Troubleshooting potty training – we answer some common questions
If you’ve started potty training, or struggled to start, you probably have lots of questions swirling around your mind about how to cope with tricky moments. We’ve reviewed the latest advice (based on scientific research into potty training and bladder and bowel health) [1, 2] and answered some of the most common questions people ask us.
Potty training is one of the areas of parenting which feels incredibly important, and can also be a little daunting. There’s a heap of information out there being shared online, by friends and family and by professionals. The quality of advice, and research, can vary enormously and can also become outdated quickly as new research is carried out.
Potty Power! Helping you prepare for potty training
As your baby moves towards becoming a toddler, you might find yourself thinking more and more about potty training. Whether this makes you shiver in fear, or jump for joy at the thought of no-more-nappies, there is lots of support out there to make the transition go smoothly. Read on to find out how you, and your baby, can start to get ready for when the time comes by embracing potty learning, and then potty training.
Potty training is one of the areas of parenting which feels incredibly important, and also potentially quite daunting. There’s a heap of information out there being shared online, by friends and family and by professionals. The quality of advice, and research, can vary enormously and can also become outdated quickly as new research is carried out.
Big news in the world of potty training! And you might want to read about it sooner rather than later...
We make a point of not sharing content which reinforces parenting myths, or relies on outdated ideas to make you feel you should (or shouldn’t) be doing something as a parent. We know our stuff, and only share advice which is well researched, and based in scientific evidence. Sometimes, we find we have to dig deep to discover what the science is saying now, especially when research can vary in quality or availability.
In some cases, we find the research can actually make your parenting decisions more confusing, especially when new findings suggest that approaches we have all been using for years might not be the best way any more.
Time for potty training? Here's the latest advice on how to manage it
“It’s time to potty train.” The moment many parents look forward to and dread in equal measure. On the one hand, no more nappies! No more dragging a changing bag everywhere! On the other hand, accidents in pants! Having to find another way to carry your snacks (and wipes, and gloves, and purse and...)! Teaching your toddler how to use the toilet can be daunting, so we’ve investigated the latest guidance (informed by scientific research) and gathered what you need to know.
Potty training is one of the areas of parenting which feels incredibly important, but potentially challenging too. There’s a mountain of information out there being shared online, by friends and family and by professionals. The quality of advice, and research, can vary enormously and can also become outdated quickly as new research is carried out.
Have you heard of Elimination Communication toilet training? Here’s a quick explainer...
The thought of potty training before your baby is even able to walk might sound wild, or even like a joke, but for some families, toilet training their babies from birth or soon after is normal, and even expected. In many countries around the world, and for some parents in the UK, babies learning not to rely on nappies just makes sense. Often called Elimination Communication, we’ve gathered some information about it here, so you can decide if it is (or really, really isn’t) right for your family.
There are many reasons people choose to toilet train their babies at a younger age than we might expect. It could be due to a lack of access to nappies, or washing facilities, or to reduce the cost and environmental impact of using disposable nappies.
Can it really be time to think about a potty? Yes, and it's not as scary as it sounds!
It might feel bizarre to see the words ‘potty training’ while your baby is still so small, but advice from ERIC (the UK’s children’s bladder and bowel charity) has recently been updated and now encourages parents to think about ‘potty learning’ from the time their baby can sit up on their own. Here's what you need to know now about this approach which is based on clinical evidence and research compiled by ERIC and their partners.
Potty training is one of the areas of parenting which feels incredibly important, and can be quite daunting. There is a mountain of information out there being shared online, by friends and family and by professionals. The quality of advice, and research, can vary enormously and can also become outdated quickly as new research is carried out.
How every child can thrive by five
Did you know that a simple game of peek-a-boo with your baby does more than make you both smile?
In this inspirational TED talk by seven-year-old Molly Wright, the interactions between parents and babies are explored. She talks about how connecting, talking and playing in your baby's earliest days helps to build memory, trust and positive mental health, as well as a great relationship between you both.
Watch Molly's TED talk on How every child can thrive by five here.
A leap of imagination – see the magic in your toddler’s tiny jump
It can be easy to forget how difficult small actions are for our toddlers, especially when we’re busy with the million things on our to-do list and they want us to watch them ‘jump’ yet again – and then they barely move at all! In those moments, try to take a minute before you move on with other things to marvel at how incredible their little jump really is.
To jump, your toddler has to coordinate and balance their whole body – this is no mean feat!
Why choose a balance bike first? An expert gives their reasons for binning the pedals
Learning to ride a bike is a big moment for any child – and their parent! It can also feel like trying to teach someone to breathe, it’s been so long since you learnt to ride a bike (if you, in fact, do know how) that explaining it to your toddler can seem impossible.
We asked Karen Wood, balance bike expert and co-owner of Kidvelo® Bikes, to share why she loves balance bikes – and why you should choose one too!
Busy crowds and curious toddlers – what to do if you lose your child in a public place
Having an independent, curious toddler (and their ability to move faster than it seems they should) means that your anxiety around being out and about in a busy crowd might be ramping up. This is normal, and there are plenty of ways to keep your toddler close – especially if they still enjoy a ride in the buggy! However, knowing what to do if your child becomes separated from you will be an important way to boost your confidence, as well as help you and your child if this ever happens.
There is no way to completely remove the risk of losing your toddler when you’re out and about, but there are plenty of things you can do to prepare them, and yourself, for the possibility.
