Many parents are concerned when babies take off their diapers. Each baby develops at a different pace, and the time when they are ready to be potty trained will vary. Generally, babies begin to show interest in toilet training between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.
In this article, we will give you clear information on how to potty train your baby. We will also share tips to help your baby transition smoothly to being diaper-free.
How to Potty Train Your Baby After Taking Away Diapers
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Learn to describe in words:
Before toilet training, parents need to explain bowel movements and body parts to the baby one by one in the correct language. Avoid using words that may cause discomfort, embarrassment, or confusion. -
Preparation of supporting equipment:
Parents can prepare an infant potty chair for their baby in advance so that he can sit on it easily by himself. If you are putting a child seat on an adult toilet for your baby, add a step stool. This will help your baby climb up and down by himself when he needs to go to the bathroom. -
Help your baby understand the urge to poop:
If the baby only tells the parents after a bowel movement, the parents should help the baby understand. The feeling of needing to go, which made the baby uncomfortable, is the urge to have a bowel movement. The next time he/she has this feeling, he/she should tell his/her mom or dad. -
Lead your baby to the potty:
When you notice your baby needs to use the potty, guide them there. Show them where the potty is located and explain that they should use it when they need to poop and pee.
In addition, parents can also demonstrate the correct toilet position. Female babies can watch their mothers to learn how to wipe properly. They should wipe from front to back. This helps prevent stool from contaminating the vagina. Baby boys should learn to pee sitting down, then standing up, and practice “aiming and shooting” with their dads.
Finally, parents should guide the child to flush himself after convenience, and tell him to wash his hands after urination. -
Use baby training pants:
In the early stages of training, babies must learn to wear and take off underwear. During this time, parents can use baby training pants, also known as toddler pants or pull-ups. These are the paper underpants that babies wear when moving from diapers to regular underpants. They are like briefs.
When a baby accidentally urinates or defecates in training pants, parents should not scold the baby. Instead, they can say: it was an accident, it's okay, just be careful next time. If the baby learns to put on and take off clothes and use the toilet alone, parents should encourage him. -
Establish regular toilet habits:
Guide your baby to use the toilet at regular times (e.g., after waking up in the morning, after meals, etc.). Through regular reminders and encouragement, help babies gradually build up the habit of toileting on their own. -
Positive motivation and encouragement:
Whenever your baby succeeds in toileting on his/her own, praise and reward him/her promptly. Positive feedback will help your baby feel more confident. It will also motivate them to try using the toilet by themselves.
Signs that your baby is ready to take off his diaper
New parents can pay attention to some of the signs that your baby may be ready to take off the diaper:
1. Physical:
- Diapers often stay dry for several hours or remain dry after naps.
- Babies are able to control their bladder and bowels and can hold their urine or poop for a period.
2. Psychological aspects:
- Babies will actively tell you they want to pee or poop.
- Babies show interest in the potty or toilet and try to imitate adults going to the toilet.
- Babies can understand simple instructions and can take off and put on pants by themselves.
- Babies do not like dirty diapers and will try to take them off.
3. Cognitive:
- Baby is able to understand the concept of toilet training and is willing to cooperate.
- Baby is able to express his/her needs and communicate with parents.
Baby's willingness: The baby should want to take off the diaper. They should also be ready to follow the parent's instructions.
Things to do after removing diapers
Watch your baby's feelings: If your baby is very upset or scared about leaving diapers, parents should take it slow. Offer more support and encouragement.
Dealing with nighttime toileting: Nighttime toileting is a challenge in the process of saying goodbye to diapers. Parents can slowly increase the time their baby goes without urinating at night. They can also cut back on the amount of water the baby drinks before bed. At the same time, prepare a soft night light to facilitate the baby's nighttime toileting.
Coping with diaper regression: Sometimes babies experience a brief regression after saying goodbye to diapers. This is usually a normal physiological or psychological reaction and parents need not worry too much. By setting regular toilet times and providing support, your baby will soon learn to use the toilet alone.
Saying goodbye to diapers is a gradual process that may be frustrating and repetitive. Parents need to remain patient and understanding to avoid putting too much pressure and anxiety on their babies. It is normal for some children to pee on their own at the age of two, while some are still wearing baby diapers at the age of three. So, parents don't need to be anxious and be patient and more patient when dealing with their children.
