Patience is key to potty training

MANILA, Philippines - Potty training is a major milestone for parents and toddlers, and there are as many ways to go about this as there are families in the world. But experts agree that patience is key, as well as a keen eye on signs that your toddler is physically and emotionally ready, rather than basing the need to train on your toddler’s age, typically at two-and-a-half years old. 

One thing to remember when your child is nearing the age when it is time to begin potty training is not to force the issue. Every child will let you know when he/she is ready. For example, does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear? Can your child understand and follow basic directions? Can your child ask simple questions? Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day? Does he/she wake up from naps dry? Does your child have fairly predictable bowel movements? Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he/she needs to go? Is your child uncomfortable in wet or dirty diapers? Finally, can your child pull down his/her pants and pull them up again?

If so, it’s time for you to set up your child for success. Place the potty chair in the bathroom — preferably a model with a removable top that can be placed directly on the toilet when your child is ready. Talk about the bathroom using simple and correct terms. Schedule potty breaks, during which you might give your child a special toy to use while sitting on the potty chair or toilet, and offer words of encouragement. When you notice signs that your child may need to use the toilet, respond quickly, and help your child become familiar with these urgent signals. Praise your child for telling you when he/she has to go. Teach girls to wipe carefully from front to back to prevent bringing germs from the rectum to the vagina or bladder. When it’s time to flush, let your child do the honors. Make sure your child washes his/her hands after using the toilet. It is also important to reinforce your child’s effort with verbal praise, such as, “How exciting! You’re learning to use the toilet just like big kids do!” Be positive even if a trip to the toilet isn’t successful. 

To give moms an extra helping hand in this momentous transition in their toddlers’ lives, American Standard, a leading global provider of bathroom fittings and fixtures, offers the Smart Washer Bidet, a toilet-integrated bidet that offers various health and wellness benefits, as well as easy use, installation, and maintenance.

The Smart Washer features hands-free washing and a soft-closing cover. It comes with two nozzles — the family nozzle for rear washing and a longer bidet nozzle for women. Filters are replaceable and nozzles can be cleaned to ensure water quality.

Toilet-integrated bidets are recommended for home use, where less contact to risky surfaces, such as faucets, towel dispensers, countertops, and spray nozzles, is encouraged. Because its use is hands-free, it lessens the chances of infection and provides additional benefits for young children and the elderly who might benefit most from greater independence.

The Smart Washer also features external taps to make water-volume adjustments, thereby using water more efficiently. American Standard products are created to significantly reduce water usage, ensuring savings in the long run. 

 “American Standard has been trusted by mothers all over the world, and we continually develop our products to keep the trust for generations,” says Lino Bernardo, American Standard Philippines Ltd. country manager. “After all, American Standard has a more than two-centuries-long and eminent tradition of excellence as a plumbing fixture company.”

Find the American Standard store nearest you by calling 893-3113 or 893-1315 for more information on product availability, whether you’re installing a toilet, pedestal sink or whirlpool. The American Standard warranty program offers total peace of mind. Call the Customer Help Center at 893-8681, 09228858030, or 09179442828; e-mailcustomerhelp@amstd.com.