Family Concerns

When you think about toilet training your daughter or son you naturally assume one particular item is an absolute must. That item is, of course, a potty. But, many families think that using a potty is unnecessary. They consider it an unnecessary middle stage. They prefer to go straight from diapers to the toilet.

So. could this method of toilet training be right for you and your your daughter or son? Let’s take a look in more detail.

Let’s begin by looking at the advantages of going stright from diapers to the toilet

The most obvious plus is that there is no dirty potty to clean.

Your toddler will like have seen you, or some other member of your family, go to the toilet – having followed you to the bathroom on many occasions. So the toilet is an item they recognise.

Your daughter or son is likely to feel happy that he is ‘just like mom and dad”.

Of course, if you are going to go straight to using a toilet you will need to buy an adapter ring to fit over the toilet seat. These are usually durable enough to last until they are big enough to use the toilet seat alone. You will also need a sturdy step stool so your toddler can reach up to the toilet. Some toddlers are happier if they can rest their feet on the stool whist they sit on the toilet. Both items are relatively inexpensive.

Some kids find the size and height of the toilet frigtening. Some are terrified they will fall in and be flushed away. Also ‘peeing’ in the toilet is noisier (more splashing sound).

You are likely to have more accidents if you use the straight onto the toilet method. When you potty train it is likely that you will have a few potties scattered around the house so that a potty is always close at hand when your child wants to ‘wee’.

Toddlers will have to use their hands to balance when they are sitting on the toilet. You must therefore make sure that the toilet seat is kept clean and is regularly disinfected. And, of course, it is the perfect time to teach them good habits by showing them how to wash their hands properly after going to the toilet.

Even if you want to use the ‘straight into the toilet’ method let your daughter or son have the final say. Don’t push them if they are nervous or frightened.

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