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Potty Hygiene - A Clean Routine
by Chris Winicki, California
Each spring, cleaning is on the top of everyones mind. As you vacuum behind the couches and wipe out your drawers, theres no better time to teach your toddler a little spring cleaning of his own - potty hygiene. Below, former PULL-UPS® Potty Training Partner Chris Winicki, mother of three boys, provides insights for teaching your toddler some good clean fun…potty hygiene.
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and tidy process for potty training
Practice, Practice, Practice
"Hygiene is an important part of every trip to the bathroom in order to avoid the spread of germs. Its easier for your toddler to remember the rules of a germ-free potty process if you maintain a routine each and every time she uses the potty,"advises Chris. As long as you explain the potty process in a few steps, it will be easier for your toddler to remember what she needs to keep herself and the bathroom clean.
1, 2, 3
Try making signs or a door hanger to demonstrate the simple steps to keeping clean and maintaining this potty etiquette. "Illustrate sitting on the potty, wiping, flushing and washing hands. This will serve as a reminder of what to do each time he goes potty," suggests Chris.
Flushing
Toddlers dont always understand that the toilet should be clean after they use it. To help them remember to flush after each use, make it fun! Install a toilet bowl cleaner with green or blue dye - the transformation from clear to color will serve as an entertaining reminder.
Washing up
The most important, and often times most forgotten rule of potty hygiene is washing their hands. "To encourage a good spring cleaning and to make it more appealing for your tot, use child-friendly soaps,"suggests Chris, but be sure to keep an eye on them - sometimes kids can have a little too much fun playing with water in the sink!" Anything that piques interest in the bathroom is a plus during potty training - next time try:
- Animal-shaped or sparkled soap
- Colorful, liquid or foaming soap - many come in special child-friendly scents too
- Hand towel featuring your toddlers name or favorite cartoon-character
These tips are great ways to help keep your bathroom and your toddler clean. By setting a good example and practicing, your toddler will be on their way to pure potty success this spring!
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