By some estimates, the average child will go through over 3,000 diapers in the first year of their life. It’s no wonder then that parents are so excited to potty train when the time is right. But that excitement can quickly turn to fear, frustration and disappointment when potty training doesn’t go as planned.
Winnie’s got your back. Potty training is a popular topic with parents of toddlers and preschoolers on Winnie and for good reason.There are all kinds of snags you may run into during the potty training process but most of them are easily solvable when you know the right tactic. Below are some of the most common obstacles parents of potty training kids face, and the best approaches to get you back on the right track in no time.
So when you should really start potty training? Is there a magic age or do you look for signs of readiness in your child? Some parents start before their child turns 2, but if you want the potty training process to be fast, you might want to wait until you hit that second birthday as it’s most common to potty train after 2 years old. Of course, every child is different. If your child is showing readiness sooner, then go for it! Popular signs of readiness include:
Potty training regressions and other bumps in the road can happen for many reasons from starting a new school to welcoming a new family member. Sometimes they happen for physical reasons like too much water at night. Don’t fret. Regressions are a normal part of the potty training process and though it may feel like you’re starting over, you’re really not. We're sharing some common potty training issues and how to troubleshoot and solve them.
Change is scary and for some kids, it can lead to refusing to use the toilet altogether. If your child is truly afraid of using the toilet, this could be a sign that they just aren't ready and that's okay! You can always try again in a few months. You may also want to try a toddler-sized potty seat, which can be less intimidating than the regular toilet.
Your child is doing great at home and then one day, you're out at Target and they have to use the potty. You bring them into the bathroom only to find they refuse to use the public toilet. What gives? Fear of public toilets is actually a very common potty training problem. They're noisy, bigger than their potty at home and public bathrooms can be busy, loud places. You can't avoid public bathrooms forever but you can take steps to help your child feel more comfortable using them.
Some children are afraid of using the toilet because they are scared of flushing. This can happen because they are afraid of the noise or because they may even be scared that they'll somehow fall in and get flushed down the toilet (toddlers have wild imaginations). The best way to remedy the fear of flushing has a lot to do with your child's temperament but here are some ideas.
Potty training at night is a different beast. Most of the time kids start off with daytime training but still wear a pull-up or diaper for naps and bedtime. This is because when a young child is in a deep sleep they mostly don’t have control over their bladders and they may wet the bed. It’s a physiological milestone and some children don’t produce the signal to tell them their bladder is full when sleeping until 4 or 5 years old. That said, there are steps you can take to help your child stay dry throughout the night like making sure they don’t drink liquids near bedtime and that they void their bladder more than once before bed.
Some children experience night-time potty training regressions when they are sick or going through a big life change like a move or new sibling, etc. If a regression does happen- don't take a step backward (don't go back to pull-ups if they've been out of them) just continue with your normal routine, reassure your child and give them a little TLC.
Some children have no problem pooping in the potty and others have poop phobia. If your child has a fear of pooping, fear not.
One Winnie user shared an awesome tip:
Most of the time toddlers poop standing up so it takes some practice to sit down and relax and let it out into potty. We did this in several steps. We had him poop in diaper sitting down for few days and then I read that if you cut a whole in a diaper and have him poop while sitting it drops into the potty and makes that connection that it’s ok. Nothing scary. Few times of this and he was trained. — Alla
As you can see from this tip, the key is to take the pressure off and let your child poop at their own pace, so to speak. By getting frustrated or mad, you are adding to their anxiety around pooping. Breaking down the process into steps they can master can help. Eventually, they will get the hang of it if you work with them and make them more comfortable with pooping gradually.
When a child is successfully potty trained at home but struggles to carry over their newfound skills to school, it can be a challenging situation for both the child and their parents. However, there are several strategies that can help facilitate a smooth transition and ensure consistency in potty training efforts.
Firstly, open communication between parents and teachers is crucial. Parents should inform the school about the child's potty training progress and discuss any specific techniques or cues that have been effective at home. Teachers can then incorporate these strategies into the child's routine at school.
Consistency in the bathroom schedule is also vital, so parents can work with the school to establish regular bathroom breaks and encourage the child to use the restroom during those times. Additionally, providing the child with a familiar potty training tool, such as a special seat or step stool, can help create a sense of familiarity and comfort in the school environment.
Lastly, praising and rewarding the child for successful bathroom trips at school can be a powerful motivator and reinforce positive behavior. With patience, collaboration, and consistent support from both home and school, children can successfully carry over their potty training skills and thrive in their new learning environment.
Potty training regressions are common and can happen for various reasons, even for typically developing children. It's important for parents to understand what to consider and expect during these regressions. Firstly, it's essential to remember that regressions are a normal part of the potty training process and shouldn't be a cause for alarm. They can occur due to various factors such as changes in routine, stress, illness, or even a new environment. During a regression, a child who was previously successfully potty trained may start having accidents or refusing to use the toilet.
When it comes to children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) or SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), potty training regressions may be more common. These children often face challenges with sensory issues, communication difficulties, and routine changes, which can impact their ability to consistently use the toilet. However, it's important to note that every child is unique, and not all children with ASD or SPD will experience regressions in the same way or at the same rate.
During potty training regressions, it's crucial for parents to remain patient, understanding, and supportive. Instead of getting frustrated or punishing the child, it's better to provide reassurance and positive reinforcement for any progress made. It can also be helpful to identify any triggers or patterns leading to the regression and address them accordingly. For children with ASD or SPD, it may be beneficial to incorporate visual cues, social stories, or other sensory supports to help them feel more comfortable and confident in using the toilet.
Remember, potty training regressions are temporary setbacks, and with consistent encouragement, gentle guidance, and understanding, children can regain their previous potty training skills and continue moving forward in their journey to independence.
The age at which a parent should stop using "pull-ups" or nighttime diapers can vary for each child. While most children are typically potty trained during the day by the age of 3 or 4, nighttime dryness may take longer to develop. It is not uncommon for children to continue wetting the bed at night even after they have achieved daytime bladder control.
Some children may naturally outgrow bedwetting around the age of 5 or 6, while others may require additional time and support. It's important to remember that bedwetting is a common and normal developmental phase that many children go through.
Parents should consider several factors when deciding if their child is ready to transition out of "pull-ups" at night. These factors include the child's overall potty training progress, consistency in daytime dryness, and the frequency of nighttime accidents. It's essential to assess whether the child is showing signs of increased bladder control and waking up with a dry diaper more often than not.
If your child develops diarrhea while potty training, it can be a challenging situation to navigate. Here are some steps you can take to manage the situation:
Provide comfort and reassurance: Diarrhea can be uncomfortable and distressing for a child. Offer comfort, reassure them that it's okay, and let them know you're there to support them through it.
Keep your child hydrated: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it's important to ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Offer water, clear liquids, and electrolyte solutions to replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
Adjust the potty training routine: Diarrhea can make it difficult for a child to make it to the toilet in time. Be understanding and make adjustments to the potty training routine. Encourage your child to use the toilet frequently and consider using a potty chair that is easily accessible.
Use protective measures: To prevent accidents and minimize messes, consider using diapers or pull-ups temporarily until the diarrhea subsides. This will provide a backup in case your child is unable to make it to the toilet in time.
Reinforce good hygiene practices: Diarrhea can be contagious, so it's important to reinforce good hygiene habits. Teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after each visit to the bathroom to minimize the risk of spreading germs.
Monitor and seek medical advice if necessary: While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, it's important to monitor your child's symptoms. If the diarrhea persists, is accompanied by severe pain, blood in the stool, or other concerning symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
Bringing your own portable potty when you're out and about during potty training is a personal choice. It can provide convenience, maintain hygiene standards, and offer familiarity for your child. Consider factors like access to clean public restrooms, your child's comfort, and the portability of the potty.
As your child progresses, they may transition to using standard toilets. Ultimately, choose an approach that supports your child's comfort and makes the potty training process smoother for both of you.
Preparing your child for using a regular toilet at school involves effective communication and familiarization. Start by having open conversations about this new aspect of their routine. Explain that they will be using the toilet just like grown-ups and emphasize the normalcy of this transition. Answer any questions they may have and address any concerns or fears. It can also be helpful to visit the school together and show them the restroom facilities they will be using. Let them explore the space, become familiar with the toilets, sinks, and handwashing areas. This firsthand experience can help alleviate any anxiety and build confidence in using the regular toilets.
In addition to communication and familiarization, practice at home plays a crucial role. Encourage your child to practice using a regular toilet at home, gradually reducing their reliance on training seats. Teach them proper sitting posture, flushing, and handwashing techniques. Reinforce positive behaviors and provide praise for their efforts. By incorporating these steps into their potty training routine, you can help your child feel prepared and comfortable with using a regular toilet at school. Remember to remain patient and supportive during this transition, as it may take some time for your child to adjust to the new environment and routine.