Potty training a boy is not quite the same process as potty training a girl. Boys often start potty training later and take more time to learn to use the toilet than girls do, according to Kids Health. Identifying signs that a boy is ready to begin potty training and help him adjust to this new experience can make the process less stressful for both of you.
Readiness
Signs that a boy may be receptive to toilet training include informing you when a diaper is wet or soiled, following simple instructions, expressing an interest in the toilet, acting uncomfortable wearing a soiled diaper and remaining dry for two hours or longer during the day. Readiness signs may appear at 18 to 24 months, although the American Academy of Family Physicians mentions that it isn't uncommon for children to still be in diapers longer.
Imitation
It may be easier for a boy to understand the mechanics of using the toilet if he watches his father or another male using the toilet. While boys don't usually urinate standing when potty training first begins, it is still helpful to understand the different method men use to urinate.
Choosing a Potty
Buying a child-size potty can help a boy feel more secure and avoid the anxiety about falling in the toilet that can occur when a small child uses a full-size toilet. If the child must use a full-size toilet, buying a toilet seat adapter can prevent this problem. Potty chairs that don't contain urine guards are the best type of potty chairs for boys. Urine guards can scrape the penis, causing a boy to associate pain with using the potty, according to Baby Center.
Potty Training Procedure
Potty training boys involves many of the same methods used to train girls. Boys should be placed on the potty at regular intervals and shortly after meals. Looking for signs that a bowel movement is about to occur, such as grimacing or grunting, can also help parents or caregivers determine when to suggest that the child sit on the potty.
Baby Center recommends that boys learn to use the potty sitting down, as urine and bowel movements often happen at the same time. Sitting down also prevents a boy from using his penis to spray the room.
Teaching Standing Urination
When a boy masters urinating in the potty sitting down, toilet training to urinate standing up can begin. Kids Health recommends using targets to train a boy to urinate into a potty or toilet. Boys try to direct their urine to sink a floating piece of cereal or toilet paper. Using targets helps boys master control and makes toilet training fun.
