Mum to eight, Kerry Newton, has lots of experience in potty training children. Here are her ten top tips for easing toddlers into using the potty.

1. Is your child ready? Children potty train at 27 months on average - but there's a wide variation, and boys train later than girls. Wait until they show awareness or discomfort when they've wet their nappy or pooed. If they seem totally unaware, think about trying cloth nappies, as modern disposables absorb liquid very quickly.

2. Be consistent - once you think your child is ready, make sure you are too. Ideally don't put your little one back in nappies because you've had enough. Start when you're able to set a routine - potty training doesn't combine well with holidays or guests.

3. Cotton trainer pants are ideal for helping your child potty train. They work out cheaper than disposable pull-ups, don't create so much waste, and are available in a rainbow of colours, to encourage toddlers to want to wear them. Bright Bots trainer pants have a layer of absorbent foam, backed with PVC, and all surrounded in jersey cotton, in case of small accidents.

4. Explain what's going on clearly and simply - tell your son or daughter that when they feel the need to 'pee' or 'poo', they need to hold it in just long enough to walk to the potty, sit down, and let it go.

5. Play at going to the potty with a favourite doll or teddy. Or even let your child watch you when you use the toilet - toddlers love to copy others.

6. Make sure that you always have the potty to hand. To start off with, keep it where your toddler is playing.

7. Make frequent trips to the potty. You can't force your child go, but you can encourage him to practice. Try close to times your child usually has a bowel movement or needs to urinate, such as just after a meal, or before and after a nap.

8. Use books or videos that show other kids going to the potty. And if your child's reluctant to stay on the potty long enough, a story or even the TV can keep them there until they've done what's needed.

9. If your child can't urinate or produce a bowel movement after 2 to 4 minutes, just try again later. If he or she protests strongly, it just may not be the right time to start pottying.

10. Be positive. Whether your child goes to the potty or not, praise her with a simple "good for you." Congratulate them every time they wash their hands, even if they've forgotten to flush. It may be hard to feel positive when you've cleaned poo off the floor for the fourth time that week, but don't let your toddler hear you calling it 'dirty' or 'yucky', however you may feel, as it could make them feel like they've done something bad.

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