While potty training is an exciting milestone, it can also cause parents to start worrying. When it comes to raising kids potty training is one of the most confusing parts, especially since kids can start training at many different ages. There are several signs that will let you know your toddler is ready to say goodbye to diapers. Try to put aside the fact that your neighbor’s little one was potty trained in no time at age 2 and pay attention to your own child’s cues instead.
It turns out that the ideal time to start potty training is when your little one is about two years old. At this age, kids are young enough to be open to learning this new skill without any power struggles, but also old enough for their brains and bodies to connect, helping them understand what’s going on in their bodies.
Potty training can be really tough when a child doesn’t quite get what the potty is or isn’t able to sit on it. Your child has to be ready and mature enough to use the toilet. And with potty training readiness, there are definitely some specific signs that you and caregivers who provide infant care in Silver Spring, MD, can watch for.
It’s pretty common for little ones to go through a phase where they just want to follow you around, even into the bathroom! They often start to get curious about what really goes on in there. They might be eager to flush the toilet, mess around with the toilet paper, or wash their hands right next to you at the sink. Why not use that curiosity to model and chat about those behaviors?
This is one of those sure signs that shows your child is ready for potty training. When we are talking about staying dry for extended periods, we are not necessarily talking about overnight. Of course, if your child wakes up in the morning with a dry diaper that is great. However, as most Silver Spring preschool caregivers will tell you, it’s more common for them to start waking up from naps with a dry diaper.
If they can hold their pee for an hour or more and you’re seeing fewer diaper changes, plus some regular poop patterns, that’s a really good indication that they might be ready for potty training.
One of the best indicators that your child is ready to start using the potty is they hide when they are pooping. When toddlers hide, it really shows that they understand when they need to go before they actually do, and that’s such an important part of the potty learning journey. So, instead of rushing under the dining room table or hiding behind the couch, they can just feel the urge and head over to the potty instead.
Kids can sometimes get uncomfortable when their diaper is wet or soiled, and they might even tell you or their caregivers at a preschool in Silver Spring, it’s time for a change. You can definitely use that discomfort as a little nudge for them to try using the potty.
Child-led potty training is the best option for a low-stress experience. With child-led potty training, you happily follow your child’s lead on everything related to the toilet. That means beginning training when your child shows signs of being ready and allowing them to choose when they want to go during the day.
Many kids start to show they’re ready for potty training when they’re around 18 to 24 months old, but some might not be ready until they turn 3. If your child is attending a preschool in Silver Spring, MD, make sure you and their caregivers are on the same page when you start potty training. Everybody working together will make all the difference in the world in terms of being successful or not.
First, think about the words you want your child to use when going to the bathroom. Try to avoid words with a negative vibe, like dirty or stinky. Once you figure that out, go ahead and set up a potty chair in the bathroom. It’s a good idea to have your child sit on the potty chair while they’re still dressed at first. Just ensure your child’s feet are resting on the floor or a stool.
At least every two hours, have your child sit on the potty chair for a few minutes without their diaper on. And you should have your children do this first thing in the morning and right after naps. For boys, it’s usually best to learn how to urinate while sitting down and then move on to standing up once they’re ready.
While your child sits, read a book or play with a toy with them. Your kid can get up if they want to. Give your child praise for trying, even if all they do is sit there. Also, tell them that they can try again later. When you leave the house with your child, bring the potty chair with you.
Quickly act if you see your child moving, squatting, or holding their genital area as a sign that they might need to go to the bathroom. Learn these signs with your child, then tell them to stop what they’re doing and go to the bathroom. Make sure you thank your kid for telling you when they need to go. Make sure your child wears clothes that are loose and easy to take off.
Your child may be ready to switch from diapers to underwear after a couple of weeks of going to the bathroom and staying dry during the day. If you do decide to get rid of diapers, it’s a cause for a celebration. To help reinforce your child going to the bathroom, use a positive reinforcement method, such as a sticker chart.
As we mentioned, every child is unique — so there really isn’t a normal when it comes to potty training. While some kids will show signs of being ready for potty training, some kids won’t. If your child isn’t showing signs of being ready for potty training, don’t stress yourself out over it. Instead, trust your instincts on whether you think your child is ready for potty training. Sometimes, they’re just hanging back, waiting for you to step up and show them this awesome new skill that they can use for life!
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
