Potty training for girls is not as scary as it seems with these handy tips.
When it comes to potty training for girls, there are a couple things you need to keep in mind. Potty training for girls is a lot similar to potty training for boys. The main difference is that the tips and tricks that you will use will differ slightly. If you have a budding toddler on your hands, then we have got the right guide for you. Here is everything you need to know about getting your little one potty trained and out the door.
1. When Should I Start Potty Training My Child?
When it comes to potty training for girls, this is the number one question that many parents have. While there is no set answer, you do have to play it by ear according to your child. Many pediatricians and child specialists agree that you can start potty training as early as 18 months. Now for some children, this may be too early. In fact, many parents agree that the best time to potty train your child is once they start approaching the two year mark. For some children, it is best to wait until year three. However, by year four, you and your child should have at least begun having the potty training conversation.
2. Have the Conversation
When it comes time to start thinking about potty training for girls, then the best way is to start by having a conversation about it. Using your words, puppets, and even demonstrations talk to your child about using the bathroom. Explain to your little one why we use the bathroom, and when we use the bathroom. Some topics to talk about include why you should hold it in. In some cases, the topic will be why you shouldn’t hold it in. Having a conversation will allow your little one to understand why, where, when, and how. And like with all things in life. The sooner you can demystify the situation, the better your child will be equipped for handling potty training.
3. Use the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes time to potty training for girls. Depending on your child, the type of equipment you will use will differ. For some kids, potty training for girls is more comfortable when your little one uses a portable potty system. If you child prefers this, then set it up in the bathroom so to that they can get comfortable using the potty in the proper environment. For some kids, they will find comfort in using the actual toilet. In this case, you will want to get your hands on a child toilet seat cover. This will allow them to sit on the toilet comfortably without having to worry about falling in.
Here is another tip to make things easier on you when you enter the potty training for girls phase. Figure out your child’s favorite characters because they are here to help. With many potty training equipment, beloved characters and patterns are designed to keep children engaged. This will only make the equipment less scary for your child, but it will encourage them to use the bathroom as well. Shop Target online for a great selection of everything you need for potty training your little girl.
4. Mom, Take One For the Team
Unsurprisingly, when it comes to potty training for girls, moms are the best parent to teach the skill. Moms can be extremely helpful as far as showing their daughters how to sit on the toilet, how to use the potty, and more importantly how to clean up. Now, dads, this does not mean that you are off the hook. In fact, you can still help by encouraging your daughter to use the bathroom when the time comes. You can even help with clean up. For example, remind your child how to wipe herself (front to back).
4. Monkey See, Monkey Do
After you have talked with your little girl about how to use the bathroom, your child will be ready for the next step. The next step consists of your child taking everything they learned and putting it into practice. One of the best ways to do this is by letting your child learn how to use the bathroom. Show them the way a toilet works and walk them through the process of how to use the bathroom. For many kids, giving them a go at flushing will help them better understand what will actually be happening when they go to the potty. One of the best things to do when you begin potty training for girls is actually modeling the behavior. Show your little one how you use the bathroom and encourage them to do the same. After all, one of the main ways that children learn any skill is through modeling.
5. Use Picture Books
One of the best ways to help you with potty training for girls is through children picture books. Many picture books do a great job of teaching kids how to use the bathroom. This can be especially helpful if this is a conversation that you do not know how to have. Some great times to read your potty storybook is right on the potty. You can also read a potty picture book right before bed. Lucky for you dads, this is a role that is not just limited to mommies!
6. Go Shopping
One of the best way to prepare for potty training for girls is by taking your little girl shopping. Learning how to use the bathroom can be a daunting task. Ease some of this frustration by giving your little girl all the supplies she needs. You can start by investing in some potty training pants as well as underwear.
The potty training pants are great for starting out with. Not only that, but they can be a great transition from underwear during the nighttime hours. You will also want your little one to pick out some underwear too. The key word here is to let her pick out. When she picks out her undies, this will give her the autonomy and independence to want to learn how to use the potty all on her own.
When you are starting potty training for girls, each child will be at a different level. Because of this, some little girls will feel more comfortable starting with pull-ups and potty training pants. Other girls, however, might be more comfortable jumping into underwear right away. Whichever method works for your child, you will want them to take ownership of it. You can start by taking them shopping so that they can be the one to pick out everything that they need.
7. Be Patient
Potty training for girls is possible, but no one ever said that it would be easy. Whether you are mom or dad helping with the potty training, one trait will carry you a long way. That trait is patience. Your little will not only have a few accidents, they will have several dozens everywhere they go. Parents, it is imperative that you understand that this will be a natural occurrence. The best thing that you can do for your child is to be patient with them and walk them through how the accident can be avoided. Especially if they are at an age where they can express their feelings to you. When it comes to potty training for girls, patience can go a very long way.
8. Set Up a Schedule
With most anything regarding little kids, having a schedule will take them a long way. The same thing goes for when they are learning how to use the bathroom on their own. To help ease your child into this routine, you will want to set up a schedule for them. Set up times through the day for them to go and use the bathroom. For example, you may want to take them to the bathroom in the morning when they wake up. After lunch and before nap time is another great time to use the bathroom. Finally, after you give them a bath and before you tuck them into bed is another prime time to squeeze in some practice.
Keep in mind, your child may not want to use the bathroom during your scheduled times. In fact, they may not even need to use the bathroom. Regardless, you will want to stick to the schedule so that you can get them in the habit of using the bathroom. Not only that, but them being around the bathroom setting will ease any discomfort that they may have.
9. Don’t Forget About the Reward
One of the most important things you can do when you are getting ready to start potty training for girls is set up a reward system. Using the bathroom can be difficult. Each time your little girl uses the bathroom successfully, try to incorporate a reward. For small victories like sitting on the toilet, simple things like high fives can do the trick. When your daughter hits a significant milestone like using the bathroom all on her own, more considerable rewards are warranted.
Finally, for the significant milestone of going her first night in underwear without wetting the bed, consider a family celebration. Some celebrations include potty training parties, going out for ice-cream or even a potty training cake. Whatever you choose to celebrate with, make sure your daughter knows how proud you are of her!
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, potty training for girls can be a tricky if not daunting task. The next time you find yourself in the position of having to potty train your little girl, use these helpful tips and tricks. If you would like a more thorough guide to potty training your little one, check out this great read by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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