As the average age for potty training has crept upward, trying to train an 18-month-old can make you feel like you're swimming against the tide. But don't delay if your child is developmentally ready. Generally, a child demonstrates readiness for potty training if she imitates adults, follows simple directions, shows an interest in wearing underpants or in using the potty, and can keep a diaper dry for 2 or more hours.
Step 1
Introduce your child to the potty chair before 18 months of age. Allow him to sit on and touch the potty chair to become familiar with it. Consider an open-door policy so the child can observe you using the bathroom. Explain how and when you flush the toilet and answer potty-related questions as they arise.
Step 2
Observe your child's current elimination patterns for a few days before you begin training. You may notice that she consistently dirties or wets her diapers at certain times. Take note.
Step 3
Put underwear and easily removable pants on the child. Tell him, "Today we are going to start using the potty."
Step 4
Set the child on the potty chair whenever you notice signs that the child is going to urinate or have a bowel movement, such as stopped play or a certain facial expression. Also have her sit on the potty a few minutes before the times when she has consistently wet or soiled her diaper.
Step 5
Have the child sit on the potty every hour. You may talk or read to her to help her relax. Wait 2 to 3 minutes, if needed, to give the child a chance to urinate or have a bowel movement. Praise your child every time she uses the potty successfully.
Step 6
Switch to a diaper or training pants during the night.
Step 7
Repeat this procedure each day until your child gets the hang of using the potty. Be patient. It will get easier, but it may take as long as 8 months for a child to be fully trained during the daytime, and longer than that before she stays dry at night, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider providing your child with ample fluids while he's potty training, so as to afford him plenty of opportunities to urinate on the potty. If you do, have the child sit on the potty as often as every half hour. Offer incentives, such as stickers, to help reinforce positive behavior.
Things You'll Need
- Training potty chair
