There are quite a few misconceptions and persistent myths surrounding potty training, most of which have been perpetuated by the powerful nappy industry. At Go Potty we aim to combat them. Disposable nappies are highly polluting, and prolonged use of nappies is not beneficial for children either. In this blog, we share the 7 things every parent ought to know about potty training.
1. You Can Start Potty Training Around 18 Months
Scientific research has shown that children can become physically ready for potty
training around 18 months. Most children are quite cooperative until around 24 months.
They accept the world as it is. From 24 months onward, children start asserting their own
will. They realise they can also say “no” (the “terrible twos!”). So, start on time. Between
18 and 24 months is a good time for most children.
2. Starting Potty Training Too Late Can Lead to Problems
Children are becoming potty trained later these days. In the 1940s, most children were
potty trained by the age of one. Now, the average is three years. Multiple scientific
studies have shown that there can be adverse health effects for your child if you start
potty training too late.
Starting at a later age (after three years) slightly increases the risk of incontinence,
constipation, and refusal to poop in the potty or toilet.
According to ERIC: ” We recommend starting early because babies are born ready to learn new things.
Understanding how to use a potty is an important skill you can teach your child.”
3. Interest in the Potty or Toilet is Not a Requirement to Start Potty Training
You don’t have to wait until your child shows interest in the potty or toilet. Many parents
confuse “wait until your child is ready” with “wait until your child shows interest in the
potty or toilet.” This is a misconception. There are various other signs that indicate your
child is ready to be potty trained. If your child already shows interest in the potty, that’s
certainly convenient. Capitalise on this interest by practicing with the potty. Don’t miss
this opportunity! If you don’t act on it, it might become more difficult to teach your child
this new skill later on.
4. Your Child Should Be Able to Walk Independently to Become Potty Trained
Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace. Whether your child is ready
to be potty trained depends on their physical and mental development. However, it’s
important that your child can walk independently and can sit and stand on their own.
5. Your Child Needs to be Mentally Ready to Become Potty Trained
Your child also needs to be mentally and socio-emotionally developed enough to become
potty trained. Pay attention to the following signs to know if your child is ready to be potty trained. Your child doesn’t have to meet all of these criteriato be ready.
1. Learning new skills becomes easier when children can imitate others. Does your child observe and imitate actions? Great! Then your child is likely motivated to learn and perform the steps of potty training.
2. Potty training also requires fine motor skills, such as dressing and undressing, wiping bottoms, and washing hands. If your child can pick up small objects, it shows that they are developing these skills.
3. Can your child follow simple instructions? This signal indicates your child’s cognitive development stage (understanding and responding to basic instructions). For example, “Put your shoes in the hallway” or “Let’s sit at the table so we can eat.”
4. If your child indicates that the nappy is dirty, they are aware of bodily sensations. Your
child may pull at the dirty nappy or ask to be changed.
5. If the nappy stays dry for longer periods (1 to 2 hours), it indicates that the bladder is
getting bigger. This also means that bladder control is increasing. Your child is capable of
holding urine for a longer time.
6. If your child can put things in the right place (e.g., hang a coat on a hook, put toys in a
cupboard), it can help with potty training. Your child can learn to associate specific
locations (such as the potty or toilet) with peeing and pooping.
Want to know more about whether your child is ready to be potty trained? Download the
Go Potty app and take the free test in the app.
6. Life Should Be as Normal as Possible
Start potty training at a time when life is as normal as possible for your child. Don’t begin
potty training when your child is sick or when significant changes are happening in their
life, such as moving house, the birth of a sibling, surgery, separation, or changing
childcare providers. It’s also better to wait during exciting days like holidays or birthdays.
7. You as a Parent Need to Have Time and Space for Potty Training
Whether you can start potty training also depends on you as a parent. Ask yourself: Do
you want your child to transition out of nappies? Are you ready for your “baby” to become
a toddler? If the answer is yes, it indicates that you are ready. Additionally, it’s important
that, especially if you start at a younger age, you believe that you can potty train your
child at this age.
And it’s crucial that you can be consistent and persevere. If you have doubts or approach
it half-heartedly, your child will immediately sense it. You make it easier for yourself and
your child by being very clear, for example: “Starting tomorrow, we won’t wear nappies
anymore.” And then actually sticking to it. And most importantly, you need to have the
time and space to start potty training
