Going to potty

MANILA, Philippines - Having trouble with toilet training? Don’t let it frazzle you – like any big accomplishment in your child’s life, it will take time and patience for your little one to master this skill. And to make this process just a bit more fun, Pampers offers these tips to help prepare you and your child to go potty successfully.

Is your little one ready?

Don’t rush toilet training — if your child isn’t biologically and emotionally ready, it could drag out the process and make it more frustrating for both of you. But how can you tell when he’s ready to begin? Most children become potty trained between 18 and 30 months, but here is a short checklist to help you know when you can begin toilet training your toddler:

• He has bowel movements at a fairly predictable time and lets you know either through his words or behavior that he is aware of having one.

• He can pull up and pull down his pants.

• He knows what wet and dry mean.

• He shows an interest in the bathroom — and what people do in it.

• He can walk over to and sit down on the potty by himself.

• He responds to praise and wants to please you.

When your child is just starting toilet training, it may help to get a potty chair, which your toddler will find less intimidating than the toilet. An on-the-floor potty — which is pint-sized just like him — gives your child the extra security he needs since it’s more easily accessible plus he can plant his feet firmly on the floor for balance.

A good way to transition from diapers to underwear is to use diapers like Pampers Easy-Up Pants. Pampers Easy-Ups uses a soft sheet material that feels like cotton underwear and has stretchy sides that help it fit like underwear. Tear-off side tabs also make it easy to remove, perfect for quick standing changes.   

You can also make potty-training more pleasant by making the potty the best seat in the house for your child. Choose a potty that will appeal to your tot; it can be in his favorite color or can come in a fun shape like a car or an animal. Or you can decorate the potty with drawings or stickers.

Another way to make the potty less intimidating is to put special books or a CD player near it to make going to the potty more fun. You can even designate one of his favorite toys like a stuffed animal or doll as his “potty partner.” Encourage your child to show his potty partner how to use the toilet — once he helps his friend do it, he’ll likely follow suit.