Diapers, Potty Training Pants, or Underwear
Summary: The process of potty training your child may seem rather daunting at times. With so much conflicting information on the best methods of potty training, how is a parent to know what to do?

The process of potty training your child may seem rather daunting at times. With so much conflicting information on the best methods of potty training, how is a parent to know what to do? Don’t worry; I’m here to tell you that potty training is not as intimidating as it seems. In fact, the most important aspect of potty training is simply consistency. You will need to create a potty training routine, and stick with it. Consistently use the same routine to teach your child to use the potty. Routines work well for children, because the repetition allows them to learn new concepts. Along with consistency, patience is required in large doses. Even the most patient parent may be subject to a little distress, but only for the first few days. The first two or three days are the most difficult. However, your consistency and patience through these days will pay off in spades. You will not have to buy expensive diapers and wipes anymore once your child is potty trained, and you will help him over a huge childhood hurdle: learning to use the potty. Potty training benefits a child as well by building self-confidence and independence.

Parents often wonder when to stop using diapers, start using training pants, or switch to underwear. I have found that it is best to keep a child in diapers until they are ready to potty train. Once a child begins the potty training process he should forgo diapers altogether. Strictly use underwear for daytime and potty training pants for nighttime. A child that switches back and forth between diapers and underwear will become confused about the potty training process. Therefore, once you begin potty training it is essential to stick with it. Your child should wear underwear everyday; he is a big boy now. Training pants are great for nighttime, because young children are likely to sleep through a nighttime accident. A child is ready to switch to underwear at night when he shows that he can stay dry at night for a few weeks. Until then, use training pants to avoid washing bedclothes every day.

How do you know when your little guy is ready to potty train? He will exhibit several signs of readiness. He may show any of the following signs: expresses an interest in the bathroom or the potty, imitates family members, understand the words yes and no, can follow simple instructions, has words for urine and stool, has predictable bowel movements, shows sign that he is going to soil his diaper, tells you that he is going to wet or soil his diaper, asks to use the potty, is uncomfortable wearing wet or dirty diapers, and can pull his pants up and down by himself. A child who is ready to potty train will exhibit at least a few of these signs. If he only shows one or two of the above signs, then you should wait a little longer before starting to train him. Starting the potty training process before your child is ready will cause both of you frustration, stress, and anxiety. Children are usually ready to begin potty training between the ages of 18 months and 2 ½ years. However, individual needs may vary quite a bit. Readiness signs are generally a better guide than age.

There are a few simple tasks to do before you potty train your child. First, create a potty time routine. Consider how often you will take him to the potty, who will take him at different times, and you can make your routine a success. Second, gather all of the supplies you will need to potty train before you begin. You will need either a potty chair or a step stool to reach the toilet, several pairs of underwear, a good supply of training pants, and a small collection of books. A basket or box of books near the potty can be used to entertain your little guy while he is on the potty. Potty training happens more easily when a child is relaxed and comfortable. The books will provide your child with something to do while he tries to use the potty. Try reading to him to make potty training fun; potty training books can be helpful. You may want to incorporate small rewards into the potty training process. Rewards encourage success and motivate a child to reach his goal. Start off with easy goals, and slowly make the goals a little more difficult to obtain. Third and last, talk to your child about potty training before you begin. Explain what a potty is, what he is going to be doing, and why it is such an important event. Answer any questions he has honestly. The more knowledge he has about potty training, the easier it will be for him to learn.

Potty training requires a lot of attention during the first few days. Try to choose a starting date that will allow you to devote much of your attention to his potty training needs; weekends often work well for busy families. Start the morning off right by taking your little guy to the bathroom as soon as he wakes up. Remind him that today is the big day. Have him underwear when he gets dressed; he is a big boy now. Take him to the potty every 30 minutes throughout the day. Limit fluids early in the evening to help him stay dry at night. Stay positive, smile, and show him that you believe in him. He will learn faster when he feels safe, comfortable, relaxed, and loved. Expect some accidents in the first few days; this is perfectly normal behavior. Potty training takes practice. Encourage him with small rewards to keep him motivated and to make potty training fun.