A Potty should not be made to look too fancy else toddlers mistake them for toys. An hour doesn’t pass without my baby dragging and pulling the potty all over the house even into the kitchen. So, one has to maintain 100% hygiene for their safety.
Yesterday I went potty shopping because the one that came with the bath tub is now small and too low for my baby. He has started school this week and GOD! I’m so grateful. He started showing signs before Christmas but I wasn’t interested, all I wanted to do was wait until he is 2 at least but now that he is in school and there are potties in his class toilet, I felt it’s time to start along with his teacher, seeing all these signs and his readiness. So, he got back from school and saw this colourful Chairman-like throne-like potty waiting for him. He couldn’t take his hands off it until he was going to bed at night. It doubles as a potty and chair for the baby and the sound it makes when he sits on it is what he enjoys most. Congratulations to me. MY CHAIRMAN GOES TO SCHOOL AT LAST. It is very important to start potty training when your baby is ready and interested as that makes your job very easy. Below are the signs to watch out for: He might not need to do all before you know he is very ready to drop the diapers.
Baby to parents:
Mummy and dad, when you see some of these signs, start giving me my potty training please. These diapers can be hot and heavy sometimes, I want to be free!
Your babyIs coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily for a while.
Urinates a fair amount at one time.
Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
Has “dry” periods of at least two hours or during naps, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.
Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.
Can pull his/her pants up and down.
Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
Shows interest in others’ bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear).
Gives a physical or verbal sign when he’s having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
Demonstrates a desire for independence. (My son runs and hides or stays behind the curtain when it’s time)
Takes pride in his accomplishments.
Isn’t resistant to learning to use the toilet.
Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one.
Understands the physical signals that mean he has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until he has time to get to the potty.
Can follow simple instructions, such as “go get the toy.”
Understands the value of putting things where they belong.
Can be dismantled and put away when baby doesn’t need it anymore.
Has words for urine and stool ( One word my son has for both is “bum” once he says this word and points at his bum bum, we know something is about to happen in there or he has already blasted. I still put him on the potty anyway, he needs to learn that that’s where the poop belongs.
Thanks for this post Eya