Potty training, an important stage of child development, consists of teaching a child to independently control his body and learn to use the bathroom. Children typically become interested in using the bathroom between eighteen months and three years of age. For toddlers who show signs of readiness, parents and caregivers can follow a series of steps that lead to successful potty training.
Step 1
Determine if your toddler is ready to be potty trained. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, signs of readiness include the ability to understand instructions and ask questions, the ability to independently dress and undress, an interest in "grown-up" underwear, discomfort with soiled diapers, and a general interest in potty training. It should also be a time when there aren't any major changes in the child's life, such as a new sibling, recent move, new caregiver, death of a loved one, or other stress.
Step 2
Determine which words will be used to describe the process to your toddler. Try to use words that are anatomically correct and that your child will not associate with humor or shame.
Step 3
Purchase the necessary materials. You may want to get a child-sized potty chair that is low to the ground or simply get a seat insert that allows your toddler to use the adult toilet. If you purchase a seat adapter, be sure to also purchase a stool so that your toddler can sit with his feet flat on a surface. The stool will also be useful in helping your child reach the sink for hand washing.
Step 4
Learn your child's bathroom cues. When your toddler needs to use the restroom, he may squat, grimace, hold his genitals or jump up and down. Once you learn the cues, you can teach your child the cues and help him to recognize them.
Step 5
Sit your child on the potty when she shows signs of needing to use the bathroom. Doing this will help your child associate her cues with the bathroom. When you notice a pattern, such as realizing that your toddler's bowel movements usually occur just after breakfast, make routine trips to the potty at these times. Try to keep your child on the toilet for at least a minute to allow her body time to relax. If this is difficult, read her a book while she's waiting.
Step 6
Have a same-sex parent or other role model demonstrate the bathroom process. Children learn best through imitation. Boys may need to learn to sit on the potty to urinate before standing, however. In many cases, it is easier to teach a boy to use the potty and then worry about splashing and aiming issues.
Step 7
Get special training pants or underwear. Your toddler will likely be more uncomfortable if she has an accident in training pants or underwear, and this will encourage her to seek out the bathroom. Letting your child pick out her own "big kid" underwear may spark more interest in using the potty.
Step 8
Teach your child how to wipe, flush the toilet, get dressed and wash his hands after using the bathroom. Dress your toddler in loose-fitting clothes that he can easily remove and put back on by himself.
Step 9
Praise your child after successful potty trips. Some parents reward with special privileges or stickers. Be sure not to reward every trip to the bathroom after the training has been established, or your toddler may expect a special treat every time.
Step 10
Prepare for accidents. Potty training can be a lengthy process. Many children get control of urine before bowels, and accidents are still common during sleep times. Your toddler will likely be able to stay dry for naps before she can stay dry for nighttime. If your child has kept dry for five nights in a row, then it may be time to try underwear for nighttime.
Tips and Warnings
- Try purchasing special books or movies that are designed to teach kids about potty training. It may take longer for a boy to be potty trained, since boys typically learn to urinate while sitting and then while standing. Teach girls to wipe from front to back, especially after having a bowel movement, to reduce the chance of getting a urinary tract infection. Protect your child's mattress from accidents by putting a plastic mattress cover over the mattress and underneath the sheet.
- Do not criticize your toddler for having accidents while potty training. Accidents are common and criticism may give an unpleasant association with using the potty. Children learn at different paces. Do not be worried if your toddler isn't potty trained at the same time as his friends or relatives. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to his doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Potty chair or seat insert
- Child-sized stool
- Loose-fitting clothes
- Training pants or underwear
