A new parents guide to potty training

The potty is a small bowl used by toddlers as a toilet seat until they grow big enough and are trained in using a regular toilet. It could either be a standalone unit that can be placed anywhere around the house, or an add-on that can be installed to the house toilet seat for a toddler to sit on.

There’s a lot to be said about potty training. But Dettol Professionals have found that the best place to start the process is to determine whether your child is ready for it or not.

There’s no standard age for children to be ready to receive potty training. However, by the age of 18 months (and all the way up to 3 years), most babies will have acquired the skills they’ll need to be trained. And generally speaking, girls tend to be ready two months ahead of boys.

Below is a list that will help you determine whether or not your baby is ready for toilet training. There’s no need to wait until every item on the list is checked. But rather, use it as a guide to gauge their inclination for independence and how much they’ve grasped the concept of going to the toilet like adults.

1. Physiological Signs
   1. Your baby is pooping at relatively predictable times during day, and not so during the night.
   2. They’re able to remain dry for an hour or two, or are waking up after a nap with a dry nappy. This is an indication of advanced bladder muscles enabling them to hold urine.
   3. They can lift and lower their pants themselves with a little help.
   4. They appear to enjoy going to the toilet.
      
      
2. Behavioural Signs
   1. Your child shows an inclination to please others and enjoys receiving compliments.
   2. They demonstrate a desire for independence.
   3. They get uncomfortable and irritated with a wet or dirty nappy.
      
      
3. Cognitive Signs
   1. They are able to process and follow simple instructions like:
      “Do you need the potty?” or “Where is the potty?”
   2. They can use words to express peeing and pooping.
   3. They are aware of performing the act. You’ll notice that they may stop whatever they are doing, or go somewhere else, or simply tell you that they are peeing or pooping.
   4. They might tell you that they need to go before they actually do!

Once you have determined that your child is ready to be potty-trained, it is time to select a potty that suits your and your toddler’s needs.

There are two types of potties. The first is the standalone type that can be used anywhere around the house. The second is the seat reducer, which is a type of extension or add-on that can be installed to the house toilet seat so that a child can sit on it. Both types provide enough space for the child to sit and hold tight, in order to exert pressure.

Standalone potties: These should have three distinctive properties: safety, size and simplicity. The potty should be stable and fit your child’s backside so that they are comfortably seated.

Advantages:

• These potties are perfectly designed to match your child’s size, therefore they will be able to sit and get off easily.
• When your little one has to use the potty (sometimes for an extended time until they’ve done their business), the toilet will be free for others to use.
• Keeping the toilet unoccupied will allow older siblings to demonstrate their skills in using it while the child is being potty trained.

Seat Reducers: These go perfectly with the standard toilet seats and simply make the opening smaller for a toddler to sit on it.

Advantages:

• This solution is cost-efficient and takes up less space. It’s also easier to clean after use and doesn’t cause much of a mess.
• The seat reducer is suitable for children that like to copy and mimic adults. It’s also a great introduction for using the actual toilet seat.
• If you opt for this choice, you’ll require a small step to help your child get on and off the toilet seat.

Whatever you choose, make sure to check the following:

• That the potty size is accurate and allows your child to be comfortably seated with their feet securely placed.
• That it has a frame to shield against sprinkling, which is especially important for male toddlers. This will reduce the trouble of cleaning the put. Dettol advises you to choose high seats that will give you protection but not get in the way of your little one sitting alone.
• That you’ve read the manual! While most standalone potties are relatively easy to clean, others may need to be disassembled, so check this information before use.
• Use lights, songs and sound effects – these will all increase your child’s interest in and enjoyment of what they’re doing. But Dettol reminds you that the most pleasant thing for your little ones is encouragement and support. So clap your hands, give them a high-five or even do a victory dance to celebrate their accomplishment.

To ensure the health and safety of your child during this phase, it is important to regularly disinfect the potty with Dettol antiseptic liquid,  and ensure the surface is completely dried off before use. It is equally important to maintain a clean and disinfected bathroom, for which we recommend Dettol bathroom cleaners which assure stronger cleaning for 100% limescale removal in tough-to-clean areas, while also ensuring 100% better protection from germs.