Potty training for babies

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi My Linh - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
There is no right age to start toilet training as every baby is different. The age of potty training is increasing day by day with the advent of convenient diapers. However, there are still many advocates of potty training for babies up to 4 months.

1. The concept of early childhood potty training

Infant potty training is teaching a child to use the toilet on his own or to sit on the potty with the help of his mother at an early age - usually between birth and 4 months of age. Some parents who use this approach avoid diapers altogether, and take their baby to the nearest toilet or potty whenever they think they're about to poop or pee. Others only use diapers at certain times, like when leaving the house or at night. By 18 months, most babies will "graduate" from this training - meaning they know when to use the toilet and get there on their own.
While the concept of infant potty training may seem quite new to many young parents these days, it is by no means a new idea. Before 1950, most children in the United States were able to use the toilet on their own by 18 months, and babies around the world were generally well trained before their second birthday.
Many people think that the reason babies and parents today stick with diapers for longer is partly due to changing opinions of experts, as well as the invention of super convenient disposable diapers.
In the 1950s, pediatricians and other experts started advocating for a way to give babies more freedom in hygiene instead of rigorous training. Since then, a growing number of experts have advocated gentler, child-centered parenting. They encourage parents to allow their children to go to the bathroom freely on their own schedule and only give up diapers when the baby is really ready.

This view emerged around the same time as the invention of disposable diapers. Modern diapers are so absorbent that babies don't feel uncomfortable because they're wet or dirty, and parents are more comfortable and easier to care for. In that context, it's not surprising that the average age of potty training has increased, instead of starting at birth as has been the case.

2. Advantages of infant potty training

There is very little scientific data on toilet training in general, but some of the advantages can be listed as follows:
Promotes parent-baby bonding Advocates of coaching claim Using the potty brings you closer to your child. Because you have to constantly monitor your baby for signs that he's going to pee or poop, you'll gradually come to understand his needs better. This helps parents to communicate with their children from the time the baby is only 3 months old. Advocates of infant potty training also often lead to attachment-style parenting. Specifically, the baby will sleep in the same bed as the parents, be breastfed for a long time and often be held in a sling.
More comfortable for baby Some argue that babies often cry because they are uncomfortable wearing diapers, including cloth or paper diapers. Training children to use the potty early can limit this situation, as well as help children avoid rashes, diaper rash.
Help your baby develop independent instincts As your baby becomes more resilient and starts wanting to do things on his own, it's easier to encourage him to crawl to the potty or go to the bathroom on his own rather than having to change diapers every day. day, especially for active boys, never lay still.
Reduce the number of diapers released into the environment According to the Environmental Protection Agency, disposable diapers take centuries to decompose, and the average baby uses about 8,000 diapers. Using cloth diapers will limit waste to the environment, but also consume other resources in the production and washing process. Reducing diaper use is not only good for the earth, but it also saves a lot of money on your family's budget.

Conform to the normal and natural In fact, potty training for infants resembles the old custom of women in the highlands, where they often carry their children with them when they go to work in the fields. Mothers must try to avoid being soiled by their babies by anticipating their baby's need to go to the bathroom. When a mother perceives a signal that her baby is about to poop or pee, she takes the baby away from her body.
To get the baby to the toilet quickly, the mother doesn't have to sit still all day and stare at her baby looking for signs. Once it becomes a habit, you will find this to be as predictable as predicting when your baby is hungry or sleepy.

3. Downsides of infant potty training

There are also many experts who doubt this method, and at the same time, it takes great effort for parents to successfully train their babies to use the potty. Some of the disadvantages include:
Takes a lot of time and effort The infant potty technique is more likely to be successful if applied as often as possible. So toilet training can be difficult if you and your spouse work full-time. Kindergartens and even those hired to care for children are rarely willing to take on this task.
Baby may not be physically ready Child development experts say, infants begin to fully perceive the sensations of the bladder or rectum at 12 months of age, and have only basic control their bladder or intestines at 18 months of age. In most cases, children under 18 months are unable to defecate intentionally, or even feel the urge to poop or pee. However, this ability will vary greatly from child to child.
Newborn potty training is a positive experience if done when your baby is fully grown. If it's done earlier before your baby is ready, it's probably not really beneficial.

Needs Patience Potty training isn't always successful, and many parents find the process difficult and frustrating. Some babies can use the potty for a few weeks, then have frequent "problems" again. There are babies who go to the bathroom without ever showing any warning to their parents. The pediatrician also notes that parents shouldn't feel frustrated with their children. For children who are not easy to train, this process can create negative parent-child interactions.
Prepare to clean up the mess During potty training for babies , problems with handling in time are very common. While proponents claim this method is less messy than using diapers, you need to be prepared to clean up when you can't get your baby to the toilet in time. Enzyme-based cleaners for pet waste can also be used for human consumption.

4. Steps to teach children to use the toilet on their own

According to experienced people, it is advisable to start potty training children from birth to 4 months. Because at an older age, it may take a child longer to learn because they are used to diapers. Here are the basic steps:
Monitor your baby and recognize the signs of going to the toilet. When and how often will your baby go to the toilet? Is there a specific time of day like right after waking up, or any specific noises, gestures, and expressions? When you notice your baby is about to go to the bathroom, gently carry her to the toilet, potty or even a bucket or basin that is small enough to fit her. While your baby is walking, make a noise he will associate with going to the toilet. Many parents use a prolonged "si" or "poop" sound. Repeat this sound whenever you see your baby about to walk and while walking. From there, your baby will learn to receive signals and connect with the action of using the potty. When the “incident” happens, accept the cleanup and keep your mind at ease. The parent's attitude also puts the child at ease about the process.

At night, place the potty by the bed and give it to your baby to use before breastfeeding or if your baby turns around during the night. Newborns rarely urinate or poop during a deep sleep. Therefore, moving or turning during the night is often a sign that your baby needs to go to the bathroom. At night, you can still use diapers, or lay your baby on a waterproof mattress in case something goes wrong. Flexibility to use diapers when out and about to make things easier. Use cloth diapers if possible, as today's diapers are so absorbent that babies often don't realize they're wet or dirty. Keep a positive attitude, don't use pressure or blame. Whenever your child learns to use the potty, practice it gently and positively, with a bit of humor if possible. The goal is to help your baby adapt and feel good about using the potty.

5. Is early potty training effective?

This depends on how you define "effective". If your goal is to use fewer diapers and give your baby an opportunity to practice an essential skill later on, the answer is yes. But if your goal is a little baby who will never need a diaper again and will never wet the bed or poop, the answer is probably no.
With successful families, babies seem to learn to read their body's signals and go to the toilet by themselves as soon as they feel sick. But there are still other children who will need more time to develop this skill. Testing is the only way for you to know which group your child is in.
If your main goal is to teach your child to use the toilet on their own earlier than the average age, you can try using popular potty training methods. However, if your child is not responding, you should probably wait until he shows signs of being ready.

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Reference source: babycenter.com