During the second or third year of life, most children develop the mental skills and physical control necessary for toilet training. Once your child is ready, it takes practice for her to learn to get to the toilet on time. Toilet training can be stressful, but it is important that you stay supportive and approach the process in a positive manner.
Time Frame
Many children are ready to begin toilet training between 18 and 24 months of age, but it is also normal for children to take longer to show interest, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP. Once you begin the process, it may take six to eight months for your child to be trained, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Most children can successfully use the toilet during the day by 3 to 4 years of age. Nighttime accidents are normal for many children until they reach age five, according to the AAP.
Signs of Readiness
If your toddler is ready for toilet training, he may begin to notice wet or soiled diapers and ask to be changed. He may also express an interest in using the toilet or potty chair. If your child stays dry for at least two hours during the day, has regular bowel movements and wakes from naps with a dry diaper, he may be physically ready to begin the process. Your child should also be able to understand and follow basic instructions before you begin toilet training, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Equipment
A child-sized potty chair can be helpful if your toddler seems fearful of the toilet. If your child wants to use the big toilet, consider purchasing a potty seat that fits over the regular toilet seat to make it more comfortable for him. You may choose to put your child in disposable training pants until she is trained. These can prevent messy accidents, but they may slow the process if your child thinks she can use them like a diaper.
Method
Introduce the potty chair or toilet to your child and let him sit, flush and get used to the equipment without pressure. If your child is interested, you can empty her dirty diapers into the toilet and let him flush the waste away. Once he is comfortable with the idea, encourage him to go to the potty at regular intervals and at any time you see him making faces or performing rituals that you know indicate he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement. You may want to encourage your toddler to sit on the potty every 1 1/2 to two hours, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It is helpful to praise and reward your child when she uses the potty, but you should never punish her for not going or having an accident.
Considerations
If your family is going through major changes, it may be best to put toilet training off for a while, according to the AAP. A move, new baby or family crisis may make toilet training too difficult and stressful. However, you do not have to stop training your child during major changes if he is already training without a problem. Talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns during the toilet training process.
