Most toddlers begin to express an interest in the toilet around 18 months to 3 years of age. Though all children develop differently, potty training at this stage is common. Once a child is able to verbalize his need to go, can stay dry for two to three hours and seems interested, it might be time to try potty training.
Dress
Since the time between acknowledging a need to go and getting to the toilet needs to be quick, make sure you dress your toddler in clothes that are easy to unbutton or unsnap. "Onesies" with snaps at the crotch are not ideal during potty training. Not only can't a child reach the snaps, but the snaps can also be difficult to undo, causing accidents and setting training back. Instead, focus on tops that end at the waist and pants with elastic waists that pull down easily. In summer, a dress that a girl can pull up quickly is ideal.
Once you've had a few successful dry days, shop for some big girl or boy underwear to celebrate your toddler's success. Use the underwear during the day, but stick to diapers at night as night training often takes a month or more to be successful.
Equipment
While you needn't invest in expensive equipment, it can make potty training easier to have a few things on hand. At the most basic, a potty ring that fits on top of a toilet seat prevents children from falling in if they start daydreaming while sitting down. A step stool in front of the toilet helps children rest their feet while sitting and helps them get down when finished. A potty chair that you can transport easily from one play area to the next is handy and makes sure children get to an appropriate receptacle quickly once the urge to void arises.
Make It a Game
Games make the activity of voiding into a potty a bit more fun and can take the fear out of the trying something new. Potty chairs that change color or show a shape as a reward for using the potty are available at children's furniture stores or online. Similarly, some kids get a kick out of hearing music as they fill the potty, which can also help boys with the idea of aiming when they get older and learn to use the potty standing up.
Play Up the Good, Downplay the Bad
If your toddler is successful, reward her with hugs, kisses and telephone calls to proud grandparents. Children revel in being successful and will reward you in turn with repeated successes.
Accidents, however, are part of the training process. Never denigrate your child for having an accident. Instead, calmly clean her up and wipe up the mess. Explain that accidents happen, it's OK and that you love her still. Remind her to tell you when she needs to go and move on with your day.
