Potty training tips for when you have back/neck/shoulder pain?

[SomebodysMum]

I am sure my DD is past ready for potty training. I have chronic back, neck and shoulder issues and honestly I’ve been putting it off for a while hoping I’ll be more physically up to it but it’s just getting worse not better so I think I just need to grit my teeth and go for it.

Has anyone been in a similar position and have any tips on how to make things as physically easy as possible, eg practicalities of bum wiping? Anything I can cover the carpet with to make clean up easier? Etc?

I also cannot decide whether to use potties or go straight to the toilet. Part of me thinks to go straight to toilet with steps attached so there’s less stooping for me, and no cleaning a separate potty required. But then I wonder if I’m just going to be doing more accident clean ups than with a potty as it’ll take much longer to get to bathrooms and climb up steps than it will to get to the potty, especially if I have it in whatever room we’re in.

I just don’t know what to do, any advice would be massively appreciated. Thanks.

I don’t have specific neck/back problems but I found potty training physically exhausting and strained those areas.

How old is your daughter? From what I can see if you leave it til they’re a bit older they’re likely to get it a bit quicker and probably ready to use the toilet sooner. I’d probably still have a potty in the living room/playroom for a few days at least, but use the toilet with a step in the bathroom from the off.

Get her practicing pulling trousers up and down in advance so that’s one less thing you’re bending for, likewise independent hand washing.

We used puppy pads which can just be thrown away if there’s an accident. Started with towels but the wee went straight through to the carpet.