Potty training is a major milestone for both parents and children. The sense of freedom that comes with no longer having to change diapers is truly liberating. However, just when you think you’ve conquered the potty training challenge, another hurdle appears on the horizon – the messy matter of bum-wiping.
So, when is the right time to start teaching your child how to wipe themselves? And how can you help them master this crucial skill? The truth is, children won’t be ready to wipe their own bottoms until their arms are long enough. And even then, they may still need some assistance and guidance for a while.
According to potty training consultant Allison Jandu, most children’s arms are not long enough to reach around for proper wiping technique until they are around 3.5 to 4 years old. She also notes that girls tend to master wiping faster than boys, as they have more opportunities to practice since they wipe for both urine and bowel movements.
But how can you tell if your child is ready to start wiping themselves? The children’s bowel and bladder charity ERIC suggests a simple test – ask your child if they can touch their opposite ear over the top of their head. If they can do this, they should have the necessary flexibility and coordination to wipe themselves.
Once you’ve determined that your child’s arms are long enough, it’s time to start teaching them the proper wiping technique. On her website, Jandu recommends two helpful tricks for this. First, have your child take a bath and spread some suds on their bottom. Then, let them use a flannel to wipe it away. You can also try the same trick with shaving foam before bath time and encourage them to wipe it away with toilet paper.
During this time, you can also teach your child to wipe from front to back, which is important for preventing infections. You can also show them the “wipe, fold, repeat” technique to avoid using too much toilet paper. Jandu also suggests using a plastic doll with peanut butter smeared on its bottom to demonstrate where they should be aiming and how many wipes are typically needed to clean themselves.
In a video on Instagram, Tsagana – a popular content creator known for her life hacks – shared how she has helped teach her child to wipe her bottom. One of her methods includes clipping pegs on her child’s leggings at the back to encourage her to reach around and pluck them off. She then replaces the pegs with stickers as a reward.
Another helpful trick is to smear peanut butter across two lemons wedged into a bowl and have your child practice wiping away the sticky residue with tissue. ERIC also suggests practicing wiping with shaving foam by spraying it on a surface in front of your child and encouraging them to wipe it away in one big scoop.
Once your child has had enough practice, they can start wiping their own bottoms after a bowel movement. ERIC recommends asking them to place their hand over yours when you wipe them, so they can get used to the sensation. For the last wipe, let your child hold the paper while you guide their hand. As they become more confident, gradually increase the number of wipes they do on their own until they can do it independently.
It’s important to teach your child to always wipe from front to back and to check the paper after wiping to see if they need to do it again. They should also be taught to throw the used paper in the toilet or bin if they use wipes. With patience and practice, your child will soon be able to wipe themselves with confidence.
In conclusion, potty training is a major milestone for both parents and children. But once your child has mastered using the toilet, the next step is teaching them how to wipe themselves. Remember, every child is different, and some may take longer to learn this skill than others. Be patient, use creative techniques, and most importantly, make sure your child feels supported and encouraged throughout the process. Good luck!
