Usually, there is very little or no information known to most of the parents at the time of the arrival of their first baby. There are many new questions that come down to the mind of the parents of a newly born baby like how to handle their babies first cold, the best ways to make babies sleep, what sort of food benefits them till the age of 6-9 months, how to soothe babies teething pain, signs that tell if the baby is ready for the solid food and why the solid food is bad for them in the initial few months et cetera. The list of such questions is endless.
We get a bunch of different advice and opinions on such questions from everyone we speak to and since babies don’t come with a “manual” – it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is. Thus, it is extremely important that the parents should educate themselves with the proper ways or techniques to take care of their newly born babies.
As an example, we’ll speak about a common problem – “Potty Training”. There are seven stages of potty training. They begin with showing signs of potty training readiness and conclude with being able to use the toilet far from home.
Signs of Readiness
The initial stage of potty training begins when your child shows the following signs of potty training readiness:
– Express the need to go potty (verbally or through gestures).
– Expresses an interest in the potty.
– Uncomfortable in wet diapers.
– Able to dress and undress.
– Imitates members of the family.
– Stays dry for two hours.
– Has regular bowel movements.
– Interested in big kid underwear.
Introduction to the Idea of Potty Training
When your child shows a majority of the signs of potty training readiness, it’s time to introduce him to the concept of using the potty. This can be done by reading a potty training book as a bedtime story or watching a potty training video or DVD together. Purchase a potty chair and let your child watch you use the potty. Children will often imitate family members.
Rest on the Potty
When your child has been introduced to the concept of potty training, he will probably imitate family member and rest on his potty chair while you use the bathroom. This is a great time to teach good hygiene such as wiping and washing hands after using the potty.
Use the Potty Sometimes
Make certain to give your child lots of liquids and take him to the potty every Thirty Minutes. This will help build muscle memory. The first time your child uses the potty, make a big shot of his huge accomplishment. A hug, encouraging words, or a small reward can be good motivational tools and help your child feel proud of his or her accomplishment.
Use the Potty Alone
As your child gets more comfortable with the potty and his ability to control his bodily functions, he will most likely to the potty by himself. He will then come tell you about it. Again, this is a time for lots of praise and encouragement.
Transition to the Toilet
When your child is comfortable using his potty seat, it’s time to transition him to the toilet. Many children hesitate of falling, so you may need to purchase a toilet seat adapter like the Flip-N-Flush or the PRIMO’s Ducka toilet adapter. These devices reduce the size of the toilet hole, thereby making your child feel more secure.
Use Potty Far From Home
The last stage of potty training occurs when your child is able to use the potty away from home. Thankfully, there are many portable and disposable toilet seats available to keep your child from coming in contact with public toilet seats. Many toilets have auto-flush toilets with electronic sensors. These sensors often fail to detect that a child is seated on the toilet and cause the toilet to flush repeatedly, scaring the child. Devices like the Flush-Stopper prevent auto-flush toilets from flushing while your child is seated.
Some children breeze through the seven stages of potty training in a matter of weeks, while other children take several months to complete potty training. Your child’s progress relies on his or her stage of development, your potty training knowledge, and the potty training products you have available.