A successful journey from nappies to potty

Teaching to stop wearing nappies and switching to the potty is one of the most important milestones in the development of a toddler. The prerequisite for successful using of the potty is the maturity of the child and the patience of the parents.

"At about fifteen months, the child is beginning to recognize that "something is happening" and is able to let us know about it. This is the ideal time for learning to sit on the potty. Keep in mind that every child is different. Some learn faster, others slower, and while one learns it without difficulty already at 18 months, the other is not able to handle the potty until 36 months. Controlling the rectum and bladder is a great advance in the development of a toddler. This is a natural ability, the same as when the child learns to walk. However, you need to give them the support and the opportunity to apply and develop the skills gained from natural development and maturation.

 By premature sitting on the potty, the child is exposed to unnecessary stress. The attempt to show off in front of our friends and acquaintances how brilliant our child is does not have to be crowned with success. In the worse case, this may even have an unpleasant effect on your child and its further development and behaviour, "says the paediatrician, MUDr. Martin Gregora.

How to do it or the Potty Decalogue

1.    The child usually learns to use the potty sometime from fifteen months to three years.

2.    It is not recommended to start earlier because children still do not have a well-developed body structure.

3.    The following signals will tell you the right time: The child begins to realize that it has a wet nappy or that it is peeing. Or, possibly, it asks for changing the nappy or for using the toilet.

4.    If the child does not want to cooperate, punishment, fuss or uncomfortable pressure will not help. Patience, tranquillity and positive attitude will be the best in this case.

5.    Kindness is the best policy. If everything goes well, praise the child. If an accident occurs, encourage the child so as to be successful in the future.

6.    Do not compare the skills of your children with your friends' children. Every child is unique. It develops at a different pace.

7.    Boys usually take more time to learn than girls do.

8.    In the period of learning, choose a simple, easy-to-wear outfit which the kids put on and take off easily. This helps to avoid unnecessary nervousness.

9.    Choose a toilet or a potty and stick to your decision. Do not be tempted to get back to nappies.

10.    Try the Pull-Ups training panties. They will help you and your children to cope with the period of changeover to the potty quickly and in comfort. Pull-Ups are special stretch panties designed to look and function as real underwear. They can be simply taken off and put on as regular panties, but they do not leak.  In addition, they motivate children to start using the potty.