Potty Training Wiping Techniques

Potty training involves more than just getting your toddler to understand when they have to go, and making it to the toilet in time. Toddlers need to be taught how to wipe themselves properly so that they remain clean throughout the day. It is especially important for girls to have the right wiping techniques, or they could end up with a urinary tract infection.

  1. Wet Wipes vs. Toilet Paper

    • One wiping technique you may want to utilize is to have your children use wipes instead of toilet paper. Toilet paper can be rough and your child won't want to wipe correctly if it hurts to do so. Toilet paper can also be a little harder to use when your child has a bowel movement. Pieces can break off while wiping. Kandoo makes flushable potty training wipes that are softer on your toddler's bottom. Because they are a little wet, they also make wiping after a bowel movement much easier. They also won't break apart on you as you wipe.

      Warning: Do not flush regular baby wipes down the toilet. They are not made to break down in a septic system, and they could clog up your pipes.

    Boys

    • Boys do not need to wipe after they urinate so you only need to take the time to show them how to wipe after they have a bowel movement. The first few times your son has a bowel movement, you are going to want to place your hand over his to show him how to wipe. Tell him to check the toilet paper to see if it is dirty. If it is, then he needs to wipe again with a new sheet of toilet paper (or flushable wipe). Once the toilet paper comes out clean, he is done. Once you think your son has the hang of it, allow him to wipe on his own without your guidance. If this seems to go well, you can move on to just checking his underwear periodically to make sure there are no stains indicating that he is not wiping correctly.

    Girls

    • You will also want to place your hand over your daughter's hand and guide her in her first few potty training lessons. The important thing about teaching a girl how to wipe is to make sure they learn to wipe from front to back. This eliminates the chance of getting fecal bacteria in the vagina, which is what causes urinary tract infections. Make sure your daughter checks the toilet paper after each wipe to see if it has come out clean. Once the toilet paper has come out clean, she is done and can flush and wash her hands. After you have guided her a few times, let her do it on her own, but watch to make sure she has the hang of it. Once per week for the first few months after potty training you will want to remind your daughter to wipe from front to back so that she doesn't forget.

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