Around the time of their baby's second birthday, many parents start thinking about potty training. According to Baby Center, by age two most children have developed the physical and cognitive ability to begin potty training, although some children will not be very interested in using the potty until the age of three or even four. Abandoning diapers and learning to use the toilet is an enormous milestone in a toddler's life and should be approached with sensitivity and patience.
Step 1
Assess whether your son seems ready for potty training. Your child is likely ready for potty training if he is able to understand and follow straightforward directions, ask basic questions, pull his pants up and down, and can indicate, either through words, facial expressions or gestures, when he has to use the bathroom. He may also be ready if he has regular well-formed bowel movements, has long "dry" periods where he holds his urine, and displays an interest in other people's bathroom habits.
Step 2
Put a portable potty in the bathroom.This step in potty training is key to introducing your child to the potty and allowing him to get familiar with its function. Explain to him what the potty is used for and encourage him to sit on it, even while fully dressed or wearing a diaper. Mayo Clinic suggests showing your child how the potty works by emptying the contents of a dirty diaper into the potty and then flushing the waste down the toilet.
Step 3
Encourage your son to sit on the potty regularly. Baby Center recommends teaching little boys to urinate in the potty while sitting down rather than standing as it allows them to focus on the basics of the procedure. When your son seems interested in using the potty, schedule potty times where he will have to sit on the potty for a few minutes at a time. Plan for these potty breaks when you believe your child might be ready to urinate or have a bowel movement, such as after a meal or first thing in the morning.
To heighten your child's interest in the potty, give him a special toy that he's only allowed to play with while on the potty or read him a favorite book while he's on the potty. Remember to make sure that anyone else who takes care of your child knows and follows the potty-break routine.
Step 4
Reward your child for using the potty. When your child successfully uses the potty, give him plenty of verbal praise and encouragement. You may also want to use rewards such as stickers or the promise of special outings for properly using the toilet. Never pressure, punish, shame, or otherwise discourage a child for having an accident or not wanting to use the potty as this can cause children to become resistant to learning.
Step 5
Stop using diapers. When your son has successfully used the potty several days in a row, dress him in "big boy" underpants instead of diapers. You may want to keep close to home for his first diaper-free outing and avoid putting him in difficult to remove outwear, such as overalls and belts. For the next few weeks, carry a spare change of clothes with you in case of accidents.
Tips and Warnings
- Baby Center recommends buying a potty without a urine guard as it can scratch and irritate the penis, which may discourage boys from using the potty. When you develop a potty-training routine, make sure that anyone else who takes care of your child knows and follows the routine. When out of diapers, remember to frequently ask your child if he has to use the potty in case he forgets.
Things You'll Need
- Portable potty
