Potty training is one of the toughest things to do. But
trust me this is the best thing to teach your little one.
When should I start potty training my baby?
This is the most common question that crosses our mind
often. There is no right or wrong age for potty training. You can start potty
training as soon as your baby is able to sit on his own. I started off when my
baby was around 8 months old. I was keeping him diaper free most of the times
and would ask him to tell Mumma if he wants to poop. People might think I was
overdoing it (asking an 8-month-old to tell me before pooping) but it was all
worth it. He was unable to speak but eventually learned to give signs if he
wanted to poop.
How should I start?
Start by observing your baby’s expressions whenever they
poop. Randomly ask your baby (throughout the day) to tell you whenever they
want to poop. Some people suggest putting your baby right on the pot as soon as
they wake up. I didn’t use this approach as there is no fixed wake up timings
and sometimes, they are just cranky. My little one used to stare at me whenever
he wanted to poop and would flare his nostrils (as if applying pressure to
poop). Now that I think of his way of communicating, I just can’t stop smiling.
Choosing the right training pot
There are different types and styles of training pots in the
market. Some are like mini scooters, some replicate animals. I opted for a
plain and simple training pot from Ikea.
It is just the right shape and size and serves the purpose
completely. And is economical too! I honestly don’t understand the purpose of
those extravaganza training pots. Having a normal training pot also helped my
baby in understanding the concept of using a toilet. Rather than distracting
him with the pomp and show of the (other) training pots, I went straight into
the purpose of not doing “IT” in his pants.
Initially we did have certain instances where in he would
poop in his pants or diaper. But then again, good things take time. Our
training pot is so portable that I carried it with me whenever we went out.
This was such a relief.
Even if we were not at home and he got the urge, I never
asked him to poop in his diapers. Because this creates confusion. The little
minds are not able to get the idea that every time they must use the pot.
Rather they think it is ok to do it in your pants. So, once you start potty
training them make sure you do NOT ask them to poop in their diapers at any
time.
Also, I did not used training pants at any time. While at
home I kept my baby in normal cotton shorts and only used diaper at night or
while we were going out (since he still peed in his pants
I kept the training pot in our vicinity. Eventually my
little one started pointing towards it whenever he wanted to use it. Within a
month he understood and there was no looking back. I never used any distraction
while he was on the pot, like giving him books or screen time. I wanted him to
be fully aware of his surroundings and action. But all the kids are not the
same. You can always give them books or toys to play with, so they remain
seated at one place. Or you can talk with them, tell them stories to keep them
engaged.
Gradually he understood and started to make sounds or say
‘susu’ whenever he wanted to go to washroom. By the time he turned 10 months
old, I started making him sit on the training pot for pee as well. After a
couple of months right after he turned one, he was completely diaper free and
used the training pot or washroom for peeing as well.
When my baby turned 17 months old, I realized that he has
outgrown the training pot. Also, as he was growing it was becoming difficult to
clean the pot. It was then that we upgraded to a toilet seat. Again, there are
a lot of options out there for baby toilet seats. There are the ones with
different patterns, designs and then there are the ones with steps attached. But
since we frequented to our parent’s place, I opted for the simplest one I could
find, the Baby hug toilet seat.
It is light weight and easy to carry even in flight. I carry
it as a part of my cabin luggage. There is no stress of cleaning it right away
(or later). While traveling I sanitize it after use and clean it thoroughly
once we are home. To provide extra support for his legs I use a normal
step stool, at home.
My little man is going to be 2 years old this month. And if
I had waited any longer to start potty training, we would not have reached where
we are right now (so soon). This are the ways which helped us, and I hope it
will be helpful for you too. But remember every baby is different and make your
approach accordingly. Some points to keep in mind:
·
Start at an early stage, if possible.
·
Keep minimal distractions, as it may take longer
for the baby to understand the importance of using a pot/washroom.
·
Talk about it with the baby, through out the
day.
·
Lead by example, remind the baby that how you or
others in the family do it in the washroom and not anywhere else.
·
Place and use the training pot in the washroom.
It will make the baby used to the new surroundings.
·
If your baby poops at or around the same time
every day, you can start by putting him/her on the training pot at the same
time.
Be consistent and have patience. It might take some time,
but you will reach there Mumma! 😊
Do check out my other blog posts on Postpartum and newborns here. Happy Parenting!
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