Potty Training
Training a little girl to say goodbye to her diapers and to use the potty is often much easier than training a little boy. The difference may be due to the fact that boys mature a bit more slowly than girls and are often more active and less compliant. As the parent of a girl, the most important gender-specific potty-training tip to remember to tell your daughter is to wipe from front to back, thereby helping to prevent any bacteria from infecting the sensitive skin of the vagina.
There are many methods for toilet training; some focus on a speedy switchover and some condone making a more gradual switch. But whatever training method you choose, remember that every child is different, with a unique personality and rate of development. If you have other children, keep in mind that what worked for one child may not work for another. Therefore, being flexible is the key.
When your baby girl learned to crawl, you removed fragile and dangerous objects so she would not break them or bump her head. Now you'll want to remove the Oriental rug or other expensive floor covering, or swathe them with plastic. There will be accidents — count on it!
Essential
Some people believe that using training pants that the child can pull up can slow the toilet-training process. They feel that the child will feel a bigger sense of accomplishment going right into regular underwear. But others believe these training pants are a necessary midstage to help the child make a gradual switch from diapers to underpants. Do what feels right for you and your child.
Next, build some excitement for the process with your daughter. Tell her that her body is smart and knows how to eliminate waste. But just like you put trash in the trashcan, she has to put her body's waste in a special place: the potty. Take your daughter with you to buy the new potty-chair and let her choose which model she prefers. Having a say will create excitement over the potty and make your daughter more interested in using it. You could also get your daughter a book on potty training so she will have an idea of what to expect, or have your daughter watch you or an older sibling use the potty so she can have an understanding of the process.
Fact
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until two years of age to potty-train a child, but watch your child for signs of readiness (an awareness of needing to go, the motor skills to dress and undress herself, the cognitive ability to understand directions) and interest in potty training. Some children may be ready to train earlier than at two years, and some may need more time.
There are several potty-training methods you can use, but you'll want to use the one that you are most comfortable with. Whatever your decision is, be consistent and know the following steps can help you:
Explain the functions of her body to your daughter.
Have her help you with the cleanup when she makes a mess.
Motivate her to be part of this wonderful new adventure.
Be consistent. Potty training is a process.
