Pre-potty Training Tips: Steps to Take Before Beginning Toilet Training

Potty training is never easy. And with all the horror stories so many parents are forced to endure, it’s no wonder many delay the process for as long as possible. The good news is that if you take the necessary preliminary steps, learning how to potty train your child will be a whole lot simpler for both of you.

To make your child’s transition from diapers to the toilet that much easier, follow these pre-potty training steps:

1. Avoid pull-ups. Although pull-ups are designed to make potty training easier, they can actually be quite confusing for a child. Despite the fact that pull-ups enable your child to pull them up and down like real underwear, at the end of the day, they can still have accidents in them. What’s more, they make it even more difficult for you to monitor when your child is having an accident.
   


2. Stop bed-time drinks. Before you start toilet training, do your best to wean your child off liquids before bedtime. This will help them to stay dry during the night.
   


3. Be a role model. Since children learn best by example, one great technique is to show your child how to use the toilet. Talk to her during the process and let her flush the toilet if she is curious. Otherwise she can simply watch and listen.
   

Is my son/daughter ready?

You might be surprised to know most children are ready to learn how to toilet train long before their parents are ready to teach them. In fact, children can begin potty training as early as 18 months.

Am I ready?

It’s worth repeating that potty training is a lot of work. In order for your efforts to be successful you have to have the time and energy to do what’s required; namely, be patient and consistent at all times. Your attitude is as much a determinant of your potty training success as your child’s.

Daytime and nighttime training?

Many parents choose to begin daytime training separately from nighttime training. What many don’t realize is that it’s often easier and less confusing for the child to do both at the same time.