The timing of diaper removal is one of the most prominent questions that concern parents. Every child's development differs from another, so the time when a child is ready for toilet training varies. Generally, children begin to show interest in toilet training between 18 months and 3 years old. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to toilet train your child after getting rid of diapers, along with some important tips to help your child transition smoothly to the diaper-free stage.
How to Toilet Train Your Child After Removing Diapers
- Teaching the Child Basic Concepts: Before starting toilet training, parents should explain to the child the meaning of urination and defecation using appropriate words. Avoid using words that may be confusing, uncomfortable, or embarrassing for the child.
- Preparing the Necessary Tools: It is helpful to prepare a small toilet seat for children so that the child can sit on it easily. If a child's seat is installed on a regular toilet, a step should be added so that the child can climb up and down independently when needed.
- Helping the Child Recognize the Need to Urinate: If the child only tells parents after urinating or defecating, parents should explain to the child that the discomfort they feel when they want to urinate is simply the feeling of needing to urinate. When they feel this sensation next time, they should tell their parents.
- Guiding the Child to the Right Place: When you notice that the child feels the need to use the bathroom, take them to the toilet and explain that they should urinate or defecate there. Parents can also demonstrate the correct way to use the bathroom, such as teaching girls how to wipe properly, or teaching boys how to urinate sitting down first before standing. Finally, parents should instruct the child to flush the toilet after finishing and emphasize the need to wash their hands after using the bathroom.
- Using Training Pants for Children: At the beginning of training, the child needs to get used to wearing and taking off underwear. At this stage, "training pants" or "learning pants" can be used, which are a type of inner diaper that helps the child transition from diapers to regular underwear. When the child makes a mistake in training and goes to the bathroom in the training pants, parents should not scold the child, but rather explain that this was an unintentional accident, and it's okay, and they should pay attention next time. If the child learns how to wear and take off pants correctly and use the toilet independently, parents should provide encouragement at the appropriate time.
- Creating a Regular Bathroom Routine: The child should be guided to use the bathroom at specific times, such as after waking up or after eating. This helps the child build a habit of using the bathroom independently.
- Encouragement and Positive Rewards: When the child succeeds in using the bathroom independently, praise and rewards should be given. These rewards enhance their self-confidence and motivate them to keep trying.
Signs That Your Child Is Ready to Give Up Diapers
Parents can observe some signs that indicate the child is ready to give up diapers:
- Physically:
- The diaper stays dry for long hours, or stays dry after a nap.
- The child can control the bladder and bowels for a period of time.
- Psychologically:
- The child may start telling their parents when they need to urinate or defecate.
- The child shows interest in the toilet and tries to imitate adults.
- The child is able to understand simple instructions and can take off and put on their clothes by themselves.
- The child does not like dirty diapers and tries to remove dirty diapers by themselves.
- Cognitively:
- The child understands the idea of toilet training and is ready to cooperate.
- The child can express their needs and communicate with parents.
- The Child's Desire: The most important thing is that the child shows a desire to get rid of diapers and is ready to cooperate with parental guidance.
Important Notes After Getting Rid of Diapers
- Pay Attention to the Child's Psychological State: If the child shows resistance or fear of giving up diapers, parents should reduce pressure and provide appropriate support and encouragement.
- Facing Challenges at Night: Using the bathroom at night is a challenge in the process of getting rid of diapers. Parents can increase the time the child stays dry at night and reduce the amount of fluids before bedtime. At the same time, a quiet night light should be prepared to facilitate the child's use of the bathroom at night.
- Dealing with the Phenomenon of Returning to Diapers: Sometimes, the child may return to using diapers for a short period after getting rid of them. This is usually a natural reaction, whether physically or psychologically, and there is no need to worry. By reorganizing bathroom habits and providing more support, the child will be able to adapt quickly to using the bathroom independently.
In the end, getting rid of diapers is a gradual process that may face some challenges. Parents must be patient and understanding to avoid putting excessive pressure on the child. Some children may start urinating independently at the age of two, while some children at the age of three may still wear diapers, and this is normal. So, there is no need to worry, parents should be patient with their children, more patience, and more patience.
