A childcare expert who has worked with celebrity families has revealed the tips every parent needs to know before potty training their child.
Amanda Jenner, 46, from Portsmouth, is the founder of My Carry Potty and has worked with the children of Amy Childs, Charlotte Tilbury and Lily Cole.
Speaking to FEMAIL, she revealed the four signs every parent should look out for that indicate a child is ready to potty train – and revealed her step-by-step guide on how to approach it.
She also revealed the dos and don’ts every parent should keep and mind and bust the common myths you might have head.
She added: ‘As an expert, I would say potty training isn’t a simple task and that it can’t be done overnight. The key to the whole process is being prepared and picking the correct time to start and making sure your little ones are ready too.’
Amanda Jenner, 46, from Portsmouth, who is the founder of My Carry Potty and has worked with the children of Amy Childs, Charlotte Tilbury and Lily Cole, has revealed her top tips on how to potty train your little ones. Pictured, stock image
FOUR SIGNS THEY’RE READY
Amanda said there are key moments every parent can look out for that will indicate a child is ready for potting training
Dry nappies: ‘Noticing nappies are dryer during the day is an indication that their muscles have developed which will lead to fewer accidents.’
Removing wet nappies: Removing their nappy as they feel uncomfortable when it is wet is a good sign that they are starting to feel the wetness and want it removed.
Recognising their bodily functions: Understanding when they are urinating or excreting is a good sign because it means they are starting to understand their body
Independence in daily activities: Amanda said: ‘If your toddler is showing independence i.e. dressing and undressing it shows they are moving onto their next key stage of development and you will often find this really does help potty training as they are keen to do things on their own.’
THE DOS AND DON’TS OF POTTY TRAINING
DON’T: Start too early – you know your child better than anyone else, make sure your little one is showing all the signs of readiness.
Amanda Jenner (pictured), who is the founder of My Carry Potty, has worked with the children of everyone from Amy Childs, Charlotte Tilbury and Lily Cole
DO: Start is when your little one is showing all the signs of readiness. ‘Do not wait until the summer, if they are showing signs of readiness go with it.’
DON’T: Begin if there’s some sort of change – such as if your toddler isn’t well, there’s new baby in the family, you’ve just moved home, started a new nursery, or there are problems within the family home.
DO: ‘Transition from nappies to pants so its stops confusion, and make sure to take your potty/toilet trainer seat out and about with you when you leave the home to keep everything consistent.’
DON’T: ‘Put a time limit on it – every child is different and develops at their own pace some may take a week some may take a month to become dry.’
DO: ‘Try and keep to positive language, keep to upbeat and happy dialogue.’
DO: Get them involved by asking them to choose some of the items they will be using. You might want to think about buying a potty/toilet trainer seat, big boy/girl pants, step stool, reward system, child-friendly hand soap and a little plastic bin.
A WEEK BEFORE…
Amanda advises that the week before potty training is due to start, parents should educate themselves so they’re prepared for ‘every eventuality’ and are ‘not surprised by anything that may happen.’
She adds: ‘Also, educating your little one with a story or app so they can see and learn about potty training before you start, will make the whole process far smoother for all the family.’
THE DAY YOU START…
‘Pick a day that is good for you and your little one and there are no distractions as you will need to be at home for the first couple of days,’ says Amanda.
‘Make sure you make the switch from nappies/pull-ups first thing in the morning of the day you start, to big girl/boy pants otherwise it will confuse your little one.’
Amanda advises parents set up a fun reward system to encourage their little ones and to give them the element of surprise for extra encouragement and remind them throughout the day.
‘Remind your little one every 20-30 minutes whether they need to potty/toilet to prevent any accidents,’ she continues.
‘Parents expect a few accidents on the first day, this is normal as they are getting used to this new process. Remember to be calm and reassuring and try not to get frustrated.’
‘Give lots of praise when they do go in the potty or toilet – positive language is important.‘
Potty Training Guru and founder of My Carry Potty Amanda Jenner (www.pottytrainingacademy.co.uk)