Maternity

How to get your baby to stop using diapers: everything you need to know!

Getting your baby to stop using diapers is a stage that usually causes a lot of stress for parents – especially the new ones – but also for the baby, as we are interfering with their routine and changing their habits.

Generally speaking, between the ages of one and a half and three years old, the child is required to change or eliminate many of his/ her habits, such as breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pacifier use, eating, etc., so they have to change several of their habits in a short period of time, and this is something that can cause stress and tension. 

For this reason, we should make sure that we are as helpful and supportive as possible and listen to our baby’s needs first and foremost, without pushing them too hard. The ideal age at which your baby can slowly stop using nappies is considered to be two years and older. 

Of course, there are cases of babies who have stopped using them earlier, but this is the exception rather than the rule. In any case, such examples of babies in your social circle should not make you anxious, as every baby has its unique growth and adaptation timeline.

1st rule: Patience & resistance to setbacks!

A very basic rule of thumb regarding overall habits and parenting of children is not to set a double standard, i.e. not to return to habits that we have already overcome because we may have a difficulty at some stage of our efforts. 

In the vast majority of cases, this setback is due to the parents’ insecurity rather than to the child and their needs. So, it is important to feel confident with your choices and stick to them, after following the instructions of the pediatrician, obviously. 

The child is able to sense your confidence and certainty and gain security in order to move on to the next stages of their development.

Signs that show you that your baby is ready to stop using diapers!

  • The child has started getting dressed and undressed on their own,
  • They can devote themselves to something for at least five minutes, for example play alone with a toy,
  • The child begins to tidy up his toys, putting them back in their place,
  • The child understands and follows your simple instructions,
  • They have overcome the denial period during which they say “No” to anything you say,
  • They have bowel movements at a standard time of day (e.g. every morning).
  • When urinating, they release a sufficient amount of urine,
  • They can imitate actions,
  • You notice that they feel good when they are rewarded for something they have done,
  • They can remain dry for at least two hours, 
  • The child has started to understand the process of defecation,
  • Can name their need for peeing by using simple words (e.g., pee pee) and respectively for defecating (e.g., poo poo).

Potty Training & “accidents”: Helpful tips!

Potty Training & “accidents”: Helpful tips!

During sleep: Bedtime is probably the most difficult time for your baby to control his peeing and pooping, so, you can layer a sheet-type waterproof pad under their sheet. You can also use it in the stroller or in the car seat.

Outdoors: Undoubtedly, at some point you will have to take your baby to pee or poop outdoors, so it would be very helpful to have a portable potty with you. If your baby resists sitting or leaning on the bag that comes with the portable potty, don’t worry at all! There is a solution: an extra seat, a silicone attachment that fits over the top, and once used, it comes out and can be easily cleaned and then folded. If you don’t have a portable potty with you, you could try under a tree, or anywhere, holding them in your arms for assistance. However, the portable potty is the best solution.

It is better not to settle for easy solutions and backtracking, such as wearing a diaper outdoors or during sleep, because this will mean that the process is not working as it should. 

Don’t worry about any “accidents” you may have, and stay as calm as possible during this adventure as well. Good luck!

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