BabyCenter.com says that in order to potty train successfully, your daughter must be physically and emotionally ready to do so, and 27 months of age is good time to start. It is not too early to begin training, as FamilyDoctor.org states that most children begin to show signs of being ready to be potty trained between 18 to 24 months. Begin potty training when she starts showing signs that she's ready (interested in others' bathroom use, can follow instructions, can communicate with you that she has to or has gone potty). Alison Mack, author of the book "Toilet Learning," says girls are easier to train than boys, possibly because a woman tends to be the potty trainer.
Step 1
Demonstrate. A child learns best by watching and imitating. Let her watch you use the bathroom while explaining what you are doing.
Step 2
Allow your daughter to pick a potty chair. It can even be decorated with stickers to make your daughter eager to use it. Or, as described on BabyCenter.com, a parent can elect to use an adapter seat that hooks onto a regular-sized toilet. If a toilet is the method of choice, also use a step stool.
Step 3
Create a training schedule. According to MayoClinic.com, a parent can sit her daughter on the potty for a few moments a couple times every day. Even if she does not use the toilet, she should be praised for trying.
Step 4
Teach to wipe correctly. PottyTrainingBasics.com says that the most important thing to teach is the proper way for a girl to wipe. She should always wipe from the front to back to help prevent bacteria from spreading.
Step 5
Praise and don't give up. BabyCenter.com urges parents to encourage their daughter with praise and rewards. There will undoubtedly be accidents, but a child should never be reprimanded or punished.
Step 6
Wait until she has mastered daytime potty training before beginning nighttime potty training, according to BabyCenter.com. Nighttime training can be trickier, but a few tips are to limit drink intake after 5 p.m. and waking her up to use the bathroom before you retire for the night.
Tips and Warnings
- Parenting.com says to make sure that you daughter is sitting all of the way back on the toilet to limit spray or accidents. Keep her still by providing books or music for her entertainment.
- Keep the potty chair clean. As explained by iVillage.com, your daughter can develop a fixation with feces and attempt to play with it. PottyTrainingBasics.com advises parents to look out for bladder infections, whcih are especially common with girls. Symptoms would include pain when urinating and pain in the abdomen. If suspected, consult a pediatrician.
Things You'll Need
- Potty (toilet, potty chair or potty seat)
- Bathroom tissue
- Stool
