Potty Training - An Overview

What Is Potty Training?

Potty training is a process of teaching children about recognizing their natural signals. During this training, children learn from recognizing signals to using a potty chair or toilet in the correct manner at the appropriate times. It is a complex process that can affect children's anatomic, physiologic, and behavioral conditions. However, there is very little scientific literature available on this topic.

Over the period of 100 years, toilet training methods have modified with time from lacking in structure, to regimented, to child-oriented and semistructured. In 1962, Brazelton first published a standardized method of toilet training. His published approach was child-oriented and unregimented. After that, many other methods emerged: assisted toilet training, operant training, and the daytime wetting alarm.

When Should Potty Training Begin in Children?

Potty training should be natural; parents should not force their children into this. Also, there is no right or wrong time to begin this. The training process should start right after a child shows signs of being ready. The ability to control the muscle of the bladder and bowel comes with proper growth and development. So, it is important for parents to know the situation before starting this training.

Every child is different, and so is their development and level of growth. A child younger than 12 months has no bowel and bladder control. Their muscle control grows a bit as they develop between 12 to 18 months. It is normal for children not to obtain bladder and bowel control until the age of 24 to 30 months. So, the average age to start a child with potty training is at least 27 months.

What Are the Indicators That the Child Is Ready for Potty Train?

Following are the indicators that the child is ready to begin potty training. For that, the child should be able to:

• Walk well to reach the toilet.

• Understand and tell the parents that he or she needs to go to the toilet.

• Control the muscle for bowel and bladder voiding.

• Tell the parent it is time to change the diaper and tell them that urine or bowel movement is coming.

• Shows discomfort when the diaper is wet or dirty.

• Enjoys copying their parents.

• Follow parents to the bathroom to see how it is used.

• Has a dry diaper for at least two hours daily.

• Has a dry diaper after the night or after the nap.

• Can put on or off clothes.

• Is able to follow simple instructions.

What Are the Products Used for Potty Train?

Potty training can be a stressful process for a child. The gears not only help in training but also keeps a child comfortable. According to personal preference, space, and budget, the parent must choose gear for potty training. There are many options available that are suitable for the need, such as

• Potty Chair: Potty chairs are miniature versions of the real toilet. Many options are available in the market depending on color choice, shapes, and sizes. Also, some are flushable; some require emptying; some have lids, and some are open. Despite all its benefits, the downside of using a potty chair is that it takes up space and is required to clean out.

• Toilet Seats: They are seat reducers that are either incorporated into the adult toilet seat or come with steps for toddlers to reach the toilet and put their feet on the steps while using. They have multiple benefits such as low cost, no extra space required, or less trouble in cleaning as the waste can be flushed directly down the toilet.

• Step Stool: This gear can be useful for both reaching the toilet and reaching the wash basin for hand washing. For this also, many options are available depending on the steps and height of the stool.

• Underwear: It is important to give children some incentives for this process. Once a child starts using the toilet, parents can buy them underwear with funky colors or characters to keep this process fun for the child. The only downside of this is that it can get messy in the case of accidents.

• Training Pants: They are of great help in the process of potty training. These pants with light padding in the middle can soak up small leaks, which is enough to give the sensation of being wet and train them to use the toilet. There are two options available in the market; one is reusable, and one is disposable. Parents can choose any one of them according to their choice.

• Easy-To-Remove Clothing: It is very important for a child to be in loose and easy-to-remove clothing. In an emergency, the clothing should be easy to remove to prevent accidents.

• Faucet Extender: For children, the bathroom sink is very hard to reach. Even with a step stool, the tap is sometimes too far to reach. A faucet extender can help the child to wash his or her hands properly after using the toilet. With this, parents can also add fun elements like different soaps with fragrances and designs. This does not just help in hand washing, but it also helps to develop a good habit of washing hands in children.

What Are the Methods Used for Potty Training?

Several options are available for children with normal development and growth. Each approach is different and has a different style of training, such as;

• Child-oriented Approaches:

  • The Brazilian Child-Oriented Approach:

    • It begins when the child shows signs of readiness after 18 months of age.

    • During this, parents praise their child every time they successfully use the toilet and follow the instructions.

    • In any case, parents should not force, punish or shame the child.

    • The parent's responsibility is to make this training a natural, comfortable, and non-threatening procedure.

  • Dr. Spock’s - The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care:

    • The training should be without force.

    • It should begin between the age of 24 to 30 months of age.

    • A child should be allowed to accompany parents or guardians while using the toilet.

    • The process should be without criticism and relaxed.

    • A parent should avoid making negative comments in front of the child.

    • Parents should let their children use the potty chair or go to the toilet voluntarily. After some time, his parents can take him to the toilet twice a day.

    • Every success should be praised.

• Operant Conditioning:

  • The Azrin and Foxx “Toilet Training in a Day” Method:

    • The parents should use positive reinforcement or reward for every successful attempt. The positive reinforcements are praise, candy, or toys.

    • For accidents, parents should use negative reinforcement through punishment or decreased positive attention toward accidents.

• Other:

  • Assisted Infant Toilet Training:

    • It is a parent-oriented training method.

    • It is commonly used in China, India, Africa, and South and Central America.

    • Bowel and bladder training at the age of two to three weeks of age.

    • Parents place the infant on the toilet seat after a large meal or if they show signs of eliminating the bladder or bowel.

    • Every successful void is rewarded with food or affection.

  • Elimination Communication:

    • It begins at the time of birth of a child.

    • Parenting involves learning to recognize the infant’s body language and eliminate patterns.

    • Parents place the infant over a miniature potty chair or sink while making the sound of running water.

Conclusion

Potty training is a complex process for a child and parents. Each approach is indifferent and can be used at different ages. Moreover, the use of training gear plays an essential role in the whole process, including positive reinforcements. It is very important that during this process, parents should not use negative comments or harsh punishments to force this process. If the process is comfortable and easy, it will be easy for a child to adapt.