Potty Training - Tips

Just sharing some things I picked up from this 1 plus month of Potty Training experience.

Firstly, how do you know if your child is ready to go diaper-free at night? Check the diaper in the morning. If it's usually dry, you can give it a try. It'd be better if little tot indicates that she wants to go without her diaper.

How do we go about it then? Get ready a few of the following items.

1. Changing mat - There are a few types in the market. The plastic/ rubber ones make it easier to cleanup after accidents. The fabric anti-seep type provides more comfort for the child, but you'll need to wash it if she peed.

2. Training pants - I'm referring to the clothe reusable ones. Although it doesn't totally prevent leakage, at least it can hold more urine. Thus, your mattress will be better protected even if urine somehow flows out of the mat. Does MOST EXPENSIVE = BEST QUALITY? Answer is NO. COMFORT = GOOD LEAKAGE PREVENTION? Again NO. Happy choosing if you decide to get some.

Why not use disposable trainers? Then you might as well stick to disposable diapers. Don't feel that they help the child to be aware of their bowel activities once you decide to go for potty training.

What else to take note of? Try not to give your child any liquid half hour prior to bedtime. Even if you do let them wee just before bedtime, liquid does not pass through our body instantaneously. So, chances of accidents will be higher. Some parents wake their kids up in the middle of the night to wee them, I don't, unless Baby En wakes up on her own, as she can be pretty grouchy if woken from her sleep.

All the above tips are what I gathered from my personal experience. I don't profess that they are absolute answers but I do hope they are of use to those who have no idea how to start off.

Bearing in mind all children develop at their own pace, it might not be necessary to wait till yours reach the "correct" age to be ready. Baby En just celebrated her 2nd birthday 1 month ago. However, if yours seem slower than the norm, relax. This is not a race!