Potty training: When to start
Month 19
You've
probably already changed thousands of dirty diapers. You are more than ready
for your little one to start potty training. But is she ready?
Going
to the toilet seems easy. But the baby requires a coordinated combination of
skills that he may not yet have.
Here's
what your child needs to know before potty training:
- How it feels when she needs to use the bathroom
- How to connect that feeling with the need to use a toilet
- How to make it to the bathroom without getting distracted along the way
- How to walk to the potty, take off her pants and sit down
- When to tell a parent or caregiver that she needs to use the potty
Many
children may not be ready to start potty training until they are 2.5 or 3 years
old. But you can at least lay the groundwork; remember, this is not a race, but
another milestone that changes with age.
Start
talking about the body and the process of going to the toilet. Put her on the
potty so she's comfortable by the time she's ready to begin training. She may
also find it helpful to watch a parent or other children use the toilet.
Potty
train your child. Have her sit on the toilet, play with toilet paper, read a
story, or flush the toilet and watch the water swirl around the toilet.
Your baby's development this month
When
your little one throws a ball or sticks a round peg into the hole, he's not
just playing. She is learning important skills that will help her develop and
grow.
The playtime
teaches children:
- Physical skills like balance and coordination that will help them run, jump, and kick
- Fine motor skills, including how to grasp small objects and fit them together
- How to explore and use their imagination
- Encourage these skills by making creative play a big part of your child's day.
19 month development tips
- Spend 30 minutes each day doing something together. Also give your child an hour of free play (it doesn't have to be all at once) so they can explore on their own - supervised of course.
- When shopping for shoes, look for comfortable sneakers or walking shoes that fit your child well, support the feet and ankles, yet are flexible enough for their feet to move and breathe.
- Make sure your child is comfortable with the potty. Have her sit on the toilet, play with toilet paper, read a story, or flush the toilet and watch the water swirl around the toilet. But never leave her alone near the toilet. There is a real risk that she will fall and drown with her head submerged.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a minute, even with an older sibling.
- If you have older children, be sure to give them special time each day so no one feels left out.
- Remember, you need to rest and recharge. Obviously you don't have much time. But even a few deep breaths can help.
- Simplify your breakfast. Fill your pantry and fridge with healthy, easy-to-prepare breakfast items like whole grains, wheat bread, and fruit.
- Make sure your home is childproof. Put locks on all cabinets. Remove dangling cords and outlets. Keep the handles of the pots on the stove facing inward. Keep bathroom and bedroom doors closed. Place a baby gate on the stairs (up and down). Be on the lookout for choking hazards and be sure to block all cleaning products.