Potty Training

Many parents look upon potty training as a complicated, long and difficult process and expect nothing but problems along the way. However, if you approach this stage with a relaxed and optimistic attitude and use a few choice techniques and let your child simply go at his own pace there is no reason why the transition from nappy (diaper) to toilet can't be a smooth and pleasant one. Children get bladder and bowel control only when they are physically ready for it and as the time for this varies it is best not to compare your child's progress with others.

Most children can control their bowels before their bladders. By the age of two one in two children are dry during the day. By the age of three nine out of ten children are dry most days. Even then all children have the odd accident, especially when they are excited or upset or absorbed in doing something.

To get tips to potty train your child in less than a week Click Here!

When to Start and Signs of Readiness

There is no perfect age to start potty training because, as in all stages of child development, every child is different. As a rough guide, though, expect to begin somewhere approximately between the ages of 18 to 32 months. As an indication of when it might be a good time to gently introduce the first steps to potty training, look out for the following signs of readiness:-

a dry nappy (diaper) for several hours

your child telling you he needs to 'go' or has 'gone'

complaining when his nappy (diaper) is wet or soiled

can walk and is able to dress/undress independently

is interested in the potty or the toilet and imitates your actions

has regular and predictable bowel habits

understands your instructions and can carry them out,e.g.,take off your pants and use the potty

uses two word phrases, e.g., go potty

Potty Training Techniques or 'How To'

A minimum fuss, no pressure, approach is vital to avoid creating power struggles. Don't worry too much about using the same techniques as your neighbour/sister/best friend - do whatever feels right and comes naturally for you and your child. Maintain a sense of humour and always remember 'when was the last time you saw a school child in nappies (diapers)?!! It will happen so relax!

Try, keeping a potty nearby, letting your child run around without underwear if he wishes (easiest and less messy in the garden in summer)! Some children miss out using a potty and prefer to use a special seat on the 'grown-up' toilet. A step or box next to the toilet will be useful. Whilst the potty has obvious advantages, being totally portable, either method is perfectly okay. The same goes for whether you use underwear or pull-ups - try both and see which works best for your child. Flexibility is key when potty training!! Some people worry that the process is harder and slower with boys than with girls but in my own experience this was far from true. Whatever the pace the same rules, namely that there aren't any, apply!! If your little boy prefers to sit then let him sit, if he prefers to stand then let him stand. Encouraging hand washing from day one will make this part of their automatic routine.

Helpful aids to potty training, e.g., musical potties or colour changing toilet stickers are readily available but not essential. You may like to try using books or videos on the subject to encourage your child's understanding of this stage of development. You can also make your own scrapbook together by collecting pictures of children using the potty or toilet, etc., this will help your child's sense of comfort to see that everyone uses the potty/toilet not just him.

Many parents use reward charts to positively reinforce their child's progress when potty training. The idea is that by giving your child a sticker on his chart each time he successfully uses his potty, or goes to the toilet, he is motivated and encouraged to learn. When he has attained a pre-decided number of stickers he gets a reward, a toy; day out, etc.

Staying Dry at Night

Learning to stay dry throughout the night usually takes a child a little longer than staying dry during the day. He or she has to respond to the sensation of having a full bladder while asleep either by waking up and going to the toilet, or holding on until morning. Although most children do learn this between the ages of three and five it is estimated that a quarter of three year olds wet the bed and one in six five year olds wet the bed. When you notice that your child wakes up dry after several consecutive nights then it may be time to think about trying him without a nappy (diaper) at bedtime. Use a waterproof mattress cover just in case and have a full change of bedding easily to hand to minimise disturbance should an accident occur.

Little Accidents and Potty Training Problems

Even the most patient and flexible parent will find it frustrating when their child has accidents or set backs during their potty training period. It is important to try your best not to scold your child or cause him to feel ashamed if he doesn't make it to the potty or toilet in time but to say something like 'oops, missed that time, don't worry sometimes it happens all of a sudden' and treat the accident as a 'one-off' incident even if it happens on a more regular basis at first. Potty training is just that - a training process - and the odd accident is inevitable. Get used to carrying spare sets of clothes wherever you go plus bags to put wet or soiled items in and always praise your child for an outing that doesn't involve an accident.

For information on other developmental behavior techniques Click potty training toddlers