1. Spot the signs that your child is ready to be potty-trained

To become "potty-trained", a child must first learn to control his sphincters. So, when is the right time to take your baby out of his diaper? Two, or three years? In fact, it's difficult to give a precise age, since all children are different. Potty training is quite rare before 24 months, but some children are not ready after 36 months.

Tip: Only when your little one feels ready to change his or her habits will he or she be able to take this crucial step.

Some signs that baby is ready:

• He shows interest in the toilet or potty.
• Its coating remains dry for several hours at a time.
• His diaper is dry when he gets up from his nap.
• He can tell you he wants to pee or poop.
• He hides, seeking privacy, to relieve himself.
• He shows that his soiled or wet diaper bothers him.

2. Start with a nap and meals

Children feel reassured by rituals, landmarks and fixed schedules. So why not establish a little routine? Offering the potty or the toilet at certain regular times of the day helps to gently get them used to it.

Libelté's advice: If your child refuses to try it, don't force him. This routine should remain a suggestion and an encouragement, not a compulsory step.

After naps and meals, toddlers' bladders are often full. These moments make potty training easier and increase the chances of success - the best kind of encouragement for your baby!

3. Choose clothes and accessories that are easy to remove

A. The buckle-less belt to make going to the bathroom easier

What parent hasn't experienced the hell of having to remove a seatbelt in a hurry, while their child is squirming with the urge to pee? A few seconds too long, pressure on the bladder and it's an accident. And yet, it's hard to do without this accessory when you're wearing pants. Rest assured, we've got the solution.

The buckle-free belt from Libelté s buckle-free waistband is elasticated, leaving the buttons on pants or skirts freely accessible. The child doesn't need to remove it to go to the toilet, which encourages independence!

B. Easy-to-remove, motivating clothing

At home, opt instead for elastic pants that can be pulled down quickly, or dresses. Weather permitting, you can also leave your child in briefs or panties to make things easier.

Libelté's little tip: Involve your child in choosing their new underwear. They can be decorated with fun drawings or their favorite heroes, to motivate them to wear them and leave their diapers behind.

4. Choose the right tool for your child

Can't decide between a potty and a reducer? It all depends on your child and his or her fears. Some are happy to imitate adults and try the toilet straight away, while others find it too impressive and will be more reassured by the potty.

The most important thing is to dedicate an area topotty training. The potty shouldn't wander from the bedroom to the kitchen, but be installed directly in the bathroom or toilet. It must remain visible and accessible to your child.

5. Motivate him with stickers or rewards

There's nothing like a little reward to encourage your child. A simple sheet of paper on which to stick a sticker every time he pees or poops in the toilet can be enough to motivate him! There are plenty of print-outs available on the Internet, such as the potty training chart.

6. De-dramatize minor accidents

No matter how careful you are, mishaps are bound to happen. It's important not to scold your child and to play down the situation: "Didn't you manage to hold it in this time? Didn't you feel you had to pee? Don't worry, it happened to me too when I was little. Let's try again!"

Libelté's little tip: Keep a change of clothes and a diaper in the car or stroller, just in case.

7. Read children's books on the subject

The act of urinating or having a bowel movement is commonplace for adults, but not so for children. They feel like they're losing a part of themselves, and may be frightened by the idea.

Libelté's selection :

• "No, not the potty!" by Stephanie Blake
• "C'est quoi... le caca?" published by Usborne
• "Little Brown Bear on the Potty" published by Bayard Jeunesse
• "Le pot" from the collection "Mes tout p'tits docs" published by Milan