Potty training can strain your patience, as well as your toddler's, but beginning it correctly will make the process easier on you both. Beginning incorrectly or pushing your child to start potty training when he isn't ready will only make the process longer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Before you ditch the diapers and switch to training pants, you should evaluate your child's readiness for potty training and make the bathroom a comfortable and familiar place for him.
Step 1
Determine that your child is ready for potty training. Although many children are ready to potty train around age 2, some are not ready for a few more months or even years, according to the Mayo Clinic. Signs that your child is ready might include an interest in the toilet or regularly timed bowel movements. Your child might communicate through words or facial expressions that he is urinating or having a bowel movement. Your child also should be able to understand basic instructions.
Step 2
Purchase a potty chair for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one small enough to allow her to climb on easily and touch the floor with her feet. Keep a few books and toys near the potty chair to make potty time more interesting for your child.
Step 3
Choose a consistent language around the body parts and functions associated with potty training, such as "poo poo," "pee pee" or "tinkle." The Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you keep it simple and avoid words with negative connotations, such as "dirty" or "naughty." Also choose words that you and your child will be comfortable saying in public.
Step 4
Familiarize your child with toilet time. Sit him on his potty chair in the bathroom even while he's still wearing a diaper. Empty the contents of a dirty diaper into the toilet, and let him flush them. You can even let him watch you or other family members of his gender use the toilet.
Step 5
Make toilet time a routine for your child. Sit your child on the potty seat without a diaper for five to 10 minutes about the same time daily. Stay with her and read or play simple games during this time. Heap praise on your child or offer rewards if she uses the toilet during this time, but be encouraging even if nothing happens.
Step 6
Watch your child for signals, such as grunting or squirming, that he needs to use the restroom. Rush him to the bathroom quickly and get him on the toilet when you see these signals.
Step 7
Inform other people who care for your child--relatives, babysitters and day-care centers, for example--that you are potty training and explain your routines to them. Your child should stick to the same routine even when you are not around.
Tips and Warnings
- Be prepared for accidents, and don't respond to them with scolding. Instead, calmly explain to your child that accidents happen and you'll try again next time. Delay potty training if your child has recently experienced a disruptive life event, such as the birth of a sibling, a death in the family or a move to a new home.
- Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns regarding toilet training, particularly if your child is nearing school age and is still resistant or unable to start even the early steps. Any problem probably is minor, but your child might have bowel or bladder problems.
Things You'll Need
- Potty seat
- Books
- Toys
