Once you have figured it out, have a plan of action and gather all the right potty training equipment...just get going and stick to it.

Here we will have a look at the different methods that have been used successfully by moms of special needs children, in the past. We will also have a look at the pro's and con's of each toilet training method.

• This method is used mainly in third world countries, and the least used method in South Africa.
• It involves holding an infant over a potty and catching the eliminations.
• As a mom, you have to learn the infants rhythms and the infant has to learn to recognise the sensations that occur before he needs to go.
• This method only works effectively when the use of disposable nappies is minimal or non existent.
• The infant will eventually learn how signal when they need to go.

Pros

• There is allot of parent/child bonding
• Potty training starts early and finishes early.
• Wetting and soiling themselves is not likely to become a habit for the child.
• Less use of a nappy is more hygienic, cost effective and healthier for your infant.

Cons

• Very time consuming, and not an ideal training method for working mom's.
• You have to be dedicated, stay on top of it and stick it out until your child can use the potty by themselves.
• There may be many accidents and many clean ups.

• Slowly introduce the potty to your child.
• Have the potty be easily accessible to your child,
• Gradually teach them to use it, with no pressure.

• Hold regular practicing session's.
• Constant praise your child for his efforts and reward him when he gets it right.
• Keep a chart or a log book of his progress.
• Make a gradual transition from nappies to potty to underwear.

Pros

• This method can easily fit into a busy schedule.
• If you plan, the practise sessions can become structured time in the morning and the evening,
• It is a gradual process.
• Almost no accidents.

Cons

• You have to stick to the structure and schedule until your child is fully potty trained.
• Can take anywhere from a weekend to few months depending on the readiness, developmental and maturity level's of your child.
• May not learn to ask to go to the potty, as you always initiate.
• Keeping your child interested to sit on the potty long enough to actually use it.

• The best way to learn something is to teach it to them yourself.
Use a potty training doll, to show your child the correct potty training behaviour. Let your child copy your actions with them, but on the doll.
• Behaviour is shaped by consequences

Pros

• Very quick, can be done in one day, and no more than two weeks.
• It is a very structured method.

Cons

• Needs planning and preparation.
• It is a very structured method.
• You have to follow through, all the time.
• Made to look a whole lot easier than it is.

• The basic idea of this method is that potty training is a developmental milestone, such as walking, talking, eating etc.It is your job as a parent to introduce the potty and all the related tasks to your child.
• As your child is ready, he will then in effect, train himself.

Pros

• This method is easy to fit into a busy life style.
• Very little preparation is needed by the parent.
• Does not require a large time commitment or consistency for parents, so is ideal for working parents.

Cons

• Can take 6 months or more to too fully train the child.
• Your child may be quite a bit older before he is ready to potty train.
• Wetting and soiling can become a difficult habit to break with your child.

This method is a great concept, but may not work so well in reality - especially in a society that is so dependant on disposable nappies.

• Your child must be between 24 and 30 months of age, for this method to work effectively.
• You need spend between 3 and 5 days, consecutively using this method.
• Your child must be allowed to be naked all day, with a potty readily available.
• Allot of experts do not agree with this method.

Pros

• Easy, simple and inexpensive.
• Quick, 3 - 5 days.

Cons

• This is not a method supported by experts.
• Can be very messy.

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