One of the key topics that is constantly up for debate these days is cleanliness. Some of us believe that a little dirt never hurt anyone and that being exposed to germs will boost our toddler’s immunity. However, one thing we can all agree on is the need for good hygiene practices when it comes to potty training. This is a necessary life skill that needs to be learned from a young age. 

From The Top

From the start, Family Seat recognised this critical issue and our products are designed to align with a clean, healthy lifestyle. Every seat comes with a set of latex gloves to use when changing the old toilet seat for your new Family Seat, to ensure bare hands never have to handle the old, used seat. These can then be easily and hygienically disposed of along with the any old fixings in the Family Seat box.

Talk About It

As early as possible, you should use bathroom time as an opportunity to educate your child on the importance of personal hygiene.  It might seem like toilet training is enough of a milestone by itself but hygiene must be taught as an integral part of it.  Teaching both together can actually make the process easier, encouraging good habits and a healthy attitude to hygiene, plus associating this practice as normal behavior after using the toilet.

Teach Good Manners

Your toilet seat is a bacteria magnet where germs spread easily. Teach your children to keep the seat clean after every use with a good wipe using flushable antibacterial wipes or loo roll. This is a great way of keeping the idea of hygiene at the forefront throughout the process and encouraging independence.  Lowering the seat and the lid of the toilet after every use and before flushing is also a good habit. This encourages a hygienic process and avoids the spread of germs that spray on flushing. 

Wipe It Right (Especially for Girls)

Teaching your child to wipe from front to back is one of the most important lessons of potty training hygiene. Wiping the wrong way can spread bacteria, cause irritation and cause infection. Encourage your child to pat clean and dry instead of rubbing, to avoid the risk of rashes or irritation. When they do a number two, show them the toilet paper and explain that they must wipe their bum until it comes up clean.

Maintain a Routine

When your child does a number one or a number two using the Family Seat, it’s time to celebrate. While it can be tempting to let little ones revel in their success and excitement, don’t forget to maintain a process.  It is essential to make sure they wash their hands each and every time they use the toilet to reduce the spread of bacteria and encourage good practice. This is where the Family Seat Potty Training Chart really helps out. Place it in the bathroom in an easily accessible area for your little ones to be able to tick off each milestone as they go.

Make Hand Washing a Priority Every Single Time

Use a step to make sure your child can easily reach the soap and the taps themselves. Always make sure an adult is present to ensure the water is not too hot.  Use warm water and soap. Show your child how to use the soap and rub their hands together then scrub gently under their nails and in between every finger for a thorough clean. The process should last between 15 and 30 seconds.  Sing a special bathroom song or say a rhyme together to introduce fun into the process.

Keep a hand towel within easy reach and clip it to the rail to avoid it falling on the floor. Make sure your child knows that thoroughly drying their hands is an essential part of the process.

Set an Example

By making sure your little one washes their hands every single time they use the toilet, this will soon become an ingrained habit.  They will know to wash and dry their hands after using public toilets and those at nursery, school and in other people’s houses.

And don’t forget, if children sit on the Family Seat but don’t actually go, they should still wash their hands. 

Finally, remember to be a good example!  Little ones don’t miss anything, so if you go to the toilet and don’t wash your hands or wipe the seat afterwards, they may well pick up on this. Be the change you want to see!