Diapers are a hassle on the journey to achieving the big kid underwear milestone—what is the best way to get your child there. and when should they stop wearing diapers?
Make sure they’re ready
While parents may be ready, not all toddlers are on the same schedule. According to Mayo Clinic, when children are ready, they will begin to show interest in going to the bathroom, have a dry diaper for two hours or more, seek privacy when filling their diaper or talk about potty activities. Parents also want to ensure their child can pull their pants up and down independently, verbally communicate their need to go and follow simple instructions.
Strategies for success
Once they stop wearing diapers, children will vary in how they respond to potty training. What works with one child may not work with another. Don’t be discouraged—your child will not be in diapers forever!
Whether your child is at daycare or spends their days at home, we found strategies that caretakers use to encourage children to take the leap that you can reinforce at home.
Sticker charts or incentives
Once you’re ready to have your child stop wearing diapers and begin training, frequently offer the opportunity to go potty. Each time they sit on the toilet (regardless of the result), place a sticker on a visible chart so they can see their progress. The reward could also be a small treat or even just verbal affirmation. Getting them accustomed to the idea of sitting on the potty is the first hurdle, but encouraging your child with incentives can help.
Modeling behavior
Daycares sometimes utilize positive peer pressure to prompt solo potty time. If your child has older siblings, or you’re comfortable letting them tag along with you, explain to them what’s happening. You can also start with bits and pieces of the potty process, such as pulling their own pants up and down, tearing off toilet paper and flushing.
Pick out those special undies
Allow your child to participate in the process by picking out their favorite underwear and using it as an incentive. As you get further down the potty-training path, resist the urge to go back to pull-up training pants. They wick away liquid, not letting the child know they are wet. If you’ll be on a long car ride or without access to a bathroom, allow them to wear their underwear but put a pull-up on the outside of it to avoid messes in the car. This way, your child will know they’re wet but there’s still a protective barrier, and they’ve still stopped wearing diapers.
Go naked!
Consider blocking out a few days to stay home and let your child run around naked, pumping them full of fluids so they urinate frequently. Taking them to the potty every 30-45 minutes will give them plenty of opportunities to go!
Regardless of what strategies you employ, the biggest thing to remember is to have patience. Resist the urge to show frustration when your child does not go. Accidents are a normal part of the learning process. Stay consistent in offering the bathroom and eventually it will click!