Childhood Development - Potty Training Tips

Breast milk is best for your baby

Breast milk is best for babies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. At around six months of age (but not before 4 months), infants should receive nutritionally adequate and age-appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.

Abbott Singapore fully recognises breast milk’s primacy, value and superiority and supports exclusive breastfeeding as recommended by the WHO.

The content on this website is intended as general information for Singaporean residents only and should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice from your healthcare practitioner. The HPB recommends that infants start on age-appropriate complementary foods at around 6 months, whilst continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond to meet their evolving nutritional requirements. If no longer breastfeeding, toddlers can switch to full cream milk after 12 months. This should be complemented by a good variety of solid foods from the four main food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and alternatives). For more information on the nutritional requirements of infants and young children, please visit www.healthhub.sg/earlynutrition.

Childhood Development

Milestones ahead

From the first moments after the birth of your child, you know your life will never be the same. Your child will change from week to week-even from day to day-as he begins to notice the world around him, and to interact with it. Get a head start, and know what to expect as your baby matures.

Between ages 2 and 3 years, most children learn to use the potty by themselves

It often takes boys longer to potty train than girls. Usually, your child will let you know when he's ready to leave the diapers behind. Signs that your child is ready to potty train:

Knows the words for urine and stool
Stays dry for longer periods of time than before (especially after a nap)
Physically able to pull down his pants and get on and off a toilet seat
Upset by having on a wet or dirty diaper
Likes to watch you or your husband use the bathroom
Willing to sit on the toilet or potty

If your child doesn't seem ready, just give him more time. Potty training takes lots of patience. Having a battle-of-the-wills isn't productive for mom or for baby. As always, speak to your pediatrician if you are concerned.