Dry at last

The step from the changing table to the potty is a significant milestone for children and parents. But how can you make the transition stress-free? Whether diaper-free, potty training or simply waiting - in this article you will find out which methods are available, what you should look out for and how you can lovingly accompany your child on the path to diaper freedom.

Between the ages of two and three, most parents ask themselves: "When is the right time to start getting dry?" In fact, there is no fixed age and no one right time, because every child develops individually. The best time is when your child is ready. Some children show an interest in the potty as early as the age of two, others need a diaper until the age of three or at night until the age of five. You can recognize that your child is ready for the next developmental step by the following signals:

• Your child wants to know what happens on the toilet.
• Your child no longer wants to wear the diaper.
• Your child feels uncomfortable when the diaper is wet or full.
• Your child announces when they have to go "wee-wee".
• Your child wants to flush.
• Your child stays dry for a certain amount of time, especially during the day.

It takes time for a child to be reliably clean during the day and at night. It is important for parents to remain calm and support development in small steps as much as possible.

There are various ways to help children become dry:

• Diaper-free: Parents go without diapers for periods of time, for example during the day, and instead pay attention to their child's signals. This method requires good observation and a little patience, but can lead to a very conscious approach to natural needs.
• Potty training: With this method, parents regularly put the child on the potty - for example after meals or before bedtime. It is important not to put the child under pressure, but to introduce them to it in a playful way.
• Combined approaches: Many families choose a middle way. They use diapers, but also give the child the opportunity to get to know the potty and use it if they are interested.

While many children dry out quite quickly during the day, it often takes longer at night. Your child must first learn to control the urge to urinate during sleep. It is therefore perfectly okay if your child needs a diaper for longer at night. If the diaper stays dry regularly during sleep, your child will be ready to manage without one. Here's how you can support your child:

• Remind your child to go to the potty or toilet in peace shortly before bedtime.
• Some children wake up at night when they need to. Provide a potty in the nursery or light the way to the toilet with a night light.
• You should not actively wake your child at night and take them to the toilet. This will keep the bed dry, but your child will not learn to wake up on the urge to urinate alone.
• Protect the mattress with a waterproof pad in case something does go in the pants during the night.

The path to becoming dry is an important developmental step for your child. Trust their natural development and stay relaxed. These tips can help:

• Recognize signals: Observe when your child needs to go to the toilet. Some children tap on the spot or pinch their legs together when their bladder is full. Others squat on their heels or start pushing when their bowels empty.
• Be a role model: Take your child to the toilet with you. If your child is curious, explain what is happening and name the excrement.
• Use aids such as an easily accessible potty in the nursery or a toilet seat plus a step stool or stool so that your child can reach the seat independently.
• Potty or toilet: Let your child decide for themselves whether they want to use the potty or the toilet. Many children want to use the toilet like the "grown-ups".
• Facilitate independence: Teach your child how to pull down their panties and sit on the toilet seat or potty correctly.
• If you need to go quickly: Make sure you wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off, especially at the beginning.
• Praise and motivation: Praise your child and celebrate small successes without being exuberant.
• A small mishap is no drama: Getting your pants wet can happen from time to time at the beginning if your child is lost in play, distracted or particularly excited. Don't scold them, but remain calm if something goes wrong. With a change of clothes, the little mishap is quickly fixed.
• Don't put pressure on your child: accompany them at their own pace with patience and empathy. Constant questions and early cleanliness training will not speed up the process of getting dry, but rather lead to shame and a negative attitude towards your own bodily functions.
• Do not make comparisons: You should avoid comparisons with siblings or other children. The transition from diaper to dry takes different lengths of time for every child. Stay calm if your child needs a little more time.
• Potty reading: There are many picture books to read together that address the topic in an easy and child-friendly way and playfully accompany your child on the way to getting clean.