Making the transition from diapers to underwear is an important occasion for both children and parents. For parents, it represents freedom from diapers and from the fear of mishaps; for the child, it's an important step toward independence.
When making this transition, it’s important to make sure children are capable of performing a series of complex steps: going to the restroom; sitting on the toilet; staying dry for hours during the day and while sleeping; knowing how to handle their underwear; being able to follow simple instructions; recognizing the need for the restroom and articulating it. Before beginning the process it’s important to ascertain that the child is interested, will appreciate positive feedback and is ready to imitate older children and adults. Due to the complexity of the process, parents should offer repeated explanations of the different steps involved and provide appropriate positive feedback.
The process takes much parental time, effort and understanding – with a lot of positive feedback, acceptance of mishaps and a great deal of laundry. Completing the transition can take months, although children succeed at first during the daytime and only later at night. Generally, girls make the transition faster than boys and firstborns take longer than their younger siblings.
The timing the transition depends on the child. It's important to remember that competition with other parents should not be a factor and that the age children make the transition is not connected to their intellectual ability or stage of development.
Tips:
· Before beginning the transition process, it is recommended that parents change the child’s diapers more often, so that the child would prefer being dry.
· Some parents find it easier to use a potty at first, rather than a device that can be placed on the toilet. If a potty is purchased, it's recommended that the child be involved.
· Encourage the child to sit on the potty fully clothed, while playing games or being read book, so that the position feels comfortable.
· Reading children age-appropriate books on toileting can encourage them to talk about the subject.
· Encourage children to express their need to use the restroom and pay attention to their body language.
· It is important for children to go to the toilet or potty regularly, especially after waking up and after meals.
· Keep a positive attitude even when the child misses. Using stickers and prizes can help.
· Dress the child in clothes that are easy to remove, avoiding buttons or complex zippers.
· Always keep a clean set of clothes nearby in case the child misses.
· Do not fight about this matter. If a child is not ready – postpone the process.
· Do not flush the toilet while the child is still sitting on it.
· Boys usually start urinating while sitting and only later while standing.
· Make sure the child’s feces will be soft and easy to expel by ensuring his or her diet is full of fiber. Limiting milk consumption will ease the process. If the child suffers from chronic constipation, treat it before beginning the transition.
· You can invite the child’s friends who are already trained to participate so they can set an example.
· Life changes can make the process more difficult. It is recommended that the process be postponed if a new sibling is born, you're moving to a new home, the child is starting kindergarten or a parent is going back to work.
· If the child is in day care, share information about the process with the staff, and use similar methods to encourage the transition at home and in day care.
· Children can start wearing underwear when they are dry, but don't do it too soon.
Possible difficulties:
· Temporary setbacks. These are natural, especially during the first stages of transition, and even after a child has been toilet trained for a while. Setbacks usually occur when there is a change in a child's routine. In that case, prompt the child to use the restroom more often.
· Bed wetting. Over 20 percent of children at the age of five and 10 percent of children at the age of six still wet the bed at night. If it continues for a long time, consult a pediatrician.
· Refusal to use the restroom. Up to 20 percent of children refuse to use the restroom, sometimes only in cases of feces. In such case, try to persuade the child one more time. If you are not successful, put off the process for a few months. Don't push the issue as this can have the opposite result.