Changing the diaper from the infant is a stage that usually causes a lot of stress for the parents – especially the young ones – but also for the baby, as we intervene in his routine and “unsettle” him. More generally, the infant between the ages of one and a half to three years is asked to change or eliminate many of his habits, such as breastfeeding, the bottle, the pacifier, his food, etc. so he has to change several of his habits in a short period of time, and this is something that can create stress and pressure for him. For this reason, we make sure to be as helpful as possible and to primarily “listen” to our baby’s needs, without pushing him too much. The ideal age at which your baby can be slowly introduced to cutting the diaper is considered two years and after. Of course, there are also cases of babies who cut it earlier, but this is probably the exception rather than the rule. In any case, such examples of babies in our circle, should not stress us, as well every baby has its own growth and adaptation rates.
Cutting the Diaper: Patience & Resistance to Setbacks!
A very basic rule that concerns the habits and training of children as a whole is not to give them a double message, that is, not to return to habits that we have overcome because we may encounter some difficulty at some stage of our effort. This withdrawal in the vast majority of cases is due to the “insecurity” of the parents, rather than the child himself and his needs. So, it’s good to feel confident with your choices and stick to them, following the pediatrician’s instructions, of course. The infant is able to listen to your reassurance and reassurance and draw security to move on to the next stages of their development.
Signs that show your baby is ready to break the diaper!
- The child has begun to dress and undress himself.
- Can engage in something for at least five minutes, for example playing alone with a toy for at least five minutes.
- He begins to collect his toys, putting them in their place.
- The child understands and obeys your simple instructions.
- He is past the period of denial during which he says no to everything you say.
- Has bowel movements at a fixed time of the day (eg every morning).
- When urinating, he expels a sufficient amount of urine.
- It can be imitated.
- You realize that he feels good when he is rewarded for something he did.
- It can stay dry for at least two hours.
- He is beginning to understand the process of defecation.
- He can name his need to urinate (eg I pee) and correspondingly for defecation (eg I poo).
Useful learning tips that will make diaper cutting a breeze!
The most important factor to consider, when you decide to cut the diaper, is that it should not coincide in time with the cutting of the bottle or the arrival of a new baby and in general with some other important change, which can cause anxiety to your baby, but also to you. Anxiety could be caused to your baby even if you were to change an important habit for him, for example a change of environment or the person who looks after him, in case he is different from you.
- One of the most useful “tools” is that of consensus. Teach your child to let you know as soon as he feels it’s time to relieve himself.
- It’s time to get to know the potty or potty! To make the transition to the toilet bowl easier, the intermediate stage is usually a potty, a small child’s seat, that is, through which the child becomes familiar with the process. Caution! He doesn’t need pressure to learn to sit on the potty, but it does take a lot of patience to direct him there every time it’s “toilet” time.
- You can prefer a potty with music to make the whole process more pleasant.
- Potty training: It is good to encourage your baby to sit on the potty several times during the day, even with his clothes on.
- It would be especially helpful if for a while before the learning process, you leave your child naked, without a diaper, for at least 30 minutes a day. You will probably have some ‘accidents’, but it is the best way for the child to be able to understand where the ‘pees’ and ‘poops’ come from. In the event of an “accident” you should be very calm and under no circumstances argue about it.
- Pediatricians recommend summer as the perfect time to start diapering efforts for exactly the above reason.
- Be prepared that at first the child will not sit for a long time in the potty. In the event that this happens and he does not succeed, it is forbidden to argue with him, instead you praise him if he succeeds.
Diaper cuts & “accidents”: Helpful solutions!
- Sleeping: Sleeping is probably the most difficult time for your baby to control his urination and defecation, so you can layer a sheet-type sleep product made of waterproof material under his sheet. You can also use it in the stroller or the car seat.
- Outdoors: The need for the “toilet” will certainly arise for your baby and outdoors, then it would be very helpful to have a portable potty with you. If you don’t have a portable potty with you, you could try under a tree, or anywhere, holding her firmly in your lap to help her. However, the portable potty is the best solution. If your baby resists sitting or leaning on the potty bag, don’t worry! There is the following solution: An extra socket, a silicone part, which fits on top, and after use, comes out and can be easily cleaned and then folded.
It is best not to resort to easy solutions and back-and-forths, such as wearing him a diaper outdoors or to sleep, because this will mean that the process is not working as it should. Don’t worry about the possible “accidents” you will have, and stay as cool as possible during this “adventure” as well. Good luck!