Get rid of the diaper: This is how potty training works
Goodbye nappy, hello potty—doing business in the toilet is a milestone for every child. There are a few things to keep in mind so that it does not become a stumbling block. Here you can find out how potty training works best, from what age it makes sense, why digestive problems can occur and what you can do about them.
When the offspring no longer needs a diaper and can go to the toilet on their own, it is a great relief for the parents. But it is also an important step in the development of body and self-confidence in the little ones: They learn to correctly interpret signals from the bladder and intestines, to understand the processes behind them – and to control them.
The word “pressure” is particularly important in this context. Because if mum and dad stress the child during potty training because they wet their pants distractedly, something goes wrong in a hurry or simply nothing comes, a vicious circle can arise. The very first tip is therefore:
Be patient and take it easy!
Children have very special antennae for vibrations. If the parents are tense, they are too. This is counterproductive because relieving yourself – as the word suggests – has to do with relaxing and letting go.
Imagine what a complex task this is for your loved ones: they have to realize that they have to, run to the potty or toilet, undress, be accurate, clean themselves and wash their hands afterwards. What an achievement! Support your children as much as you can.
When can children start potty training?
This varies from child to child – everyone has their own pace. From a purely physical point of view, the signal chain between the bladder or intestines and the brain, through which the little ones feel that they have to, is only fully developed between the 18th and 24th month.
Therefore, it usually makes no sense to start training earlier. The child must also be mentally ready, which has nothing to do with intelligence or motivation. Be aware that this is a development process and do not despair if there are setbacks.
How do I know my child is ready?
Children who feel the need to go to the toilet often make faces, trip from one leg to the other or clamp their hands between their legs. The next step is that they also put it into words: “Mom, Dad – I have to go!”. Praise her for it. At this age, they are also more interested in what is happening on the toilet: they ask questions or want to watch you – react very openly.
If your child shows this initiative, you can start the training. However, there should be no major changes such as moving or starting day care. And parents should have enough time and patience during this phase, and maybe even take a vacation.
What do I need to get for potty training?
Since every child likes to get new things as gifts, there are a few highlights right away: Find a fun and colorful potty together that your offspring likes to sit on. It should be comfortable and your feet should be able to touch the ground easily. Also get wet wipes – for example in a nice box. There are also great models for children when it comes to soap dispensers.
After saying goodbye to the diaper, the little ones also need underpants. And as (toilet) reading there are great children’s books that explain the topic in an age-appropriate way. If your offspring would rather go to the toilet for the grown-ups instead of the potty, you need an appropriate attachment and a non-slip stool.
What are the first steps?
Put the potty in a comfortable place where your offspring spends a lot of time. Sitting dressed is a good start – later naked. Always go through all the steps from “I have to go” to washing your hands one after the other. You can do it yourself or use a doll or stuffed animal. Such routines are very important.
Encourage your child to let you know if they need to – even if they wet their diaper. Then announce a diaper-free day and let it come to that. Keeps a toilet calendar of how the training is going. If things are going well, you can fill it out with your child and stick stickers on the dry days and nights or color them in.
What else is there to watch out for?
Diaper changing is an intimate moment between parents and children – linked to routines, cuddling and games. Try to do that with the potty too. The cuddle unit can follow the business.
Once the diaper has been adopted, it should stay away. Switching back and forth tends to confuse children. Since they are supposed to dress and undress themselves, it must also be possible with their clothes. For example, look for pants with elastic waistbands.
Praise is extremely important. However, you should not overdo it. Because if something goes wrong or nothing comes up, your offspring could become sad and feel guilty. If you exaggerate the issue of excretions too much, it may even happen that your child does not want to “give them away” at all. A healthy middle ground makes sense.
Why can digestive problems occur during this phase?
The bladder and intestines are extremely sensitive to stress. If the safe feeling of the diaper is gone, the potty or the toilet are not yet really familiar, mum and dad always look expectantly or maybe even scolded, some children tend to hold their urine and bowel movements.
This can lead to digestive problems. Sometimes compliance even degenerates into a power game because the little ones realize how much their parents care about the success of the training.
What helps with constipation?
First try to make going to the toilet more relaxed: maybe put the potty somewhere else or think of a funny song. If the child rarely has to grow up or if it is uncomfortable to push, fiber from cereals, vegetables, legumes and especially fruit as well as plenty of fluids can bring relief to the small tummy. Exercise also stimulates the intestines.
If the symptoms persist for several days or if the child is in pain, this should of course be checked out by a doctor. However, constipation is usually harmless and can be remedied with simple home remedies such as prunes soaked in water. In the pharmacy there are also gentle laxatives that have been specially developed for children and do not burden the sensitive intestinal flora.