Wondering what is the right time to potty train your toddler? How to know that it is time to think about how to potty train a stubborn toddler? Well, there is no hard and fast rule for this. While some babies achieve this milestone as soon as 18 months old, other ones might take up to 4 years of age and both of them are pretty normal. Nevertheless, it is recommended to potty train the kid before starting kindergarten. 

Although potty training is a crucial milestone in a baby’s life, still you need to accept the fact that every child differs from each other. Where some children respond to the training quickly, some may have a hard time getting used to it. So being a parent, one should keep calm while handling a baby in this scenario.

Listed below are a few signs you need to know that your baby is ready to be potty trained:

• Fewer wet diapers

Your baby is most likely to be ready for potty training when he manages to hold his pee for a longer time and has fewer wet diapers than before. Typically, kids are unable to control their bladder until 18 months.

• Fussy about dirty diapers

At some point in time during 1-2 years of life, children tend to get fussy about their soiled nappies and want to get rid of them soon. This is the best time to start your potty training as the child doesn’t like to be diapered all the time anymore.

• Show gestures when they’re peeing

Usually, children start showing signs when there is a bowel movement and they are about to pee or poop at around 16 months of age. The signal can be as simple as sitting in a corner silently or scratching their diaper. This is also a good indication to start potty training.

• Understands simple commands

If your little one understands simple commands like ‘’sit on the pot’’ or ‘’go to the bathroom’’ it’s high time to train him.

Review this Article: Social development In Toddlers

How to Potty Train a Stubborn Toddler – 7 Tips

If there are a significant amount of signs that your kid is showing, here are the tips to pull off potty training in 7 days:

1. Introduce the toilet

Start taking your kid to the bathroom casually and let him learn about its use. Make toilet time fun by putting some of his favorite toys in the bathroom or singing lullabies to comfort him.

2. Follow a firm schedule

Children at this age follow patterns, and it’s easier for them to memorize them. So follow a firm schedule. Let us say take them to the toilet every two hours in a day, including early in the morning, prior to naps, and before you depart from the house.

3. Choose a potty seat

The marketplace is filled with interesting and enjoyable potty seats for the kids. Just choose the right one for your little one as per his liking. For example, if he loves a particular cartoon character, prefers to buy a seat with the same theme cartoon so that it will be quite happening to him. Also, make sure it’s easy to empty, fun, and adjustable as well.

4. Be patient

Potty training is pretty overwhelming and exhausting as a parent. There will be times when your child will make a complete mess of everything and you feel like hitting your head. In that case, try to be as calm as you can. Patience and consistency is the key to success.

5. Avoid bathroom battles

A number of children show tantrums while they’re being taken to the bathroom. It’s not the right practice to force them into the toilet. Rather, ask them politely and if they show resistance, let them be.

6. Switch to diaper pants

Diaper pants are basically kid’s underwear but with thick padding. During the initial days of potty training, it’ll be easier for the child to undress himself if he goes to the bathroom for peeing. In case he pees in the pants; it is washable and would not create a feeling of untidiness.

7. Offer dry snacks

During potty training, it’s important for the child to take an adequate amount of fluid in order to pee a lot. Therefore, offer a variety of dry snacks which will make them thirstier and he will eventually take more water. 

8. Be the example

Children are great mimics at this age. They will try to mimic everything they see their parents doing. So use this skill effectively by setting an example. Announce every time you go to the toilet and let them know that you also pee and poop. Create a scene by running here and there and finally going to the toilet. This way, your child will develop an interest in toileting.

9. Rewards and appraisal

Every individual, including babies, love rewards and appraisals. Even if it is as simple as clapping for them when they ‘’achieve’’ something. So keep praising him whenever he obeys the command and goes to the toilet. Clap for him and tell him how much you are proud of him. Also, you may reward him with something he loves, like offering ice cream, taking him for a walk, or putting on his favorite cartoon.

10. Don’t forget to teach hygiene

Potty training is usually a messy thing. But it should not give your child the thought of being untidy. Let him know the importance of cleanliness and good hygiene. Properly wash his hands every time you take him to the toilet, whether or not he pees. Also, keep washing your hands and use sanitizer so he watches you and learns.

Bottom Line

Children develop new skills with every advancing age. As overwhelming for kids, so is it for the parents. Stubber Toddler potty training is another major life skill that every child and parent goes through. Some children get trained as soon as their second birthday, and some might take time till kindergarten–and both are normal. Consistency, dedication, and the right training will get you success very soon and with little fuss. We hope you get a little idea of how to potty train a stubborn child toddler. Apply these tricks to your child and wait for good results.