Booties and Bibs

How to Potty Train Your Baby

Potty Training Without Tears

For some babies potty training comes easy, for others it is a power struggle that leaves both parents and babies stressed out. Whether you call it toilet training, potty training or toilet teaching it is a necessary transition your baby needs to make to go from toddler to early childhood. Here are some potty training tips that will help your baby reach this milestone with ease.

If you are not in the habit of allowing your baby to accompany you to the bathroom when you are using the toilet now would be the time to start that practice. Babies learn from observing your habits.

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is attempting to potty train their baby before he or she is really ready. Most babies are not ready for toilet training until they are at least 18 months old. Some a little longer. Usually they will begin by wanting to imitate or show interest in your toilet practices. You might even start by just allowing them to flush for you. Get them used to the sounds and concept of going to the bathroom.

Choosing the potty is also key to stress free toilet teaching. There are some really amazing potties out there that will help make the job of potty training your toddler easier because they actually give your baby rewards instantly for success.
A good example is the Fisher-Price My Potty Buddy. It has a built in sensor that will cheer for your baby as soon as it senses a “contribution” or play sing along potty songs for your baby. Babies really respond well to these instant rewards and will try very hard to duplicate the results. As soon as they recognize the need to go to the bathroom they will want to “play” potty.

Getting that first success may be a challenge for some parents. The best tip I can give you is patience. Keep calm and your baby will not feel the need to challenge you on this. Keep it fun and as soon as your baby is ready they will respond.

There are many books and DVDs that will help prepare your baby for the task. They will help them understand what is expected and see other babies being successful in a fun way.

Whichever method you use, relax. Your baby will not be heading off to school in diapers. You will succeed in potty training your baby all in due time.