What is conscious potty training?

Natural potty training is a process in which children learn to control their sphincters and begin to use the potty and/or toilet without the need for specific training.

The main characteristic of conscious potty training is respecting the child's time and rhythm.

It is one that happens naturally, autonomously and gradually. This means that it only happens when the child is ready to experience this process and stop using the diaper.

There is no established ideal age for potty training to take place, but generally the process occurs between 18 months and 3 years, depending on the emotional, cognitive and motor development of each person.

As conscious potty training respects the child's time, both to start and to complete, it is not possible to determine a deadline for it to happen, nor is there a specific method, as it only depends on the individual development of each child.

What are the benefits of conscious potty training?

The main benefit of conscious potty training is to promote the child's autonomy and avoid trauma and problems that may arise due to potty training carried out in a rushed or forced manner, such as:

• urinary tract infections;
• constipation;
• delay in the perception of pee;
• nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting);
• psychological traumas.

How do you know if your child is ready for conscious potty training?

Observe your child and evaluate these 3 steps:

1. The child is able to notice and let you know that he or she has peed or pooped;

When reaching the third stage, the child is starting to potty train. He began to discover his own body, understand what the urge to do is and how to hold in and release pee and poop.

The diaper must be left on and not removed!

Author: Dr. Daniela Amaral

General Pediatrician and Pediatric Endocrinologist