Potty training typically starts around the age of 2, but it may occur earlier or later depending on how ready your child is. Before starting potty training, be sure that your child can perform the basic skills needed for using the potty, such as being able to pull his pants down and up by himself. Once you see that your child has an interest in using the bathroom, several steps done consistently can ensure potty training success.
Example
According to the National Network for Childcare, children often learn by imitating adults or older children. If your child insists on coming into the bathroom with you, explain to her what you are doing. Showing the child an example of how to use the toilet will make it easier for her to imitate the behavior later.
Associate Words
Before potty training your child, associate specific words with potty behaviors. For example, when your child wets his diaper or has a bowel movement, use words that are comfortable for you to express to your child what just happened. This shows a child how to express to you that he needs to go potty (and how he needs to go) in the future. The same can be done by associating words with behaviors before an accident. For example, when your child makes a face, noise or body movement, such as squatting or grunting, or acts as if he is going to make a mess in his diaper, ask him, "Are you going potty?" This way, the child associates the warning signs or urges he has with his behavior, helping to prevent accidents in the future.
Equipment
Having the right equipment is also necessary for potty training. Most important, you need a potty chair that fits your child's size. A chair can be purchased at most major retail stores, or borrowed from a friend or loved one. When choosing a potty, avoid a chair that has urine deflectors, as a deflector may cut your child while getting on or off the potty, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns.
Learning Aids
Buying learning aids, such as DVDs or books based on using the potty, is an effective way to help illustrate to your child how to use the potty. It can also ease possible fears associated with the toilet. Books and DVDs use fun characters to outline the process, and they explain how to use the potty at an age-appropriate level your child can understand.
Training Pants and Clothing
Getting a diaper off in time to use a potty is difficult. To simplify this, the National Network for Childcare recommends not only investing in training pants that are easily removable, but also in clothing that your child can quickly take off in time to use the toilet.
Patience
When you see your child making faces or gestures that indicate she needs to use the bathroom, or if she vocally tells you she needs to use the potty, quickly take her to the bathroom and help her sit on the toilet. Even if the child does not use the potty, keep her on the toilet for at least five minutes. Regardless of whether your child went to the bathroom, be sure to make a big deal out of her using the potty. Positive praise can go a long way to encourage your child to use the potty again.
Accidents
Accidents do occur during potty training. These can be complete accidents or just close misses near the toilet. If accidents do not reduce in frequency over time, the Mayo Clinic recommends taking a short break from potty training and trying again in a few months.
