Potty Training with Media Psychologist Emma Kenny

As a Huggies Pull-Ups Ambassador, I am lucky to have access to the support of TV Psychologist Emma Kenny.  You may have seen Emma on Good Morning Britain or read her tips in Closer Magazine.

We are just about to embark on Baby’s potty training journey and I thought it would be great to get Emma to answer some of my questions (and a few from my Facebook page too).

Hopefully, Emma’s advice will help our journey progress smoothly!

What is a good age to start potty training?

Every child is unique and so is their potty training journey. What mums and dads need to do is not compare their toddlers to others and let them develop in their own time. When they are ready to start, they will let you know and start showing you the signs they are ready to begin. HUGGIES® Pull-Ups 8 signs of readiness is a great tool to help parents identify if they are ready to begin.

What signs should parents be looking for?

Toddlers will naturally start communicating when they are ready to begin. There are plenty of signs which toddlers will display such as saying when they have been for a wee or poo, or even asking to use the toilet like a big girl or boy.

Is it better to try to crack potty training in a set time, i.e. a week or a longer period?

There is no set time to potty train, every parent should start and be consistent throughout. Some children will get it straight away, others will take a little longer. What they need to remember is using a training pant like HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® will help them learn along the way. The new learning liner is a great edition and helps toddlers distinguish the difference between being wet and dry.

Is it a good sign if your child asks to sit on the potty, even if they don’t do anything?

Yes, they are starting to show signs they have an interest in the potty. My advice would be to let them decorate their potty which will give them a real sense of ownership. I remember with my own boys, they would sit on their potties and use them as hats, steps and storage for their toys.

Is it better to focus on being dry in the day, before thinking about night time?

From the very beginning of a little one’s potty training journey, it is important to be consistent and put them in a pair of HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® potty training pants during the day and HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® Night-Time at bedtime. HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® Night-Time provide extra absorbency and increased protection, ensuring little ones stay dry during the night without having to revert back to “babyish” nappies which can send mixed signals to your child.

How can parents be encouraging throughout the process?

Everyone loves praise and toddlers are no different. Don’t forget to reward them for any successful trips to the potty / toilet with a big hug. A simple ‘wow you are so clever’ will help them have a positive association with using the potty.

What would be your top tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible?

Not to rush the process, take your time and be consistent throughout. Don’t forget HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® potty training pants help make the process easier. The new learning liner allows toddlers to feel wetness for a few moments, before drawing moisture away. That way they learn the difference between wet and dry and can ultimately stay dry on their own.

Is it better to use a potty or a child’s toilet seat? Is it confusing to use both?

What works well for one toddler, won’t work for another. It is best to do whatever your toddler wants. Take them shopping for a potty to start with and have a toilet seat too.

Thanks so much to Emma for taking the time to answer these questions and I hope they have given you the answers to some of your potty training questions.

Are you about to start potty training?  Do you have any top tips?