How to Use Training Pants During the Early Stage of Potty Training
Training pants are disposable underwear that are used to help toddlers transition from using diapers to wearing regular underwear. Potty training can prove to be quite a challenge if you aren't sure which approach to take. The key is to stay consistent and insistent once you believe your child is ready for the transition. Your child may be ready if he or she can answer simple questions, follow directions, and shows interest in the toilet.
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Instructions
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Begin a potty schedule. This means that your child should sit on the potty for a few minutes at a time up to six times a day. At the end of the few minutes, give your child plenty of praise for either using the potty or trying. Even if nothing ever happens during these sit downs, you are establishing the potty habit.
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Place your child in the training pants and show him how they can be pulled down and up like real underwear. Make it clear to your child that training pants are not diapers, and that being able to use them is a big step.
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Pay close attention to your child for signs that she is about to urinate or have a bowel movement, like straining or grabbing the crotch area. When you recognize a sign, get the child to the potty as soon as possible and have her sit on the potty. If she goes in the potty, offer praise and perhaps even offer a treat such as a small candy. If she goes in the training pants, empty the contents into the potty while the child watches. If she urinates or has a bowel movement in the training pants, tell her that it was an accident and avoid any discouraging remarks.
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Remind your child after an accident--and there will be accidents--that he will eventually remember to use the potty every time. Encourage him to let you know if he feels like using the potty.
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Allow your child to flush any and all contents down the potty when the time comes.
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Have your child wear disposable training pants at night--the Mayo Clinic notes that while daytime bladder control usually takes only a few months, but nighttime control can take years.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not push the potty training if your child can't get the hang of it. You can always try again a few months down the road.
