Potty Training Guide Preparing to start potty training Using a potty is a new skill for your child to learn. It’s important you take it slowly and go at your child’s pace. Being patient with them helps them get it right, even if you sometimes feel frustrated. Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when they are physically ready and when they want to be dry. When to start potty training Please remember, you cannot force your child to use a potty. If your child is not ready, you will not be able to make them use it. In time (when they are ready) they will want to use one just like their friends. Ideally start potty training when there are no great disruptions or changes to your child’s or your family’s routine. It’s important to stay consistent, so you do not confuse your child. Signs when your child is ready to potty train: - Your child knows when they’ve got a wet or dirty nappy. - Your child knows when he/she is doing a wee/poo and may tell you that he/she is doing it. - Your child shows the need to wee/poo by fidgeting or hiding somewhere. - Your child knows they need to wee/poo and may say so in advance. Get ready for potty training Using a potty is something new for your child, so getting them used to idea is key. Leave a potty where your child can see it and explain what it’s for. Children learn by watching and copying. It helps to let your child see you using the toilet and explain what you’re doing. Also involve your child in hand hygiene routine and helping you to flush the toilet. How to start potty training The best starting point would be to keep the potty in the bathroom (if your bathroom is only upstairs, keep another potty downstairs). The idea is to make sitting on the potty part of your child’s everyday life. Encourage your child to sit on the potty after meals, having a look at a book or play with toys, will help your child to sit more regularly on the potty. Do not use nappies or pull-ups when potty training, your child needs to understand when they have had an accident. Please do not make a fuss when your child has an accident, it can make your child feel anxious or worried. Always celebrate your child’s success. A little praise after each use of the potty is very important. Using the toilet instead of the potty Some children start using the toilet instead of the potty earlier than others. A child’s trainer seat clips onto the toilet. This can help make your child feel safer and more confident on the toilet. A step for your child to rest their feet on and use it as a step on get on and off.