A dad's guide to potty training - part one

"One day ... one glorious day my little champ won't need a nappy". That's what we're all looking forward to after 2 years (or thereabouts) of changing nappies, isn't it? Unfortunately it doesn't quite happen by itself (like very few things with children - apart from tantrums. Why is that ... anyway.) It's actually a bit of a journey to get to "fully toilet trained land" and as we all know, even the longest journeys start with the first (small) step. In this case it starts even earlier than that with working out whether NOW is a good time to start with toilet training.

Simple - when in doubt, check what others are doing. In this case we look to the French for some guidance ... apparently it's common knowledge in France that one shouldn't start with toilet training unless the child is able to walk up the stairs, upright and unassisted. I guess it's something to do with thigh / backside muscles? Well, who knows but a few parents swear by it. Other signs that your toddler might be ready are:

* interest in going to the toilet
* pulling down pants
* complaining about dirty nappies

You may also notice that they actually have some control over it. I.e. they pee/poo in certain situations or when you ask them to.

This is of course not an exact science so most likely you'll just have to start with toilet training one day. We have heard of toddlers who were fully trained before the age of 2 (RARE!) and others who still needed a nappy at night at age 4 and beyond. For some reason it seems girls tend to be toilet trained earlier than boys (?)

Where to start? There are obviously many ways of how you can go about toilet training - generally you will need to invest in a toilet-for-little-people solution that actually allows your offspring to go safely. Most common are potties or special toilet seats (and there are of course combinations and variations of the two). Initially you probably want to go with a potty (or something that is low down so they can easily sit on it).

Once you've got the gear it's a good idea to introduce your little one to the concept of "going to the toilet". We found the best way of doing this is to actually take them to the toilet with you. If you've got a little boy you can just pee in front of them (man style) and explain what you are doing. If you've got a little girl you may want to ask mum for help there. If mum is not around - just explain the concept to them. You might have to do this over weeks to establish a "toilet routine" without them actually going. After a while they will know exactly what happens when you tell them that you're going to the toilet. That's great - you've mastered step one!

Next - the first pee / poo ... to be continued.

-Stef