Potty Training Baby..

Before you can get your child started on using the potty or toilet, he has to be ready. He must be letting you know either by words or actions - like holding himself. Look out for these signs before trying to train him to use the potty.

It's a scary time for a kid, don't put any more pressure on him by keeping on at him. And when he does manage it, give him lots of praise, even if it's a bit messy! The more relaxed you are, the calmer he will be and the better chance there is of success.

Let a boy choose whether he wants to stand or sit to have a wee - you may have to get something for him to stand on if the rim of the toilet is too high. He doesn't need a wipe after a wee unless it's gone everywhere.

Some kids don't like the potty and would rather go straight to using the toilet. Our daughter wouldn't go near a potty and wanted to use the toilet but just sat there without result. Then, when we gave up and took her off, she relaxed and wet herself. If that happens it is best to keep calm and say it doesn't matter. In the end we bribed her: we drew a picture of a pathway with stepping-stones and a picture of a dolly at the end of the path. We explained that each time she used the toilet, she would move along the path and after a few times she would get the doll. Amazingly she understood the concept and within a week she had her dolly!

You will also be interested in a new method of potty training which starts from as early as age 3 weeks!