Toilet training can be an exciting new step for your little one, but learning to use the potty can also come with its challenges. Whether you want to start toilet training with a potty or toilet is up to you. Factors that might influence your decision are the height and developmental stage of your child.
Looking for toilet training tips and tricks? Check out our article on everything you need to know before toilet training your toddler.
A potty can seem like a toy – leading up to potty training, the potty can be kept in your little one's play area so they can get familiar with and excited about it.
If you and your child are both more interested in starting with the toilet, there are options for you. You will need a smaller seat that fits the main seat, and steps leading up. The specialized seat is more stable and comfortable for little ones and prevents them from falling in. These are available as one item or as separate items. Often, they come in colourful designs. Alternatively, you can start with a potty!
Two-in-one adult/children toilet seats are also an option. You simply lift the specialized seat up out of the way for your own use.
So, what else do you need besides potty or toilet seat accessories?
• Training pants: Imagine a non-absorbent nappy. Training pants don't soak up moisture, so your little one will feel when they've done a wee. This is a helpful step as the clean-up is easier than if an accident were to occur in regular underwear. Your tot can still learn that they want to prevent the sensation of wet training pants, and begin making it to the toilet earlier, or perhaps learning bladder control.
• Waterproof sheet protector: Night-time accidents often persist further into childhood than daytime accidents do. When transitioning from nappies, it's a good idea to wean off daytime nappies first, while still using a nappy for sleeping.
When your little one does seem ready to move on from night-time nappies, consider waterproof bedding to make your life easier should an accident occur overnight. It can be exhausting to wake up in the middle of the night and change a whole set of sheets. With a sheet protector, you can take it off and put it straight in the wash (and hope there are no more accidents tonight).
• Potty liners: If you choose the potty path, liners are your new best friend. Some liners have a drawstring design for clean and quick disposal. Check how much volume liners can hold, and remember to change frequently. Some are flushable so you can remove and flush them down the toilet.
• Potty urinal: This is optional! Baby Bunting does offer a potty-style urinal, which may help your son practice aim.
A good tip for teaching aiming while urinating is to place a ping-pong ball in the toilet as a target.
• Patience: Good news is this one is free! But it can take practice. Toilet training is a huge developmental milestone, and it can't be rushed. Be relaxed and persistent with your little one's efforts, and remember they're surely trying their best. Their body is still learning how to control certain muscles.
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https://www.babybunting.com.au/baby-talk-blog/growing-your-toddler-into-a-confident-kid/