Changing Time
	Training for the Loo
	Bathroom Fears and Bed Wetting

Firstly, you'll want to consider whether to use disposable nappies or traditional cloth nappies. The debate on which is friendlier for the environment - not to mention baby's skin - has gained momentum in recent years, to the point where you're just as likely to meet a mum who washes and reuses nappies as you will meet one who relies on shop-bought disposables. Fans of traditional cloth nappies say that the negative environmental impact of disposables cannot be ignored - according to some studies, using an average of six nappies a day over two and a half years produces about 734kg of solid waste, which will have an obvious impact on waste disposal and landfill.

On the other hand, those in favour of disposable nappies argue that both cloth nappies and disposable nappies have about the same overall impact on the environment, albeit in different ways. Disposables clearly create more solid waste but of course, reusable nappies need to be washed, resulting in an increased use of water and energy and a release of detergents, bleach and disinfectants into he environment.

So the decision on which type to use is yours, and do not feel guilty for choosing either option - both are viable. It all comes down to what will work best for you and baby. It may be that your baby has particularly sensitive skin, in which case you may prefer to use disposables made for that purpose. If you choose to use reusable cloth nappies, remember to wash them thoroughly after each use in order to minimise the risk of nappy rash and buy lots of nappy fasteners and liners to use with them.

Whichever you choose, you'll need to learn how to change a nappy! When you give birth this is something that your nurse or midwife should run through with you, but we all need a quick reminder from time to time. Here are our quick guidelines for changing nappies:

1. Collect what you need to clean your baby's bottom. Have somewhere to place the nappy that your baby is currently wearing, such as the lid of a nappy bin.
2. Lay out the ingredients for the next nappy - either your disposable or, if you're using a cloth nappy, first a nappy cover (if you're using one), then the cloth nappy, and then the liner. Put this to one side, close at hand.
3. Open your baby's nappy, and if there is poo, wipe the worst of it off with toilet paper and then clean the nappy area with wipes.
4. Tuck the dirty wipes inside the nappy, and then roll it up and put to one side.
5. Slide the clean nappy into place under your baby's bottom. Fasten the nappy and then the cover.
6. Put the baby somewhere safe and then dispose of the poo and toilet paper in the toilet bowl, and the nappy, liner and cover in the nappy bin.

Lastly - nappy changing used to be avoided by old-fashioned dads. But now most fathers are more than happy to get their hands dirty (literally) and nappy time can be a great way for daddy and baby to bond. In any case, you should teach dad how to change a nappy so that you can pop out for the day without having to worry about baby getting changed properly.

Training for the Loo
Toilet training can be a confusing time for toddlers, yet it's a vital part of the toddler experience. We all need to be toilet trained and it takes time, patience and lots of hugs on mum and dad's part. It needn't be a time full of tears and tantrums and it's so important for you as a parent to have a relaxed and supportive attitude towards your child's move from nappies to potties to the grown-up toilet. If you make your child anxious or reproach them during the toilet training process, they will find it harder and more upsetting to learn this new process. Remember - it's not a competition, and each child will learn at their own pace.

Your child should be between 18 months and three years old for toilet training - any younger than 18 months and they are still unable to recognise the urge to empty their bowels and bladder. Some children start saying that they hate wearing nappies and try to remove them - this, along with an increased period of time between nappy changes, is a good sign that he or she is ready to start. Begin by letting your child watch you on the toilet. It might seem a bit embarrassing, but we all know that children learn by watching and copying. You want the toilet to seem as normal and easy an activity as possible. Explain what you're doing as your child watches you. Do this regularly and it becomes a good base for teaching baby to do it itself.

During this time you should choose a consistent set of toileting words to use and explain that when your toddler learns to go to the toilet, they won't have to wear nappies anymore - this can be a good motivating factor.

You can either start your child on the potty or transfer them straight to the toilet. It depends on your child - if they're scared of the toilet, and a lot of children are, start with a potty. Of course, this also has the advantage of being portable around the house and during trips out. If you use the toilet, remember to buy a step and a smaller seat to fit inside the existing toilet seat.

You'll need to start encouraging your child to tell you when they need the toilet so that you can go together. Whatever you do, don't make them sit on the toilet or potty for hours, dress them in clothes they can easily manage (avoid zips in favour of elasticated waistbands) and remember that you will have to wipe for them at first, as well as teaching them the importance of washing their hands. Throughout the process remember there will be lots of accidents and wet patches - even if you begin to feel frustrated, be understanding and encouraging at all times and offer lots of hugs and supportive, positive words. When the process is done, you might even want to draw an award certificate for your child!

Some children revert to soiling themselves after toilet training if something traumatic happens - for example, starting nursery, moving house or acquiring a new sibling. This is not unusual and on no account should you scold your child for doing so. They are probably a little upset and confused anyway. Just take some time to go over the toilet training process again until your child has it secured in their mind once more.

Bathroom Fears and Bed Wetting
Although older children may be happy to go to the toilet in their own home, doing so at school or at a friend's house can be another matter. They may be worried about the unfamiliar toilet seat or the fact that you are not there to help them flush.

The most important thing here is preparation at home. Once your child is old enough, encourage your child to go to the toilet at home on their own. You can check with them afterwards that they have wiped and washed properly, but get out of the habit of physically going with them as soon as you can. Encourage your child to be vocal when they need the toilet. You might even practice putting their hand up and asking to go to the loo so that they have no fear in doing so at school. If you still think your child has a problem, discuss it with their teacher, who is bound to have dealt with this little conundrum before. They can keep an eye on your child and remember to ask him or her if they need the loo at regular intervals.

Bedwetting continues to be common amongst older children. Even if they have completely mastered going to the loo during the day, going to the loo at night can be another story. It is important to remember that bedwetting is common in children and is part of their physical and emotional development - it is not a sign of laziness or illness, so it is certainly not something your child should be punished for. This is especially important, as your child is likely to feel upset and embarrassed after each bedwetting incident.

After each time, be patient, calm and relaxed. Get your child to help you remake the bed whenever they wet it to foster a sense of responsibility - without making them feel guilty! Use a special mattress and never wake a sleeping child to take them to the toilet yourself. Consider taking advice from your GP - they may advise using the 'pad and bell' method, where a bell rings and wakes your child once the pad they sleep on is wet. Over a period of a few weeks, he or she will gain greater bladder control until they are capable of getting out of bed and going to the toilet. It is best to use this method under medical supervision.

If your child has been dry for a while and then starts to wet the bed again, this may be a sign of stress or anxiety. In this case, you need to talk to him or her gently to find out if anything is going on. Are they happy at school or home? Is something in particular causing them distress? Hopefully, once you have located the source of upset and dealt with the problem together, the bedwetting should cease.