7 Stages of 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 away from home.

Signs of Readiness - The first stage of potty training begins when your child shows the following signs of potty training readiness:

· Expresses an interest in the potty
· Express the need to go potty (verbally or through body language)
· Able to dress and undress
· Uncomfortable in wet diapers
· Stays dry for two hours
· Imitates family members
· Interested in big kid underwear
· Has regular bowel movements

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.

Sit On the Potty ? When your child has been introduced to the concept of potty training, he will probably imitate family member and sit on his potty chair while you use the bathroom. This is a good time to teach good hygiene such as wiping and washing hands after using the potty.

Use the Potty Sometimes ? Be sure to give your child plenty of liquids and take him to the potty every 30 minutes. This will help build muscle memory. The first time your child uses the potty, make a big deal 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 go 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 are afraid of falling in, so you may need to purchase a toilet seat adapter such as the Flip-N-Flush or the PRIMO's Ducka toilet adapter. These devices reduce the size of the toilet hole, thereby making you child feel more secure.

Use Potty Away 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 public bathrooms 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 such as 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 depends on his or her stage of development, your potty training knowledge, and the potty training products you have available.

Copyright 2004 ZIP Baby. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author
Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive potty training information as well as a large selection of potty training products. For more information about potty training, or to browse the potty training store, visit the When to Start Potty Training.

---

Better Links Directory

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More

A Must Have, Do-It-Yourself Resource For ALL Preschooler Parents

There is something so amazing and joyous about watching a... Read More

Baby Sunglasses

It might appear to be sufficient to apply some high... Read More

Potty Training After a Divorce or Separation

Many parents share custody of their children, which presents a... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Wording

Your baby shower invitation wording can be either generic or... Read More

10 Items of the Well-Stocked Diaper Bag

Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More

Baby Shower Party Game Ideas to Keep Your Guests Entertained

Baby shower party game ideas?? This is the question which... Read More

5 Best Free Child Games for Your Preschooler

There seems to be more and more pressure on parents... Read More

How to Buy Infants? Best Educational Toys?

Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More

Choosing Baby Names

Take Your Time The worst thing you could do when... Read More

Baby Bedding

When you choose a baby bedding, choose the one which... Read More

Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early... Read More

Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant... Read More

How to Help Your Children Learn

We all want the very best for our children and... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Stem Cells Taken From A Babys Cord

Stem Cells..An increasing number of parents are storing stem cells... Read More

7 Stages of Potty Training

There are seven stages of potty training. They begin with... Read More

Advantages Of A Sheepskin Underlay For Babies

Sheepskin offers unique advantages as an underlay for babies. One... Read More

When To Move From Carseat To Booster

Under three, use a car seat. The guidelines for transporting... Read More

Babies: How to Get Your Children Excited About the New Arrival

The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough... Read More

Protecting Your Baby and Toddler from the Sun

Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More

Luxury Baby Bedding - What to Look For Before You Buy

When buying luxury baby bedding, perhaps first decide what style... Read More

Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your... Read More

My RAD Child

When I say RAD you may think of a child... Read More

Naming Ceremonies: Advice for First Time Godparents

Congratulations! It is a great honour your friends have done... Read More