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If you can learn to read the signs that your child needs to use the bathroom, then you can get them to the bathroom quickly and encourage them to use the potty instead of going in their diaper. Common signals that a child needs to use the bathroom include: a change or pause in activity; squatting; clutching at their diaper; grunting; turning red in the face. You can help your child to recognize these signs themselves by asking them "Do you need to use the potty?" or "Do you need to poop?" as soon as you notice the warning signs. Encourage your child to tell you whenever they feel like they need to go. Be aware that some children will be reluctant to stop what they're doing, especially if they are playing and having fun, just to use the potty. You will need to encourage them and give them lots of praise to make it seem worth their while! Many parents recommend the technique of removing a child's diaper and letting them run around the house naked for a couple of hours a day. They will enjoy the feeling, while also learning to recognize their body's "need-to-go" signals, without the safety net of a diaper. Be aware that you will have accidents if you decide to employ this methodbut an accident (or 5) may be just what your child needs to realize the importance of using the potty! Don't act cross or disappointed when your child has an accidentjust clean it up calmly and reassure your child that they'll make it to the potty on time next time. If you scold them, they may become anxious about using the potty and start holding it in. Many parents dislike using pull-up diapers because they are now so absorbent that a child cannot tell if it is wet or not. Without some feeling of discomfort, they will not be able to learn their body's signals and make it to the bathroom on time. If the child is naked, or wearing cloth underwear however, there will be no mistaking the need to go! Using the potty needs to become a normal and natural daily activity for your child, and the best way to make this happen is to incorporate potty time into their pre-existing daily routine. Sit them on the potty after they brush their teeth each morning, or before their nightly bath. Do this every day and night, without fail, and your child will soon be hopping on the potty all by themselves! Instruct your child on how to wipe themselves properly with toilet paper before they hop off the potty. Make it easier for them by always leaving a roll of toilet paper (maybe the decorated kind!) beside the potty. Show them how to wipe from front to back. This is particularly important for girls in particular, who should always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria and getting an infection. They will probably still need help wiping for some time, especially after a number two, but is good to get your child into the habit of trying. Once they are done, let your child do the honors of flushing the toilet and wave goodbye or cheer as everything gets flushed away. Congratulate your child on a job well done! Children are usually impatient to get back to the important business of playtime once they are finished with the potty, but you must make sure to emphasize how important it is for your child to wash their hands before leaving the bathroom. To encourage hand washing, get your child a step stool so they can easily reach the sink and buy some children's antibacterial soap in a bright color that they will enjoy using. Teach your child to sing a song while they wash, so they will not be tempted to wash too quickly. Get them to sing the alphabet when they start washing their hands and tell them they can only stop when they get to the letter Z!
Learn your child's "need-to-go" signals. Let your child go nappy-free for an hour or two a day. Make using the potty part of the morning or nighttime routine. Show your child how to wipe correctly and flush the toilet. Remind your child to wash their hands after they use the potty.