Toilet Training Equipment For Your Toddler

Toilet training can be a frustrating task for both the parent and the child but with the aid of toilet training equipment, the parents can set up a bathroom environment that is both rewarding and free of obstacles for the toddler.

When Does Toilet Training Begin?

Toilet training should begin when your child shows signs that they are ready. Most children are ready to begin toilet training between two to three years of age but age is not the main requirement. The important things to consider are whether or not they are able to understand instructions and if they have the physical ability to complete the task of going to the toilet themselves.

Signs that indicate your child is ready to toilet train are;

• They inform you their diaper is full, saying “uh oh” after voiding in their diaper or hiding behind furniture to fill their diaper.
• If your child has the ability to stay dry for longer periods, for example 2 or more hours.
• They can pull down and pull up their underwear and pants.
• They can walk and run without a lot of problems.

There are two toilet training equipment options that help make the process of toilet training go smoothly; the first option is potty chairs, which are self contained toilets. The potty chair can be placed anywhere in the home, the child sits on the chair and voids into a holding compartment. Transitioning from the potty chair to the family toilet will take a little longer using this method.

The other option is a toilet trainer which is a small flat toilet seat that is placed on the toilet, the toilet trainer allows the child to sit on the family toilet without fear of falling in. Because the child’s feet will not touch the floor, most children feel more comfortable with a bench or stool under their feet.

The following tips are offered to help support you in toilet training your toddler.

• Training will go quicker if your child can relate beginning comfortable with using the toilet. The best way to ensure that is to put your child in underpants. Using diapers or pull up does not give your child the sensation of being wet and uncomfortable. Your child will come to understand that in order to avoid being wet and sticky they need to use the “potty”.
• Be consistent. Start training on a Saturday when you can devote the entire weekend to taking your child into the bathroom. Put your child on a schedule, every 30 minutes check for dry pants and have them sit on the potty.
• Have an incentive ready, something your child would love to earn. Every time your child sits on the potty and their pants are still dry, praise and reward them. Every time your child voids into the potty offer praise and a special reward.
• For boys, you can make it fun by placing a target, such as cereal, into the toilet. Boys can aim for the targets when standing up to urinate.

Toilet training your toddler may seem a daunting task but with structure and routine your toddler will become toilet trained in no time.