- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
A Family's Guide to Toilet Training
Maintaining Consistency with Caregivers
By Keath Castelloe Low
Potty seats can also be a hazard. "If your child uses a potty seat, remind caregivers that your child must be carefully supervised even if the toilet has been childproofed, as falls from so high up are very dangerous and can create major potty training setbacks," Sonna says. She also recommends caregivers wipe up splashes on the bathroom floor before and after using the potty, as these splashes can make the bathroom floor slippery.
Lisa Cavanaugh of Columbus, Ohio, says that she found it most helpful to remind her son that his caregivers know where the bathroom is and are available to help him when he needs to use it. "It is also so important to teach sitters what a child's cues may be for needing to use the potty," she says. "If the caretaker knows what to look for, it makes it easier to remind the child when it is time to use the bathroom." In addition, many parents proactively check in with their child every half hour or so to ask if he needs to use the bathroom. "This may prove handy for caretakers, as well!" Cavanaugh says.
Good communication with caregivers helps ensure a consistent approach for children going through this learning process. Sonna sums it all up nicely: "Consistency is the name of the game for potty training!"