Help your Toddler transition from Potty chair to toilet
Transitioning from a potty chair to an adult toilet can be one of the first major milestones your toddler will encounter on their journey to independence.
By the age of 3, most toddlers are potty trained. However, as preparation for preschool or having a bit of independence, it is best to have them transition from the potty chair to a regular toilet, as they might be in a place where potty chairs are unavailable.
The Benefits of transitioning from Potty chair to toilet seat
There are many benefits to having your toddler use the toilet; this includes
- Better access to social activities: Once your toddler is toilet trained, they can do more things with other children their age, like attending daycare or participating in playgroups.
- Health and hygiene improvements: An adult toilet seat is much easier to keep clean than a potty chair – this will help reduce the spread of germs.
- Independence: The most significant benefit of toilet training is helping toddlers gain independence and confidence in their abilities.
- Saving money: Potty chairs can be expensive, so transitioning to the adult toilet will help save money in the long run.
- Space saving: Toilet training also helps save space – you won’t need a potty chair.
The cons of transitioning from a Potty chair to a toilet seat
A few drawbacks come with encouraging your toddler to transition from a potty chair to an adult toilet.
These include:
- Can be Messy: Toilet training can get messy, especially during the initial stages when your toddler is still mastering bladder control.
- Inconvenience: Toilet seats can be high, uncomfortable, or too small for a toddler. You may need to invest in a potty seat insert that fits on the toilet seat to make things easier for your little one and a step stool for them to use.
- Fear: Some children may be scared of the adult toilet, and it can take time to get used to it.
When is the Right Time to Make the Transition
from a Potty chair to a toilet seat
Around the age of 3, toddlers tend to spend more time away from home and their parents, so this is the best time to encourage them to use an adult toilet.
Another good time is when your toddler expresses interest in using the toilet like adults.
Tips to Make the Transition Easier on Your Toddler & You
To help your toddler transition from a potty chair to an adult toilet, here are some tips:
- 1. Introduce the Adult Toilet: Ensure your child is comfortable with the new toilet before you begin the transition process. Introduce them to the toilet, and allow them to explore it on their own terms.
- Be Patient. Toilet training can be frustrating, so remain patient and positive throughout the process.
- Move the potty chair next to the adult toilet. This will help your toddler feel more comfortable and familiar with going to the bathroom.
- Get a step stool to help your toddler get on and off the adult toilet more easily.
- Toilet seats can be large and uncomfortable, so invest in a potty seat insert to make the transition easier.
- If you have an older child, involve them in the process. This can help make your toddler more comfortable and confident.
- Praise and reward: Don’t forget to praise and offer tips when they use the toilet correctly – this will reinforce positive behavior.
What to Do When Things Don’t Go According to Plan
If your toddler is struggling to use the adult toilet, here are some tips that may help:
- Address any fear. If your child is scared of the adult toilet, take time to address their fears and explain why they need to switch to an adult toilet.
- Take it slow. Don’t rush the process. Instead, allow your toddler time to adjust and get used to their new toilet routine.
- Don’t punish or scold them for making mistakes – this will only make them more anxious and scared of the adult toilet.
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage your toddler when things don’t go as planned.
- Stay consistent: Staying with the same routine and being patient – toilet training takes time and practice!
Toilet training doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right understanding, patience, and strategies, you can transition from potty chair to toilet, an experience that is manageable and beneficial for your toddler.
Of course, every child is different, so some help or advice could go a long way in quickly getting things done.