If you've noticed that most of the children in your toddler's play group are in underwear or training pants, you may be concerned that your child isn't potty trained yet. Because all children develop at their own pace, training your toddler at the "right" age isn't as important as focusing on whether she's emotionally and physically ready to learn and practice a new skill.
Average Age
Children under 12 months of age aren't able to control bowel or bladder movements, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Toddlers typically develop potty training skills by the time they are 18 to 30 months old, girls often becoming trained a little sooner than boys. The average age for a girl to become toilet trained is 29 months and boys learn by about 31 months, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Signs of Readiness
Your child may be equipped to begin potty training if she displays some common signs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child may be ready if she: remains dry for at least two hours at a time in the day; has predictable and regular bowel movements; changes her behavior so that her caregivers know when she's about to urinate or have a bowel movement; is able to follow basic instructions; and is able to transport herself to the toilet and remove her clothes. She may also seem uncomfortable in soiled diapers and display interest in using a potty and wearing underwear.
When to Delay
Even if your child displays the common signs of potty training readiness, training in conjunction with certain life events may overwhelm her. Consider pushing back potty training if your family is in the process of relocating, if a new baby arrives, or a crisis such as a death in the family arises.
Length of Training
You may continue to potty train your toddler for six to eight months before she's fully trained during the daytime, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. Nighttime training often takes longer, considering your child has reduced bladder control and isn't aware of her body functions when she's sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most children have developed the capacity to stay dry through the night after they are about 5 years old.
Getting Started
To ease your child's transition to potty training once she's finally ready, turn it into a rewarding development as opposed to a demanding obligation. Generate enthusiasm by taking her on a "big kid" trip to the store to pick her favorite underwear and potty seat. Let her play with it and "practice" teaching a doll how to use it. Invite her to sit on the potty clothed before you encourage her to remove her pants. Once she seems comfortable with the idea of using a potty, regularly take her to sit on her potty with her underwear off and let her play with a special potty-time only toy as she sits. Also observe her behaviors and take her to sit on the potty when she seems like she is about to soil her diaper or underpants; if she uses the potty, praise her lavishly. You may even consider offering incentives such as stickers on a reward chart when she succeeds.
