According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children show an interest in potty training between the ages of 18 and 24 months. Potty training takes a great amount of daily dedication and patience from parents. This task can take up to three months, but some kids will get the hang of it quicker than others. When your child shows signs of readiness, it is time to bring out the potty chair and let the training begin.
Step 1
Assess your child for signs of potty training readiness such as acting uncomfortable in a soiled diaper, showing an interest in what you do on the toilet, waking up dry from a nap or staying dry for two hours or longer during the day, and he should be able to communicate the need to use the toilet by words or facial expressions. Your toddler should be able to dress and undress himself, as well as follow simple commands. If your child is able to do most of these things, he is ready to begin potty training.
Step 2
Start performing diaper changes in a routine "robot-like" manner without any expression. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child will learn to associate using the potty with more attention from his parents.
Step 3
Decide on appropriate potty talk that is used to describe body parts, urine and bowel movements. The words need to be clear enough that others can recognize your toddler's need. Avoid offensive or embarrassing words or phrases that can make a child feel shame, like "stinky."
Step 4
Purchase a potty seat or potty chair. A potty seat fits over the adult toilet seat, while a potty chair is a small potty that sits on the floor. Some parents begin potty training on the adult toilet without any other aide. Whether you choose the adult toilet or the potty seat, make sure you purchase a stool so your child can independently climb to the toilet to potty.
Step 5
Encourage your toddler to get on the potty chair with his clothes on while he gets used to the concept. Try dumping the contents of a dirty diaper in the potty so he can see what it is used for. When he doesn't show fear of the new potty, move on to the next step.
Step 6
Utilize a reward system each time he uses the potty. You can use a simple reward like encouragement and positive reinforcement or you can both perform a special potty dance. You can also use stickers or pieces of candy-coated chocolate as a reward.
Step 7
Schedule potty breaks every two hours and whenever he has an urge to go. Instruct your child to sit on the potty chair without his diaper on and let him use the restroom. Don't make him sit on the potty chair for longer than three to five minutes if he is not using the potty, because then it can feel like a punishment.
Step 8
Show your toddler how to wash his hands after using the potty.
Step 9
Throw out the diapers and allow your child to wear training pants or "big kid" underwear after several weeks of successful potty training.
Tips and Warnings
- Dress your child in pants or shorts that are easy for him to pull up and down. Avoid overalls, belts and tight clothing like leotards. Daytime control is generally mastered within six months, but nighttime control can take months or years. Keep a change of clothing and underwear handy in case of an accident.
- Don't ridicule or punish your toddler for having an accident. The Mayo Clinic recommends saying "Uh-oh. There was an accident. Let's change you. Pretty soon you'll remember to use to potty chair every time you have to go." Factors that cause stress such as moving to a new house, having a new baby join the family or a death in the family can delay potty training, and you child may regress to wanting diapers. If this happens, wait until the stress has lessened and try again.
Things You'll Need
- Potty seat
- Potty chair
- Stool
- Stickers
- Candy-coated chocolate
- Training pants
- Underwear
