When to start taking off the diaper
According to the experts, to start the pottying business it is best to wait until the child is 2 and a half years old: at this age, he has in fact acquired not only control of the sphincter muscles but also a property of language sufficient to express his needs. Another useful 'temporal' evaluation concerns the season: in fact, spring and summer are the ideal periods, i.e. when the child is scantily dressed and peeing sudden, almost inevitable, it is faced with much more ease both inside and outside the home.What it takes to abandon the diaper
When the time finally comes, get yourself a potty and/or a seat reducer (there are children who experience them indifferently- mind, others who demonstrate a specific preference, and it may be useful to indulge it) and place them in the bathroom; it always works to have his favorite booklets next to him , so that each 'session' becomes more fun. Sometimes, it is an incentive that the potty is a 'loan', ie that it previously belonged to an older and admired brother or friend; if, however, this becomes a source of stress, then it is better to avoid: any comparison is always discouraged. Other items that can prove useful are diapers , practical to lift and lower when the baby monitor is not perfect, and sleepers or pipi sheets, to protect the cot from possible accidents along the way.How to abandon the diaper: one shot or step by step?
Every parent or expert has different theories on this point. In general, however, one favors gradualness : start removing the diaper during the day, when awake, often inviting the child to use the potty; ask him to tell you when he feels the need to pee and also to accompany you to the bathroom (direct example is always a great stimulus to learning). At first, leave the diaper on during daytime naps: when it's no longer wet, it's time to take it off. Later, also try sleeping without a diaper at night, always remembering, just before going to bed, to accompany the little one to the bathroom.
The right attitude
In case of bedwetting, sudden peeing while out walking, outright refusal to use the potty, don't get angry, ever : this phase can be frustrating for the parent, but keep in mind that it can be for the child too. To help him, rather, lighten up , avoiding blaming him, and encourage him to try again next time. Also remember that every child is different and only he can give you the exact timing ; it's up to you to listen to the signals (including being careful to avoid coincidence with events that can create stress, such as going to nursery school or the arrival of a little brother) and not to force the times : there are no time tables march to be respected, but the constant idea of supporting the child by instilling confidence. Based on Born Mom by Mattia Lerner
