How to help your child to put off the diaper

Is it time to remove your child’s diaper and you don’t know how to help him take the step of going to the bathroom alone? Maybe these tips will help you. After changing a baby’s diapers an average of six times a day for a couple of years, many parents wish it was time for their child to learn to go to the bathroom alone . However, they should know that the process is slow and frustrating in most cases; And although some children learn in a few days, many take several months in which setbacks generally appear and the dreaded escapes or accidents that put parents’ patience to the test.

Around one year of age, babies begin to identify that what they feel is the urge to pee or poop. Thus, some are ready to begin the diaper removal process at 18 months of age, but there are others who do not show the slightest interest until they are 3 years or older .

It is convenient to take into account the vital moment of the child , to avoid that he is also going through a great change in his life, such as a new nursery or the arrival of a new baby . In these cases there are more chances that the process of removing the diaper is more difficult and the ideal is to postpone it.

Knowing the process and knowing how to help you in this important step towards independence can facilitate the parents’ work and make it easier to achieve the desired goal.

AT WHAT AGE CAN YOU BEGIN TO REMOVE THE DIAPER?

As we have already mentioned, most develop physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months, although there are children who are not ready until they are almost 3 and even 4. As a general rule, around the baby’s second birthday it is usually achieved poop control. Daytime pee control is usually achieved between 2 1/2 and 3 years, and nighttime around 3 and a half. Yet one in five children still need diapers at night on their fourth birthday.

There are certain signs that parents can use as guidance. As they are:

– Begins to ask to go to the bathroom or wants to remove the diaper when it is wet.

– If you are upset when it is wet, you want to take it off or let us know so we can change it.

– Correctly identify pee and poop.

– Imitate when adults go to the bathroom.

– Holds three or four hours without urinating, sometimes the diaper is dry at the time of removal. This tells us that the bladder muscles are getting stronger.

– Is able to obey simple orders. And you can get your underwear on and off.

– Know the importance of hygiene.

The removal of the diaper must be a consensual decision with the child himself, who should not experience it as an imposition. Ditching diapers is not a matter of a day. Most parents raise concerns throughout the toilet training process about their children’s delays, complications, setbacks, or difficulties. Doctors and psychologists always advise the same: calm, do not rush, do not pressure, avoid tension and above all, patience.

HOW TO HELP YOU GET OUT OF THE DIAPER? WHERE DO I BEGIN?

The first thing is to talk with your child about the process and what is expected of him, as well as the benefits it will bring. The environment should be relaxed, understanding and without pressure, with the help of games and wipes, which are usually preferable to toilet paper at the beginning because they are delicate and allow a more thorough hygiene.

There are three stages that can help parents:

1. Let us know when you have already done it. In that case, congratulate him for letting us know and preparing hygiene items together.

2. Let us know when you are doing it. Do not scold him because he does not notify in time.

3. Let us know before doing it or give signs of wanting. Take advantage of the moment to ask him if he wants to go to the bathroom and if he has time to arrive with a dry diaper, we will help him to do it on the potty. Each time we will allow him to do it alone, simply helping him with whatever he asks of us.

SUPPORTS AND BUILDS CONFIDENCE IN YOUR OWN DECISIONS

THE MOST COMMON OBSTACLES THAT CAN APPEAR AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

1. My child refuses to use the bathroom

Children sometimes do not want to use the bathroom because they are afraid of it. The best thing you can do is help your child feel comfortable. Buy him a potty that he feels comfortable with and let him decorate it with stickers or write his name on it.

2. If I suggest he use the bathroom, he says no or gets angry

Sometimes saying that it is not his way of exercising power. Avoid being on top of him and do not force him to sit in the bathroom, if he only holds out for a couple of minutes and then gets up, reward him for the effort even if he urinates on himself later.

3. Pees but doesn’t poop

It is easier for children to pee than to poop, since the effort in the second case is greater. To help him, when you notice that he is pooping, take him to the bathroom so that at least he ends up there.

4. He does not use the bathroom at school but he does use the bathroom at home.

It is usually more frequent the first days because they do not know the environment or the caregivers. Experts advise not to give importance, but to make it clear to the child that he must use the bathroom when he feels like it no matter where he is.

5. After a while he urinates on himself again

Regressions are very common and any alteration in routine can lead to them. No problem, you just have to reinforce hygiene habits for a few days.

6. He doesn’t ask for pee but if I sit him on the potty, he does.

It does not matter much, help him by explaining that just as when he is hungry, he says it, when he feels like going to the bathroom, he must also ask for it.