Between birth and two years old, your baby will develop at an extraordinary rate, and each milestone will be a new source of wonder for you. Discover with us the major stages of their development. development and how to interact with him to help stimulate his awakening.
Toilet training is an important milestone for toddlers: gradually giving up diapers and learning to control their bodily functions is a way of growing up. In most cases, this development happens very naturally: 8 out of 10 children become toilet trained spontaneously. Discover our tips to best support your child's development!
On average, children become potty-trained around two and a half years old during the day, and around three years old at night. However, there is significant variation from one child to another, and it is essential to let your little one develop at their own pace. So, how do you know when the time is right? By observing your child, quite simply!
Signs that don't lie
Whether your child is 18 months, 2 years old, or older, it's time to offer them the potty when they show they need to remove it. her layers He tries to tear them off, cries during the Changes , complains when the diaper is full… Also pay attention to their expressions: often, children ready for potty training give a signal (facial expression, posture, or word) before they go. It's then up to you to quickly take them to the potty. If your child is happy to sit on it and the session is successful, they're on the right track!
On the other hand, if he cries when he sees the potty, or if he regularly sits on it without doing anything, it is probably a little too early: you can postpone the experiment for a few weeks.
Not too early, not too late
It's completely pointless to expect a very young child to be potty-trained: as long as they haven't developed sphincter control, they're simply unable to hold it. Conversely, when your child asks to have their diapers removed, don't let them wear them for convenience, even if there are accidents: if their desire to grow up is stifled, they risk regressing and becoming complacent in their role as a diaper-wearing baby. The transition to potty training will then likely be more difficult.
A gradual process
While some children become potty-trained overnight, for most this learning process is gradual. After removing your child's diapers, be patient and positive in case of accidents: it's essential not to get angry or put any pressure on them, which could make them resistant.
Summer is the ideal season to ditch the diapers: you can leave your child naked or lightly dressed and thus more easily clean up uncontrolled little pees.
Clean during the day... but what about at night?
Generally, nighttime dryness occurs a few months after daytime dryness. As soon as your child no longer has accidents while awake, you can remove their diapers for naps: they will most likely be able to hold it. For nighttime, check their diapers in the morning: when they are frequently dry, it will be time to stop using them as well.
Please note that your child may continue to need nighttime protection for a little longer without this being a problem: it is only from the age of 5 that nighttime leaks are considered enuresis. It is then recommended to consult a pediatrician.
The deadline for starting school
Is your child's first day of school approaching and they're still not potty trained? Try not to let impatience overwhelm you: often, the example of classmates and the desire to integrate into the group have spectacular effects, and many children become potty trained right at the start of school.
Furthermore, a few accidents during the first few weeks of school are perfectly normal: the teacher will likely ask you to pack a complete change of clothes in their schoolbag to prepare for this eventuality. In any case, don't scold your child: this will only complicate the situation. Tolerance, confidence, and encouragement are the best way to help them grow up in a harmonious way.
