Pre-Potty Training tips – before you start

Pre-Potty training can be important to help lay the groundwork for potty training. Potty Training can be a pretty momentous time as your baby transforms into a “big boy” or “big girl”. Many parents fear this time, but with our tips and some planning you will be sure to conquer this milestone too. A lot of parents ask the question of when is the right time to start potty training, we cover all the basics to help you get started. A little encouragement can go a long way, think how proud you will be when your little one succeeds!

Pre-potty training timing

You need to decide if and when you are ready, choose a time that you and your partner are prepared. During a move or starting a new job is not always the best time to start. Look to your child for signs that they are also ready. Some signs include wanting to know what goes on in the bathroom, telling you that their nappy is full, being on a regular schedule, etc. Keep an eye out for the signs and begin when you are ready. Here are some tips before you start.

Pre-potty training must-haves

Obviously potty training includes some sort of potty. Bambino has a range of potty training products that will help make this process a lot easier.

• Potty:

The simplest version is a stable base potty, made from durable plastic. The portable seat is comfortable and easy to use to encourage little ones to potty train. The seat has a built-in backrest for extra support and added comfort. The other benefit is that you can move this from room to room.

 

• Training Seat

The Bambino Toilet Training Seat is a good option to give your child a sense of confidence and security while potty training. The seat is one piece with no separate parts so that it fits easily onto most toilets and is very easy to use. The seat is comfortable and easily fits onto your toilet so your little one can learn how to use a toilet with no mess. The training seat includes a splash guard for boys. Hygienic, easy to clean and safe to use, the training seat secures without slipping.

It can be easier to include a Step Stool so that your little one can easily reach the toilet on their own.

 

 

• Step Toilet Trainer:

This is a kind of all in one solution that combines the toilet trainer seat with the step stool. The Bambino Step Toilet Trainer helps to encourage early independence and makes toilet training easy. The seat is sturdy, safe and comfortable for your little one. The feet and step are height adjustable to fit any standard toilet. The Step Toilet Trainer folds compactly for easy storage.

• Big Kid underwear

As you transition from nappies to underwear, it can be fun to let your little one choose their own pair. We found that using the inclusion of Spiderman was a great incentive to make the switch! Many parents also advocate the naked method of potty training so that you can stop accidents as they happen. At the very least be prepared for your little one to be pants-free and expect a few accidents.

• Reward chart / Praise

Many parents prepare for potty training with the inclusion of a reward chart and some small “prizes”. The most important part is to celebrate every success and encourage your little one. If you are excited, they will also be excited and be proud when they don’t have an accident. Pre-potty training gives you time to decide how you are going to go about this.

• Cleaning supplies

Stock up on cleaning supplies pre-potty training. As we said – there will be accidents.

Pre-potty training tips:

• Set out the potty training items early

Never force your child to use the potty before they are ready, these tips are designed pre-potty training. By putting out the potty training items from when your little one can walk they become used to them. Let your child play with the potty, practice sitting on it. This will satisfy their curiosity so they are comfortable when you start potty training. When you do start potty training it won’t be such a big deal and you can use the potty for its intended purpose.

 

• Take note of the cues when going potty

Learn what expressions your child makes and then check their nappy. Watch if they pause, make a stern expression, go to a remote place. Just by observing their behaviour you will determine the cues and patterns to be able to figure out when they need to go. Instead of guessing when they need to go, you will see the cues and begin to anticipate. They may have different cues for number ones compared to number twos so see if you can work out the difference.

 

• Talk to them

When you can see the cues, ask them whether it’s time to poop or pee. Use language that you are comfortable with so that they can begin to talk about their needs. By introducing language pre-potty training your child will begin to associate language with what their body is doing. Later on they can then learn to act and this will make it easier to potty train. Hopefully they begin to open up making it easier for you to know when they need to go.

 

• Role Model

Children learn best from imitation, so invite them to go to the bathroom with you. Create an open forum by asking them if they would like to come with. Never force them. By watching you they will quickly learn the basics of potty training.

 

• Practice pulling up clothes together

While you are changing nappies encourage your little one to help them pull up their pants with you. Verbalise what you are doing and talk them through the steps that you take. They do not have the motor skills or co-ordination to do it on their own yet, but this pre-potty training tip will help later. Verbalising is a way to scaffold little ones toward doing things themselves.

Follow our blog for more Potty Training tips and let us know how your potty training adventure goes.