Toilet training: 5 signals that will help you know your child wants to get clean
Small children slowly learn to control their bladder and intestinal sphincters from around the age of 18 months. You can start with a first training phase from this point or at a later point in time with calm and serenity. A good place to start is by paying attention to physical gestures and messages that signal that your child can start potty training or toilet training.
- Your little darling will show you with gestures or words that they have to go to the toilet.
- Their nappy stays dry for hours.
- Your sweetheart is “interested” in parental toilet visits.
- Your child will draw your attention to the full diaper on their own.
- Your child tells or signals to you that they no longer want to wear a nappy.
Raising your child nappy-free
Nappy-free toilet training is practiced in some parts of the world. You alone decide whether a nappy-free upbringing is right for you. In general, the concept of natural baby care has advantages and disadvantages.
- Living a nappy-free lifestyle strengthens the natural bond between you and your baby
- Without nappies, your darling has less skin irritation.
- For your child, it means more freedom to grow up largely without a nappy.
- Since nappies are known to cost money, you are opting for a cheaper and environmentally friendly toilet training.
- Nappy- free children find it easier to familiarise themselves with the potty during the transition period.
- A nappy-free lifestyle takes a lot of time. On the go, it is difficult to completely do without nappies. In addition, people close to you may reject the concept.
To start a "nappy-free" upbringing, you need a potty and practical baby clothes. Also, think of keywords that you will use to prepare your child for going to the toilet.
Getting dry and clean: Getting your child used to the potty
At first, your child will find it difficult to go to the potty on their own. The little ones often only notice that they have to go to the toilet when they can barely stop the urge. During this transition phase, you should watch your darling closely. Ideally, at some point you will intuitively recognise when your child needs to go to the toilet. Some offspring hold their hands in their crotch beforehand, grimace or become restless.
You can help your child stay dry by first switching to inexpensive clothing. For example, you should now give your child clothes that are easy to put on and take off, such as underpants. If your child is very curious, you can explain the "procedure" of going to the toilet in detail. It is best to practice the process in a playful way - from “pulling your pants down” to sitting properly.
If your sweetheart doesn't feel comfortable on the toilet seat yet, then try the classic potty. In the transition, you can also use special panties or "training diapers". The advantage of such potty training pants is an additional layer of terrycloth. Even if your child realises late that they need to relieve themselves, the first droplets will not soak their pants.
Getting your child nappy-free at night
Only then, when everything goes well during the day, should you approach nappy-free nights. Before going to bed, your child should go to the bathroom. For the night "emergencies" it is good to put a potty next to the cot/bed at the beginning. Often the little ones don't use the potty at all, but just being there gives them a feeling of security. If your child wants to go to the toilet at night, leave the bathroom light on. Have spare clothes, two duvet covers and a waterproof mattress cover ready for the transition period. A practical sleeping bag with a zipper that you can easily open from below should also not be missing.
Be Patient
Overall, staying dry is a natural process that your child learns as they develop. You are an important person to relate to. Don't let setbacks and occasional accidents throw you off course. Getting dry means a lot of work, patience and a lot of laundry. The more relaxed you show yourself to your child, the easier it is for you to master the path to cleanliness together.
