Is potty training driving you nuts? We’ve been there too. Here are four things to remember when you’re struggling to get your little one off the diaper train. Deep breath!
1. Bedwetting is common
It's likely your toddler will have accidents before being completely potty-trained. Many children who are trained during the day still wet the bed at night - it's normal, we’ve all been through it. Just remember that dry nights will happen when your child is biologically ready, which may be weeks or even months after they are daytime trained. Be patient.
2. Use helpful potty training products like mats
It’s not only you that is stressed about potty training. Just imagine, your little one can have fears of falling into a toilet, feeling uncomfortable, ruining a bed mattress, or a parents reaction. Use products that ease the process for both of you.
There is nothing like changing an entire bed in the middle of the night after your child wets the bed. Washable waterproof mats can be a big help. PeapodMats have been designed to protect the bed from all sorts of fluids. This helpful bedwetting & potty training mat lies on top of sheets with a grippy material underneath, so there is no need to worry if your toddler is moving around in bed a lot. Put it on the bed, on the couch, under a potty - wherever it helps you the most.
You can also invest in a child-size potty chair to help make your toddler less anxious. Invest in potties that your kid wants to sit on. Invest in stickers, tattoos, charts, or whatever your kid might find motivating.
Find what motivates you on this journey as well! You deserve a special prize just as much as your little potty trainer.
3. Stop comparing yourself to others
You are probably surrounded by many other parents - online and offline - who tell you tips and tricks that will magically potty train your toddler. The worst thing that can happen is that you try and none of those tricks work on your kid. STOP. And relax. Every child and transition to being “a big kid” is different - it depends on their bedtime habits, fluid intake, ability to hold and consolidate, sleep patterns and many other factors. Potty training can be a slow go, and sometimes it’s easiest to keep track of the successful training days so that you can see your progress right in front of you. Soon all days will be good days.
4. Don't stress too much
If potty training doesn’t catch on, ask yourself if you started the training too early or whether the training has turned to be too stressful for you. Children are experts at picking up parental stress. Remember that there is no shame in turning to an early childhood specialist to seek advice.
And while there are many uncertainties and I’m-done-moments during potty training, one thing is clear - no child is going to graduate high school in diapers.
Speaking of school - check out our Back to School & Potty Training post for some more helpful tips & advice.