As your baby turns into a toddler, you may wonder whether it is time to begin potty training. The best time to teach your child to use the toilet is when she shows signs of readiness. You can not force your child to potty train; it may take place anytime from 18 months to 4 years of age, according to Baby Center.
Try not to worry whether your child is potty trained by a certain age; by the time your child goes to kindergarten, no one will know whether your child was potty trained at age 2 or age 4.
Step 1
Wait until your child is ready to begin potty training. When your toddler walks well, has bowel movements regularly and generally stays dry for a couple of hours, then urinates all at once, he may be physically ready to learn to use to toilet. Wait until he shows some interest in using the potty, can pull his pants up and down by himself and is able to follow instructions, recommends Baby Center.
Step 2
Allow your toddler to accompany you to the bathroom so that you can demonstrate how you use the toilet. Choose what words you will use to refer to urine and stool, and use these words in conversation with your toddler. Many parents choose to use the words "pee" and "poop," for example.
Step 3
Set up your child's potty chair in an often-used area of your home, such as the living room or den. Encourage your toddler to sit on the potty fully clothed at first, so she can become comfortable with the chair. Explain to her that she will put her pee and poop into the potty when she is ready.
Step 4
Allow your child to wear special "big boy" underwear once he seems ready. It may be helpful to move the potty chair to the kitchen, bathroom or other area that is not carpeted. Encourage him to sit on the potty at regular intervals, such as once every half hour. Ask him to sit on his potty after having a drink or eating a meal, recommends Kids Health.
Step 5
Praise your child when she produces on the potty. Depending on your preferences, you may choose to give a small reward, such as a sticker or a single piece of small candy. Some parents make a chart to post on the refrigerator with check marks or smiley faces for potty successes.
Step 6
Anticipate accidents and do not get upset or frustrated with your child. If your child has a bowel movement, place the stools in the potty to show your child where it should go. Clean up puddles matter-of-factly without shaming or scolding your toddler.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow your child to go bottomless in the early days of potty training if it is warm enough in your home. This will make going to the potty easier and faster while she is still learning to respond to her body's signals.
- Do not make potty training an issue for battle. If your child refuses to use the potty or does not seem ready, put him back in diapers and wait a few months before trying again.
Things You'll Need
- Potty chair
- Paper towels
- Underpants
