How to Toilet Train you Toddler

Summer is the best time to toilet train your toddler. Wet pants aren’t so cold and there's plenty of time outside where accidents aren't so messy. I suggest you use light undies or those with a thick gusset as they are uncomfortable when wet, especially if wee is trickling down their legs, this helps encourage the use of the potty or toilet. Parents also need training. It is up to the parent or guardian to remember to ask the toddler if they need to go to the toilet. Try asking 20 mins after offering liquids, before going to bed and on waking and approximately once every hour until you or your toddler are more aware of their needs. Training parents to recognize the needs of their children helps children become more aware of their own needs and in learning a new routine.

Toilet training needn’t be a struggle, sit your toddler on a potty or toilet and help him be comfortable. Talk to him about ’wees and poos’, make a ‘ssssss’ sound can help him to associate with doing a wee. Don’t sit him for too long as he will only get restless and eventually resent toilet training. It helps to learn by example. Sit him on the potty when you’re on the toilet. Give him plenty of praise and lots of encouragement even if there is no results. Don’t be angry or scold him if he has an accident. In time he will be aware of his own toilet needs.

Tips: In the car seat you may like to sit him on top of an open nappy or put some other padding under him incase of accidents.

Remember: Carry a few spare pair of pants and cloths, a plastic bag for wet cloths and a cloth to mop up the spills.