Most children will show an interest in using the bathroom themselves between the ages of 18 months and 4 years. In some cases, toddlers may be ready to learn to control their urine and bowels and independently use the bathroom. If your toddler displays signs of being ready and you have the time to dedicate to the possibly lengthy process, you can begin toilet training and soon bid farewell to using diapers.
Signs of Readiness
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a child may be ready for potty training when he is uncomfortable in wet or soiled diapers, has a general interest in using the toilet, and can ask questions, understand simple directions, and dress and undress himself. Potty training is less effective and more time consuming when it is attempted during a time of change or stress, such as after a move, the arrival of a new sibling or new caregiver, enrollment in a new day care or the death of a loved one.
Preparation
Some parents choose to buy a child-size toilet for toddlers to use. This smaller toilet will allow the child's feet to rest firmly on the floor, which can be necessary for pushing bowels. Other parents simply purchase an insert designed to fit on top of the adult toilet, making the seat suitable for a child. A stool can be purchased to allow the toddler to rest her feet flat for pushing and to assist with hand washing at the sink. You can also buy special training pants or underwear to get your toddler excited about toilet training.
Training Tips
Take your toddler to the bathroom whenever you notice he is displaying signs of needing to use the bathroom, such as squatting, grimacing or holding his genitals. You can also teach him to recognize his own signs and head to the bathroom himself. Try using stuffed animals to demonstrate or books and movies designed to teach and to encourage toilet training. In addition to teaching your child how to use the bathroom, teach him to clean up, to flush, to wash his hands and to get dressed.
Expectations
Boys may take longer to be potty trained, because they usually must learn to urinate while sitting on the toilet first. Toilet training can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the child. Even after daytime toilet training is complete, you can still expect your child to have accidents during naps or at nighttime, because it is harder for her to control urine or bowels while sleeping. Try using diapers or training pants while she is sleeping, and switch to regular underwear if she stays dry for a few days in a row. The entire process could take up to six months.
Parental Approach
Children learn best by imitating others, so have a same-gender parent use the bathroom in front of your toddler so he can see how it's done. Be aware that accidents are inevitable when toilet training, especially during nap time or at nighttime. After successful trips to the toilet, reward your child with praise, stickers or other special prizes. Never criticize a child for having an accident or for not using the toilet to avoid giving your toddler unpleasant feelings about toilet training.
