Potty Training Your Baby

dr phil potty training

It can be a very difficult time for you and your baby, above all else you need to be very patient when potty training your baby. It is extremely important that you do not make your baby fearful or self-conscious during toilet training.

Your baby needs to able to let you know when they want to use the potty. They also need to be able to physically use their potty. It is your job as a parent to spot the signs that your child is ready to use their potty

Do not under any circumstances force your child to sit on a potty, this will only cause you major problems with your baby's potty training. Forcing then to sit on their potty can create negative thoughts about using their potty and it can even stop them from letting you know that they want to use their potty.

Before you start training you should clear your schedule for a few days. If you are too busy to spend the time with your child due to other commitments, then it might be a bad time to start training your baby. You should have as normal a routine as possible while you help your child to get through this process.

Every child is unique, so don't let anyone tell you that potty training should take a set amount of days, some may take to it in a day others could take weeks. It will not help the situation if you stress over it or force your baby into doing something that they are clearly not ready to do. You need to stick with it for as long as it takes, show your baby how proud you are of them with even the smallest of advances in the process.

There is no doubt that accidents will happen. What ever you do DO NOT make a big deal out of them. You can easily set back your baby's progress by overreacting to accidents. If possible get your child to help you to clean up the mess.

While potty training always dress your baby in clothes that are easy for them to manage. When your child is just starting potty training you will find that they have a tendency to wait until the last moment before they realize they need to use their potty. Restrictive clothing will only cause more accidents to happen and this may discourage them from using their potty. The best way is really to let your child run around in the nude while potty training, however if you are uncomfortable with that use as little clothing as possible, something that pulls up or down is best.

Make sure that you have the correct equipment for training your baby. Don't just sit them on your toilet, if they slip and their bottom touches the water they may be traumatized to the point that you will have to stop training for a while. Always get at least the basic requirements a potty and an insert for your toilet seat.

You should also consider that the loss of intimacy between you and your child may affect them. You have spent a good part of their lives looking after them and cleaning them. It is important that throughout the stages of potty training your baby you spend time with them so they don't miss that intimate time you had together.

I hope this article has helped you with potty training your baby. For more helpful advice on potty training check out my website at How to potty train a boy.

Article Source: EzineArticles