The children’s urologist explained to what problems persistent training on the “toilet” topic can lead.
Our grandmothers unanimously say that diapers are harmful. And not only for children, but also for the environment. But pediatric urologist Steve Hodges has a different opinion. On duty, he saw many children with incontinence and other toilet problems. The doctor is sure: in many cases, all these troubles could have been avoided without being too zealous in potty training. He outlined his considerations on the website .
“As a urologist, I’ll tell you what. Children under three need to manage their toilet habits as much as they do bank deposits, ”says Hodges.
Do not expect that the child will go to the potty in a year and a half. Don’t put pressure on him. All the same, the child still does not quite understand how to react to certain signals from his body.
“Most of my patients are children of two or three years old. They suffer from incontinence, urinary tract infections, and urinary frequency problems. And in most cases, they tried to potty train these children – up to three years, as we understand, ”the doctor explains.
Children do not like to be distracted from their activities to go to the toilet. Therefore, with a high degree of probability, you will achieve from the baby that he learns to endure, to restrain his impulses to pee. This is a very bad habit.
“When you work out in the gym, your muscles get bulkier and tighter. The same thing happens with the bladder when the child retains urination. The bladder walls get thicker, which is bad. First, its volume decreases. Second, the bladder becomes irritable. This leads to the fact that he empties himself, uncontrollably, ”- says Stephen Hodges.
Chronic urinary retention also provokes the development of urinary tract infections. The less often a child pees, the more likely it is to develop inflammation.
The problem is exacerbated by the diet of today’s children. Foods that are low in fiber can cause constipation. Because of this, the pressure on the bladder only increases. Because of this, the child has to run to the toilet more and more often. And sometimes the child is not able to endure – and puddles in his pants. Or to bed.
“The child will sooner or later learn to control his urge to go to the potty. Then he will start using it. The bladder takes three to four years to develop normally. Uninhibited urination – in diapers – contributes to the most intense urination, ”- the doctor acquitted the diapers.
Finally, Hodges advised to just relax and let go of the situation. No need to get hung up on potty training. Of course, any mother is waiting for the day when she does not have to go to the toilet with her child. But the baby needs to mature to this bright day.