If you're wondering if your toddler is ready for potty training, it's helpful to know the signs. In most cases, children are ready to start the transition to diaper-free living around age 2 ½ or 3. According to pediatrician Robert Needlman of DrSpock.com, your child should already be walking, able to pull down her elastic pants, or aware of bodily functions such as "poo." If your child also tries to sit on her potty by herself, is eager to do things on her own and can keep her diaper dry for a few hours, she's ready, says Needlman.
Step 1
Let your toddler watch you put his poo into the toilet, and let him flush the toilet. Allow your child to run around without a diaper afterwards to motivate him to use the toilet on his own, advises pediatrician Alan Greene of DrGreene.com.
Step 2
Tell your child that soon she will no longer need to wear diapers. Give her new underwear to encourage her, states Greene. It will also help to smooth over any anxiety she feels about leaving her diapers behind.
Step 3
Start reading children's books about potty training to your child, and take your child with you when you go to the bathroom, recommends Green.
Step 4
Plan a few days to potty train, for instance over a weekend. Remain close to home so that your toddler can easily go to the potty.
Step 5
Give your child lots of water, unsweetened juices and fiber to eat so he'll need to go to the bathroom often during the potty-training period. Remove his diaper for the entire day. When you see signs that he needs to go to the potty, quickly take him, recommends BabyCenter.com.
Step 6
Let your child look at his accomplishment for a few seconds, and let him watch you empty the potty contents into the toilet. Offer a little praise, but don't make too big a deal out of it or your child will feel pressured to perform, explains Greene.
Step 7
Avoid letting your toddler wear pull-ups, which might hinder her progress.
Tips and Warnings
- Even if your child starts using the potty, he may still wet his bed at night. Take him to the potty before bedtime. It's also OK to let him wear a diaper to bed until he can make it through the night dry. Never criticize or punish your child for potty-training accidents.
- Do not try to potty train your child before she is ready. It will create more stress and stretch out the potty-training process, warns the American Academy of Pediatricians. According to Needlman, children are often ready for potty training right at the time when defiance and resistance kicks in. It can make the process more frustrating for both of you. However, this stage usually starts to wane around age 3, and things should get easier. Keep at it and stay positive.
Things You'll Need
- Potty
