first step is to choose a suitable potty or toilet seat. You can also ask the pediatrician for his recommendations. Whatever the choice, always check whether it is comfortable and safe for your child and whether the feet are touching the floor when sitting.
In the case of a toilet seat, you should also buy a stool so that your child can touch the floor with their feet. This little detail helps him go to the toilet on his own and have enough grip. It also makes it easier for him to press when defecating.
This phase takes a lot of time, patience and concessions for the little one. Let him decorate his potty or play with it whenever he wants.
When it comes to underwear, parents usually choose tights, cloth pants or disposable diapers. These can easily be put on and taken off by the child themselves.
Explain the process, show how it works, and say goodbye to the diaper
And now it’s time to start! First, find an accessible and comfortable place for the potty. Prefer a place where your child spends most of the day so they can use the potty whenever they want.
Explain to your child that adults do not use diapers but use a toilet to relieve themselves. Emphasize the connection between the toilet and the bowel movement. If you put them in the diaper, you can also take them to the potty, sit down, and remind them to use the potty next time.
Don’t worry or fret if your child doesn’t want to sit down. Do not, under any circumstances, force them to sit down or hasten a process that may take time. Avoid making your child feel pressured as this can slow down the learning process.
At this point, explain to your child that you are teaching them to meet their needs just like mom and dad. Remember, children learn by imitating adults. The best way to help the child in this lesson is to watch.
When showing your child how to use the toilet, it is good to explain what you are doing. Also show him that you are using toilet paper, pulling up your pants, flushing and finally washing your hands. Watching you do it will help him understand the process.
Also, pay attention to the gender differences. If you have a boy, it is a good idea to teach him to pee while sitting first. Later you can show him how to urinate while standing. With a girl, make sure that she wipes herself front to back. This will reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
Motivate your child to leave the diaper off
Make it clear to your child that they can always come to you if they need help using the bathroom. Be it when using his potty or toilet seat, when putting on and taking off his pants or underwear; it can turn to you.
Remember that the longer your child doesn’t wear a diaper, the faster they learn to use the bathroom. We should be ready to clean up one or the other accident. Be calm and invite them to sit for at least a minute. Keep your child company and offer to read a story.
Of course, don’t hesitate to praise every correct use of the toilet. In this way, he understands that this learning is linked to success. However, be careful and don’t overdo your praise as this can make your child nervous and embarrassed.
Take “accidents” in diaper weaning with humor
Most children have one or two “accidents” during this learning process. If you slip up, avoid getting angry, punishing, or scolding. Perhaps the muscle that controls your child’s urine and bowel movements is not fully developed.
You can reduce the risk of something going “wrong” by choosing clothes for your child that they can put on and take off quickly. If an “accident” cannot be avoided, stay positive and loving and remind your child that they will use the bathroom next time.
Sooner or later , your child will learn to stop using a diaper and go to the bathroom. This overwhelming stage becomes another reminder of a battle we won as mothers.
