According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the muscles that a child uses to go potty are fully mature typically between 12 to 24 months. In addition, KidsHealth.org states that your daughter must show that she is ready to be potty trained. Some signs to look for are that she understands and follows simple instructions, understands words related to toilet training (such as potty, pee-pee and poo-poo), can control the muscles responsible for using the restroom, can get on and off a potty and shows an interest in potty training. In the 2001 study, "Factors Associated with Toilet Training in the 1990s," by Dr. T. R. Schum, published in "Ambulatory Pediatrics," girls begin and finish potty training sooner than boys do.
Step 1
Familiarize your daughter with the potty training equipment, whether this is a detachable potty seat or a potty chair, advises the MayoClinic.com. She should sit on the potty several times a day, with and without a diaper, to become used to it.
Step 2
Get your daughter to the bathroom as soon as possible when signs are visible that she needs to go to the potty. She may be squirming, verbally telling you that she needs to go or holding her genitals.
Step 3
Teach her to always wipe from the front to the back. This prevents infections.
Step 4
Use rewards when she successfully uses the potty. Act excited, praise her and reward her with a sticker chart, games or special activities.
Step 5
Be consistent. Follow the same routine every day, making sure that anyone who watches your daughter follows it too.
Step 6
Be patient when accidents happen--because they will. Stay calm and never reprimand her.
Step 7
Begin nighttime potty training as soon as daytime potty training is mastered. Nighttime potty training can take longer, so patience is the key.
Tips and Warnings
- PottyTrainingBasics.com says to dress your daughter in skirts and dresses while she is learning. This will make it easier for her to get to the potty in time.
- BabyCenter.com suggests contacting a doctor if you are concerned about potty accidents or your daughter is still having problems at 4 years of age or older.
Things You'll Need
- Potty (toilet, potty chair or potty seat)
- Bathroom tissue
- Stool
- Rewards (stickers or games)
