Potty training in the summer – The sun has made a few appearances in the Netherlands, leaving us wanting more. It’s the time of year when the days are longer, temperatures rise, and we spend more time outside with our children. It’s also a great time to start potty training with your child if they are ready for it. Not sure if you can start? Take the test over here.
We often get asked by parents whats the best time to potty training, in the winter or the summer. In reality, it doesn’t matter as long as you can dedicate the time and focus on teaching your child to become potty trained. However, in this blog, we highlight a few reasons why starting potty training in the summer can be a good season to start.
1. It’s easier to go outside together
In the summer, most children love playing and spending time in the garden, playground, or even the park with friends. If you start potty training in the summer early, you can take advantage of this extra space and spend plenty of time outdoors. It’s much easier to go out when your child can indicate they need to use the potty. You don’t have to change nappies, and you can use (public) restrooms with your child.
2. Summer clothing is more airy
In the summer, we wear lighter clothing like shorts, dresses, and skirts. This makes it much easier to quickly change your child’s clothes if needed or to make a quick trip to the potty. It’s also less troublesome if there’s an accident because summer clothes dry faster and don’t smell as bad compared to an accident in thick winter outfits with multiple layers. A quick visit to the potty, and back to playing!
3. More time and less stress when potty training in the summer
During the summer (holidays), we often have more free time and are less stressed – vitamin D does wonders for everyone. Many parents also have a long vacation with their children in the summer, allowing them to spend more time on potty training. This means less rush to get to school or daycare and more time to help your child get used to the potty or toilet.
During school holidays, you often have only 7 to 14 days to practice, and some parents still feel pressured if it doesn’t go well. Make sure to start during a period when there aren’t too many exciting things happening, such as going on vacation or a day trip. This can cause accidents or setbacks – planning is key!
4. Kids move more in the summer
In the summer, everyone is usually more active, and most kids play outside. Lots of movement is not only healthy but also promotes good bowel movements, making peeing and pooping easier. In warm weather, children also drink more water, providing more opportunities to practice using the potty or toilet.
5. Walking around in just a nappy
And of course, the biggest advantage is that you can let your child walk around in just their nappy when it’s warm, making it easier for them to go to the potty or toilet by themselves. Do teach your child how to pull down their pants on their own in the meantime.
When your child is finally potty trained, it’s nice that they can independently use the toilet. We recommend not letting your child run around naked because they might only become potty trained without underwear, and they may not make the connection with wearing underwear.
Is your child ready potty training in the summer or winter? Let us know below! And are you curious if our Potty Training Box is something for you? Take a look here. It wil make make potty training easier. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for tips to make potty training fun and stress free.