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When to start potty training for toddlers

Updated on January 4, 2016

Potty Training for Toddlers

One of the challenging things of being a parent of a toddler is to potty train your kid at the right time and having the patience through the process. Some toddlers are ready as young as 10 months, but some at 18 months and others even at 36 months. Hopefully this article will help potty train your kid in an easier and fun way.

Potty training for boys
Potty training for boys

Signs to start

While each child is different, most children ready to begin potty training between the ages of two and two and a half years old. Some toddlers are ready to start potty training as young as 18 months. However, some children may not be ready until he/she is three years old. You should choose a potty chair once your toddler has shown that he is ready to begin toilet training. You can have him decorate it with stickers and sit on it with his clothes on to watch TV, etc. to help him get used to it. Whenever your child shows signs of needing to urinate or have a bowel movement you should ask him if he wants to use the potty or take him to the chair and explain to him what you want him to do.

Potty Training basic readiness

Toddlers who are ready for training exhibit certain signs of readiness. These signs of readiness indicate the maturity and interest required for success. Look for signs that show your toddler is ready for this important step, and when you toddler is ready, you're sure to recognize the following clues.

A toddler requesting a diaper change is well aware of the irritation caused by a wet or dirty diaper. If your toddler is capable of coming to you to ask for a diaper change, or going as far as to bring a diaper to you, they are capable of letting you know when they need to use the toilet. This is a major signal of motivation, and it shouldn't be ignored. Take this cue as a significant sign of potty training readiness.

Toddlers begin to show interest in what mom, dad, and siblings are doing in the bathroom, and they want to do the same. Take advantage of this natural curiosity and the desire to learn, and beginpotty training your toddler. Not only will you save money, but in the long run, you'll also save time and effort.

Potty training chart for toddlers
Potty training chart for toddlers

Signs

Look out for these signs to detect if you can start potty training for your toddler:

  • Toddler's bowel movements have become regular.
  • Yourkid can sit up, stand, and walk without support.
  • When he/she shows signs of discomfort or disapproval while he/she is in a dirty diaper.
  • Toddler has become more independent and asks to do more things by himself/herself.
  • He/she has the ability to pull his/her pants off and on.
  • Your boy/girl shows a disinterest in wearing diapers and an interest in wearing underwear.
  • Toddler has specific words for his/her urine and feces.
  • Toddler can understand the physical signs that he/she needs to go to the bathroom.

Persistence

Don't expect your toddler to come to you when it's time to use the toilet. It's necessary to take a toddler to the toilet at regular intervals. Until your toddler realizes what is expected, you really should take a bathroom break every half hour to forty-five minutes, especially after meals. The first time your toddler uses the toilet, he or she will finally realize what the fuss is all about.


Potty training chair for boys and girls
Potty training chair for boys and girls

Tips for Success

Potty training toddlers should be a fun and exciting experience for both you and your child. Remember, your child should feel in control of the process. Take a slow, casual, matter-of-fact approach, and make it fun! Books, videos and activities are available to help you and your child through this process.

Always encourage and praise your child. Reward systems used by parents during potty training can help the potty training process. A chart can be used to reward your toddler for using the toilet successfully. Let your toddler be involved and let him help you make the chart. Visit the craft store and make a chart together using a theme or characters your toddler likes. Each time your toddler successfully uses the toilet, place a sticker on the chart for that day. At the end of each successful day, reward your child with a special reward. The reward does not have to be expensive. It can be something as simple as ice cream for dessert.

Do not begin training until your child shows signs that he/she is ready and when you can spend a lot of time together. In the beginning, yourtoddler will not be able to easily recognize when it's time to go use the potty so you may need to ask your child on a regular basis if he has to go potty.

Never pressure or punish your child for unsuccessful attempts at using the potty, or if he/she has an accident. If he is having a difficult time at first grasping the concept, understand that this is normal, and try again the next day beginning right when your toddler first wakes up.

Most of all, be patient. Your child will learn to use the potty when he or she is ready.

Potty Training video

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