- 1). Identify whether your child is ready to potty train. There are specific signs that a child is physically ready to potty train, including having dry diapers for stretches of time. This indicates that he is capable of holding his pee for a length of time. He should have regular bowel movements, ask to have his diaper removed after soiling it and he may inform you that he is going to the bathroom in his diaper. This indicates his awareness of the physical aspect of going to the bathroom. He may also wish to wear big kid underwear and may ask to use the big potty instead of a diaper.
According to the Mayo Clinic, potty training child who is not quite ready will simply make the process take longer. If you wish to potty train your child quickly, then you need to ensure that your child is physically ready as well as mentally agreeable to using the potty. - 2). Purchase a child size potty. This might be a small potty that sits on the floor or a potty seat that sits on top of a regular toilet. This allows your child's small bottom to sit comfortably on the potty.
- 3). Purchase your child underwear. You will want to purchase several packs of underwear so that as your child has accidents during the first day or two, you do not have to do laundry every day. Make a big deal about wearing big kid underwear, and always provide lots of praise for keeping the underwear dry, even for short periods of time.
- 4). Choose a special treat for your child. This treat is for using the potty and can be a small piece of candy or a sticker. You may need to give a treat for sitting on the potty, for going to the bathroom or for keeping his underwear or diaper dry. Along with the treat, you need to give lots of praise for any success your child has.
- 5). Have your child use the potty. Take your child to the bathroom frequently at first and praise and reward him for keeping his underwear or diaper dry and using the potty. If your child was physically ready to potty train, he will learn quickly what the "gotta go" sensation feels like.
You should also watch for signs that your child needs to use the bathroom, like squirming, holding the genital area or becoming very quiet and focused during otherwise active play. When you notice these signs, quickly escort your child to the bathroom and provide lots of praise for using the potty. - 6). Be encouraging even when accidents occur. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, potty training can take up to several weeks or months for the child to be completely accident free. When an accident occurs, you should not make a big deal about it; simply clean it up and encourage your child to try again.
If you want to potty train your child quickly, it is important to wait until the child is ready, and not get frustrated when accidents occur. Stay positive and encouraging.
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