Diaper changing is one of those tasks that comes with the parental territory, but it’s safe to say that no matter how cute your kids are, no one does it because they love it. After those diaper-filled and sleep-deprived first years, most parents look forward to the day their kid can go to the bathroom all by themselves. But how do you know when it’s time to start potty training in Phoenix, AZ?
Every child is different, of course, but there are some telltale signs that your kid has matured enough to handle the toilet. Here’s what to look for:
- Gets upset about dirty diapers: If your child is going through a phase where they get upset about messes—whether dirt, crumbs or the general stickiness that toddlers attract—this is a good time to start potty training. Capitalize on their dislike of dirty diapers and show them there’s a better way (for all of you).
- Predictable bowel movements: Once your kid has predictable bowel movements, no matter what time of day, you can take the opportunity to sit them on the potty at that time and increase their chances of success.
- Fewer wet diapers: Physically, children aren’t really able to hold their bladders until about 20 months or older. When your kids starts waking up with the occasional dry diaper, or can hold it for a few hours, they’ve got the physiological capacity to start potty training in Phoenix, AZ.
- Understands potty talk: Not to be confused with potty mouths (another challenge entirely), when your kid demonstrates that they understand “poop” and “pee,” that’s a good sign that they’ve got a functional understanding of what their bodies are doing.
- Announces when it’s time to go: You probably know your child’s cues for toilet time, so watch to see when they realize it. Some kids gleefully announce the current status of their diapers, while others might look for privacy or make specific noises. This indicates that they realize what they’re doing or are about to do, so they recognize the physical cues. Chances are, you’ll know it when you see or hear it.
- Can undress themselves: Finally, for best results, your child needs to be able to undress themselves. You can help this by putting them in pants with elastic waistbands and transitioning to pull-up diapers. After all, if they can’t figure out how to get their pants down in time, you’re doomed to fail.
There are plenty of other tips on potty training in Phoenix, AZ from veteran parents, but the most important thing to remember is not to compare your child to others. Even if Brenda down the street insists that her nine-month-old uses baby sign language to let her know the status of her diaper, that doesn’t mean your child is behind. Use average milestones as a guide, and talk to your pediatrician if necessary.
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