How to Keep the Toilet Area Clean During Potty Training
Diapers are messy, but potty training can be messier. If you're ready to begin potty training your toddler, be prepared for some messes, because your child is still learning to control her bodily functions. However, you can demonstrate cleanliness for your child and use basic strategies to keep the bathroom presentable and clean during potty training.
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Things You'll Need
- Basket
- Toilet paper
- Flushable wipes
- Extra clothes
- Ziploc-style bags
- Potty chair, if desired
- Training pants or underwear
- Surface cleaner
- Towels
Instructions
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Set up a toilet training basket that has supplies readily available for you and your child. Having cleaning supplies handy for your child will help her know that keeping things clean is a part of the bathroom routine. Place a basket next to the toilet or your child's potty chair and include toilet paper, wipes, Ziploc-style bags for soiled clothes and clean training pants or underwear for your child.
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Demonstrate cleanliness for your child. If you're comfortable with it, allow your child to watch you go to the bathroom and see how you clean after you go to the bathroom. This can include wiping and making sure that the toilet seat is clean. Also show your child how you wash your hands and make sure that the counter is dry when you're done.
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Regularly spot clean the bathroom in front of your child. A child's bath time is a great opportunity to clean the bathroom while you act as lifeguard on duty. Spray and wipe down the surfaces and spot clean the floor. Spend extra time on the toilet. Narrate your activities for your child so that she can understand what you're doing and why it's important to keep the bathroom clean.
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Tips & Warnings
Boys are often known to make messes as they learn how to urinate in the correct spot. If your boy is having a hard time keeping his urine in the toilet, encourage him to simply sit down. Don't pressure him to stand up like older boys do.
Toddler boys will also enjoy playing target practice while they're standing up. This can help them keep their urine in the toilet bowl. Place a few pieces of toilet paper in the bowl and tell him to use his urine to "sink" the toilet paper.
To help your child sit on the toilet, consider purchasing a toilet seat adapter. These cushions sit in the toilet seat and prevent him from falling in. Some seats also come with a shield that connects to the front and prevents a boy from spraying the floor.
Toddler and preschooler-aged children usually need help wiping their bottoms after a bowel movement. Baby wipes can help them feel fresher; they also help you know that you've completely cleaned your child.
References
- Photo Credit toilet paper image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
