Potty Training Frequent Urination: Potty Time! Again. And Again. | East Portland Pediatric Clinic

So you were at one time excited about the prospect of your little being out of diapers and using the toilet, transitioning to big kid underwear. But on this particular zoo trip, having spent more time staring at tile than seeing animals and heading back to the bathroom once again, you’re silently laughing at your naive, toddler-having you. Early on in potty training, frequent stops are key to success; the more successes a child has, the less frustrated they will be when they have an accident and higher likelihood that the child will feel good about using the potty. So while you’re finding the trek to the bathroom banal, your child is honing their bathroom skills into a reliable tool you’ll both appreciate later on.

Maybe you’re used to the frequent potty breaks, but now you’re noticing your child seems uncomfortable and squirmy. What if your child has been using the toilet successfully and now suddenly seems to be urinating more and more often? Maybe your child was drinking a lot when they were sick, but now they’re better, they’re still drinking and peeing a lot, leading to daytime wetting. There can be a lot of causes for frequent urination in children – some are emotional, some are physical, some are pathogenic. Seek advice from experts and family on managing frequent urination.

A common physical cause of urinary frequency is vulvovaginitis or balanitis, basically the irritation of the delicate tissues of the genitals. Most common culprits: poor hygiene, wearing wet swimsuits too long, and bubble baths. Children, especially small children and girls, are susceptible to skin irritation by soaps, detergents, and harsh chemicals. So if your child is itching and feels like they need to go the bathroom every half hour, give that bubble bath, the sweet smelling laundry detergent, and your community pool the side eye and draw up a sitz bath with some baking soda. Also call your doctor to make sure there isn’t a risk of a pathogenic cause. Sometimes, achieving nighttime bladder control can take a few months longer than daytime control. If you are concerned about frequent urination, consult a healthcare provider.

Pathogenic causes include urinary tract infections. Catching these early and starting antibiotics is important, because urethral infections can become bladder infections can become kidney infections. Urinary frequency is usually one of several symptoms and you’ll want to be on the look out for fever, pain with urination, and a change in smell. If urinary frequency is the only symptom, it could be caused by something physical such as constipation( yes, being constipated can cause urinary frequency), but absence of other symptoms does not rule out infection.

Emotional causes are often linked to anxiety. Maybe there was a dramatic shift in your child’s world such as starting school or a close friend moving away. Maybe there was traumatic event that occurred such as a car crash or a publicly embarrassing event that your child is having trouble processing. Try to see if there is a pattern regarding when your child displays increased urination and/or urinary accidents. Are there other signs of anxiety present such as your child refusing to engage in activities they normally would enjoy engaging in? Headaches or tummy upset? Increased emotional sensitivity, more tearful or quicker to anger? Having a general idea of when these signs and symptoms started occurring and if they can be triggered in your child can help your doctor determine what the next steps should be in addressing the anxiety. If things do not improve, consider reverting to diapers for a few weeks and then attempting training again later. Here’s a good, quick breakdown of how to identify anxiety in a child.

For more information on potty training, here’s a link to the article I wrote back in June. Establishing a potty schedule can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD to prevent accidents.

When to Start Potty Training

Deciding when to start potty training can feel like a monumental decision. While there’s no magic age, most pediatricians suggest that most children typically show signs of readiness between 18 and 30 months. Developmental milestones, particularly brain and bladder development, play a critical role in determining the right time to start potty training. Most toddlers begin this process during their toddler years, and it’s important to recognize that every child is unique, with some being ready earlier or later. Look for cues like staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the toilet, and communicating the need to go. Remember, the goal is to make potty training a positive experience, so it’s crucial to start when your child is ready.

Understanding Your Child’s Readiness

Every child is a little different, and their readiness for potty training can vary widely based on advice from experts and family. Some kids might tick all the boxes for readiness, while others might take a bit longer to develop the necessary skills, influenced by their developmental milestones. It’s important for parents to remember that potty training is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement. By tuning into your child’s individual readiness, you can tailor your approach to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

Understanding Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is a common issue that many children face during potty training. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including an overactive bladder, constipation, or even emotional stress. If your child is experiencing frequent urination, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause and address it accordingly.

In some cases, frequent urination may be a sign that your child is not yet ready for potty training. If this is the case, it may be necessary to wait a few weeks or even months before starting the potty training process again. This extra time can help your child’s bladder develop and reduce the frequency of urination.

On the other hand, if your child is already potty trained and is experiencing frequent urination, it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. In this case, it’s essential to consult with a pediatrician to rule out any potential health problems. Your doctor can help determine if there’s a physical cause, such as a urinary tract infection or constipation, that needs to be addressed.

In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help manage frequent urination in your child. For example, you can encourage your child to drink plenty of water to help flush out their system, and you can also try to establish a regular potty schedule to help your child learn to hold their bladder. By creating a consistent routine, you can help your child develop better bladder control and reduce the frequency of accidents.

Getting Started with Potty Training

Getting started with potty training can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a successful and rewarding experience for both you and your child. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

First, make sure your child is ready for potty training. Look for signs such as showing interest in the toilet, staying dry for longer periods, and communicating the need to go. These signs indicate that your child may be ready to start the potty training journey.

Next, choose a potty chair or seat that your child feels comfortable with. Some children prefer a potty chair, while others prefer a seat that fits over the toilet. Let your child help pick out their potty chair or seat to make them feel more involved and excited about the process.

Once you have chosen a potty chair or seat, it’s time to start the potty training process. Begin by having your child sit on the potty chair or seat with their pants down. Encourage them to try to go, but don’t worry if they don’t succeed at first. It’s important to be patient and supportive as your child gets used to this new routine.

As your child becomes more comfortable with the potty chair or seat, you can start to establish a regular potty schedule. This can help your child learn to hold their bladder and bowels, and can also help to prevent accidents. Try to have your child sit on the potty at regular intervals, such as after meals or before bedtime, to create a consistent routine.

Managing Bowel Movements

Managing bowel movements is an essential part of potty training. Here are a few tips to help you and your child manage bowel movements successfully:

First, establish a regular bowel movement routine. This can help your child learn to recognize the signs of a bowel movement, and can also help to prevent accidents. Encourage your child to sit on the potty chair or seat at the same times each day, such as after meals or snacks, to help them develop a regular pattern.

Next, encourage your child to sit on the potty chair or seat after meals or snacks. This can help to stimulate a bowel movement, and can also help your child learn to associate the potty chair or seat with bowel movements. Make this time relaxing and stress-free by reading a book or singing a song together.

If your child is having trouble with bowel movements, it may be helpful to try a few different strategies. For example, you can try giving your child a warm bath or reading a book to help them relax. You can also try using a stool softener to help make bowel movements easier. If constipation is an issue, make sure your child is drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in fiber.

Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key. Celebrate your child’s successes and provide gentle encouragement when they face challenges. With time and consistency, your child will learn to manage their bowel movements and become more comfortable using the potty.

Common Challenges

Potty training can be a rollercoaster ride, and it’s perfectly normal for parents to feel concerned about setbacks along the way. Common issues include resistance to using the potty, frequent accidents, and fear related to the flushing process or losing their waste. The key is to stay calm and patient, as these challenges may arise if a child was not truly ready for potty training in the first place. Little kids often face significant life changes, such as the arrival of a new baby, which can complicate potty training. Moving to a new house can also cause stress and affect their progress. Parents play a crucial role in managing expectations and providing positive reinforcement. If progress stalls, it’s perfectly acceptable to give your child a rest from potty training. A child’s ability to sense their bodily needs is essential, and it may take several months to address setbacks. Achieving consistent dryness can be challenging, so talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have concerns. Readiness to train varies among children, and training pants can be a helpful transitional item. Difficulties with bladder control, such as the inability to store or expel urine, can also lead to accidents.

Providing Positive Motivation

Positive motivation is a game-changer when it comes to potty training, and advice from experts and family can be invaluable. By praising and rewarding your child for their efforts, parents can encourage them to keep using the potty and build good habits. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it’s a sticker chart, a special treat, or just a big hug, positive reinforcement can help your child build confidence and develop a positive association with using the potty.

Knowing When to Seek Help

While potty training can be challenging, there are times when it’s important to seek help, especially if you are concerned about setbacks. If your child is experiencing frequent accidents, showing signs of distress or anxiety, or having difficulty recognizing the need to pee, it might be time to talk to your child’s pediatrician or a potty training expert. Additionally, if parents are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Seeking help ensures that your child gets the guidance they need to become potty trained, and it can make the process easier for everyone involved.