Should you encourage your child to use the toilet from the beginning? Or should you start with a potty?

A toilet with a toddler seat is easier for you. Your child has to climb up and down from the toilet when using it, so make sure you have a step.

The toilet of terror!
Some toddlers are afraid that they will fall in, get flushed away, or that something lurks in the toilet bowls that may bite their bottom.

Older siblings may have a role to play in creating these fears... A potty is more child-friendly. With feet firmly on the floor, your toddler can sit and look at a book while waiting for something to happen.

Accidents will happen
Children are bound to have 'little accidents' during potty-training. When this happens, your toddler may be very distressed so deal with it without any fuss.

Once you decide to start toilet training and your child is responsive, persist even if you are away from home or on holiday. Accidents may happen away from home, especially if children are involved in play. Take a change of clothing but don't revert to nappies.

Make it easy
Dress your child in easy-to-remove clothing with elastic waistbands and no awkward buttons or fasteners. Don't forget the time of year. Remember removing summer clothes in a warm bathroom is easier than taking off layers of winter clothes on a freezing day.

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