Potty Chair and Training Tips For Your Toddler

By Kim Proulx

Potty training your toddler is an important time that takes planning and patience. You don't want to rush your child, but you do want to start training as soon as your child is ready. The typical age range to potty train is from 1 « to 2 «, and many times even longer. Boys generally take a bit longer to potty train, but there are ways to enable good potty habits. Here are some useful potty tips that may help you through this special time.

Buying A Potty Chair

There are two types of potty chairs you can buy for your little one. The first one is an actual potty chair that is calibrated to a comfortable, smaller size for your child. They come in many different designs and functions, including ones that play music or have built-in toilet paper holders and another slot for magazines and toys. Make sure if you are potty training a boy, to get a guard or detachable deflector. The great thing about a potty chair is that it can serve as a good transition until your child is big enough and ready to use an adult toilet. The bad thing is you will need to dump the waste each time it is used. But it's only temporary.

The other type is not a chair at all, it is actually a potty seat that fits over a regular-sized toilet. Many parents like this option because it is easily transportable and you do not have to dump waste. You can also teach your child how to flush when he/she is finished. The bad thing is, however, your toddler may not feel comfortable and secure sitting at a high height with feet dangling. You can also try using a small stepping stool or box, so your kid can have a place to position his/her feet.

Potty Training Tips

1. Patience - Do not rush your child into potty training. Don't be surprised if your child is getting it one day, but doesn't feel like it the next. If your child gives you signs of wanting to be independent, doesn't like dirty diapers (such as wanting to take off diaper), lets you know when he/she needs to pee or poop, then your child may be ready. Select a time when your child normally goes to the bathroom, and make an effort each day to have your child sit on the potty chair or seat.
2. Decorate - Allow your child to decorate the potty chair or seat with stickers or other items. Encouraging your child to accessorize the potty chair or seat may provide some motivation to use the potty.
3. Rewards - When your child actually goes potty in the chair or seat, remember to give lots of praise. Many parents like to give rewards for the potty gift, like with snacks, candy, stickers or toys. Something small should suffice. Let your child know what a good job he/she is doing and your kid will be excited for the next time.
4. Routine - Make potty time a routine each day. Try your best to remove any distractions, and find ways to make it fun! You can try singing songs, or making it into a fun game. The key is to alleviate any type of pressures, so your child can feel comfortable and excited about going potty the adult way. * A good trick for boys is to put a cheerio in the potty and have your little guy aim for it.
5. Books, Videos, Demo - There are many wonderful and fun books and videos that will motivate your child to go potty in the chair or seat. It's also a good idea to demonstrate yourself, and let your child mimic your actions.

Once your little one has established a potty routine, try removing diapers throughout the day. Use training diapers or pull-ups to help guard against embarrassing accidents. You may still choose to use diapers at night, since it is a long time before using the potty. Try not to give water before bed time. You will have to adjust to your child's learning curve, but remember that it is a special time and that your child must fully trust you to lead and guide the way. Good luck parents!