Should I potty train or toilet train my child?

It depends when you start training them. I started my three children when they were 6 months old. They were able to sit up, and not run away! If you start at a young age, like 6 months old, use a potty, it is safer, as I once had a child fall off the toilet. However, if you start later (around age 3), when they are more stable using a step stool, transitioning directly to the toilet may be a better option.

Why choose potty training?

Some reasons of why I chose the potty, or some benefits of using the potty that I have discovered:

More stability: using the potty allows them to keep their feet on the floor, which increases their sitting stability.
Easier access to toys: using the potty allows them to play with the toys more comfortably
Potty is more portable and flexible: My husband brought the potty into the room and put them on it before we go to bed. Children can pee while they are half-asleep when you put them on the potty. My husband diligently did this for our first two children. Our youngest skipped this step because she naturally stayed dry through the night.
Convenient for parent: you can sit on the floor next to the potty and entertain them while they do their business. Plus you can sit on the toilet and they can sit next to you on the potty

When did I start toilet training?

I started using a toilet seat for my first child when my second child started using the potty. One can be on the toilet, and one on the potty, at the same time, in the bathroom.

Benefits of using the toilet right away if you decide to do so:

Flush & Go : You do not have to clean the potty.
Familiarize earlier : Your child will get use to using the toilet right away.
Requires step stool readiness : Note that they need to be able first to use a step stool, so you can't start training a 6 month old with the toilet.
Fix place for business : Toilet is where business is done, it is not portable which makes toilet routine easier.

Key Takeaways for potty training.

As a mother, you can decide what suits you the best.

If you have two or three small children undergoing the training, one may use the potty while the older one transitions to the toilet.

To potty train a child depends more on if you are ready as a mother to put an effort more that if the child is ready to be trained.

Remember, in some cultures, babies are trained from birth (e.g., Chinese-style toilet training).

Make Potty Training Easier with Personalised Potty Training Book from Bespoke Children Books!

Lastly, as I know this is a daunting task for first time mothers, Viona and I have prepared a personalised toilet training book for your child.

How does a personalised potty training work?

Features your child’s name & face—helping them mentally prepare.
Shows them successfully using the potty before they start.
Makes training easier, fun, and stress-free.

If you prefer a personalised book for effective potty training, here it is.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When to start potty training or toilet training a toddler?

It depends on their age. 6 months to 2.5 years old, I suggest start with using the potty. 2.5 years old and above, train them to use the toilet directly.

When do I start potty training?

You can start when you are mentally ready for the work that is required. I used the morning, noon and evening routine. I put them on the potty after meals.

Which is easier, potty training or toilet training?

From my experience, both are equally easy. It is easier if you start training them early before they could walk away from the potty.

Should I wake my child to pee at night?

My father put us on the potty before he goes to bed every night when we were still toddlers. We were five siblings!! My husband did the hard job for our three children. You will be surprise, kids can pee when they are sitting and asleep.

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