KIDS AND DIAPERS
Is summer the right time for my kid to stop using diapers?
The transition from diapers to the toilet worries many as it is a process that requires patience and perseverance. This usually happens when our children are between 18-30 months and spring or summer is a good time to start phasing out the nappy as our children wear less clothes. Below are some tips that will facilitate the cleaning process
1. 1. The child must feel ready. It is good to observe the signs that will show us that the child is ready to start the process of removing the diaper, as not all children are ready at the same age. For example, if the diaper remains dry for a long time, if the child prefers clean diapers and resents his diaper being dirty, or if the child himself asks to use the toilet.
2. 2. Use of cotton underwear. Tell the child that you are proud that he has grown up and is starting to wear underwear. You can buy the new underwear together or choose the color and design together so that the child likes them too. Put on the child's underwear to help them more easily tell when they are wet and when they are dry. Use diapers only while the child is sleeping.
3. 3. Frequent reminder. Start with frequent visits to the toilet, without the child asking you. Encourage his testing, even if he doesn't do anything on the toilet. We don't forget to describe to the child the movements he has to do, for example, we take off our underwear, sit on the toilet, defecate, wipe ourselves, throw the paper in the trash, pull up our underwear, step on the toilet and wash our hands .
4. 4. Reward. A sticker or more time with his favorite toy are positive reinforcers in this process. Reward the child every time he uses the toilet, but don't forget to say that you are proud of the effort even if he gets dirty.
With proper guidance, a lot of patience and even more reward, it is certain that the child will soon get rid of the diaper.
Anesiadou Kassiani, nursery teacher
Kokkinou Sofia, kindergarten teacher
