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Potty training: is your child ready?

Could changing nappies be a thing of the past? Is your child ready to start potty training? Well, while some kids can go nappy-free from the age of 18 months, others will refuse to pee in the toilet until three years or later. It’s a hurdle that every parent faces, but there’s no point trying any toilet tactics until your little one is ready. It will be a more frustrating and drawn out process in the long run if you start too early. Look out for these surefire signs, and you’ll be on the dry run in no time.
 
 
Bladder control
If you notice that you’re changing less nappies every day, and your child is staying dry for at least two hours or during naps, then their bladder muscles are developed enough to hold their urine.
 
Keep it clean
It’s a great sign when your child announces that they hate their dirty nappies as much as you do – and can’t wait to get them off – and asks to use the toilet or potty. They may even start talking to you about being a big girl or boy, and wanting to wear pants rather than nappies. Even if they are just making physical or verbal signs of going to the toilet, they are ready to start training.
 
Getting undressed
Your child will need to be able to pull down their trousers (or lift up their skirt) and underwear before they can make that mad dash to the potty.
 
Regular as clockwork
Once their bowel movements become predictable and regular, it will help you know when to pull out the potty for those number twos – and avoid any messy accidents.
 
Poop & pee
Whether it’s kid-friendly jargon or formal terminology, make sure your child understands the words for bathroom functions and body parts before starting toilet training. A selection of storybooks are available that make potty training both fun and easy to understand.
 
Development milestones
Most important of all, your child needs to be able to follow simple verbal instructions, is in a generally cooperative stage, can sit still for two minutes or more, and can walk and run without wobbling.
 
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