Montessori Potty Training

Sensitive Period for Potty Training (Toilet Teaching, Learning)

When my oldest child was 18 months old, my pediatrician told me that the easiest time to start potty training was between the ages of 18 months to 2 ½ years old. I think that many toddlers are ready to learn at this age because they are becoming very independent people. He also told me if you introduce toliet training before the "terrible twos," the easier it is to potty train your child.
Dr. Bob had always encouraged his patients to use cloth diapers, even though disposable diapers were very easy to buy and use. He explained that cloth diapers show when a baby is wet and because of that, baby would notice and mom would change the baby into a dry cloth diaper. The feeling of dry diapers would become more of a constant as your baby matured. In fact, a wet diaper would eventually become more uncomfortable.
Dr. Bob even disliked anything plastic covering a baby’s bottom. So I would double the diapers at night. My Norwegian relatives sent me wool and cotton pants or soakers to put over the diapers, and I used these instead of plastic pants. I like the woolies the best because they keep a baby warm in cold weather and cool in the summer. I know that pants that hold diapers in place can be found in most stores.
When my baby kept dry for several hours and showed an interest in the functions of the bathroom, I started toilet education. Children learn this by observation. Let boys watch their dads or male relatives in the bathroom. Also, encourage your toddler start slowly at first by sitting on the toilet for a few seconds or minutes at a time. Relax and take your time doing this. Timing can make this easier. Try letting your child use the toilet after taking a nap or after eating and drinking.
Here are some ideas we did to make it easier for the trainee.
1. Have potty-chairs or training toilet tops at every level of the house. I even had one in the back garden during the summer season.
2. Stay near home or a toilet during this transitional time. If you are not consistent, you can slow the process to the point of regression.
3. Only introduce and do toilet teaching if your child is ready.
4. Read interesting and relaxing books while they are sitting on the toilet.
5. The control of error during this time is not making it to the toilet. Don’t worry about these little mishaps; just put new underwear on your child.
6. Let your child pick out his or her new “big” boy or girl underwear.
7. Teach your child how to unroll toilet paper and wipe. (Front to back for girls)
8. Teach your child how to wash his or her hands.
9. Let your child flush the toilet when finished. (I think this was the greatest reward for my children!)
10. Let your child brag! They will be ever so proud!

The next sensitive period for potty training is usually around age 3 to 3 ½.

If you don’t use a diaper service, make sure you wash cloth diapers in mild soap and very hot water. Dry thoroughly.

Comments

Honey

posted at 6:33 p.m. on June 19, 2009

Our little one is 19 months old & was cloth diapered. As a mom to 3 who were all encouraged to train theirself the child that has been cloth diapered from birth has taught herself the earliest. LOVE cloth! And we love seeing a naked bottom running for the potty to 'poopoo!' Also, keep your child's bottom free when they are training. Having to take the time to pull pants down can cause accidents & hurts the child's progress. And, since panties/underwear are not made small enough, I found at Walmart no less, top & bottoms for 3.00. The little shirts are long enough to cover a bit of the bottom, but not so long as to get in the way of potty use. The little panties help her be more aware of her body & still protect her bottom from dirt when we're out running around. Also, be sure to put a potty in the back of the car. We use it everytime we leave the car & come back to it. I use biodegradable saks & tp so I can just throw any poop into a toilet & the saks into the trash or compost. It's great!

Shara

posted at 11:54 a.m. on January 10, 2010

Our son is 19 months old, and has worn disposables (which I hate) due to money problems (people will donate disposables) but was part-time EC'd. I showed him a new potty chair and that day he trained. He was just ready. He has had one accident (a poopy) in the last week.

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posted at 1:11 a.m. on October 29, 2012

My kid is of 1 year and two months. At this age I tried toilet training, but understood he is so small for that. I think what you said is right the best time is when he is going to be 2 year. Thanks for the info. I will wait for him to be 2.

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posted at 10:44 p.m. on October 29, 2012

The best time to start giving children the primary education for potty training is around 18 months to 2 and a half years. These are the basic steps that children needs to study during these days.

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posted at 11:07 a.m. on November 14, 2012

Hi, just wondering... is this the Montessori suggestion for potty training? thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Many Montessori folk do something like this However, whatever is best for you and your child is always correct!

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