When we talk about stop using diapers, we should not make comparisons between children, not even between siblings. Each child takes their time and stop using diapers is an individual process. In children, urinary continence does not always coincide with that of feces. Likewise, nocturnal urinary continence may coincide with daytime urination or may occur several months or years later. On average, stop using diapers occurs between 2 and 3 years old and girls tend to leave their diapers earlier. However, the beginning of the process should not be dictated by the child age, as the child must be physiologically and psychologically ready. Parents, for their part, must be prepared to dedicate attention and patience to this task, every day and for a few months. Stop using diapers is a challenge for the child, but also for the parents. The first signs The child shows several signs that he is ready to stop using diapers: Expresses interest in the potty or toilet; Shows curiosity to see parents in the bathroom; Ask questions about the topic or can show some sign that is urinating or defecating. The more prepared the child is, the faster and more effective the defrosting process will be. In view of the child signs, the parents, in turn, can encourage and help the process of stop using diapers: Buying a potty or toilet bowl that the child likes; Through positive stimuli, for example underwear as desired by the child; Paying praise when progress is made; Dressing the child in loose clothing that is easy to take off; Never making threats or punishing. Stop using diapers is simpler in the warmer months. The process When the child begins to show signs that he is ready to stop using diapers, parents should ask throughout the day whether he wants to use the potty or toilet. And they must be prepared and accept “no” as an answer. Initially, the child should be encouraged to sit in the potty; The child can then sit down after a wet or dirty diaper has been removed (it may be useful to place the dirty diaper in the pot to demonstrate its function); Afterwards, the child can be taken to the toilet several times a day and encouraged to sit for a few minutes without using a diaper; Finally, the child is encouraged to develop a routine. Initially, boys should urinate seated, as they may have difficulty understanding that the position will be different if they intend to defecate. Children may not want to defecate in the potty, in which case it is important that they can continue to defecate in the diaper to prevent the development of constipation and, therefore, delay the process of defrosting. Stop using diapers during the day and during the night After removing the day diaper, the attempt to remove the night diaper can begin when parents begin to realize that, during the night, the child urinates less, or urinates only in a period, waking the child up to urinate from time to time. The need for a night diaper in children aged 5 years or more justifies the observation by the assistant pediatrician. What justifies a failure The most probable explanation for the failure in stop using diapers is that the child is not prepared and, in this case, the attempts will be useless. If the child refuses to use the potty or toilet, a break of 1 to 3 months in the process is advisable. However, if several unsuccessful attempts at daytime and nighttime deflection have been made and the child is over 4 years old, it should be observed by the assistant pediatrician. Author : Liliana Macedo Meet the Pediatrics team of Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
