Every child is unique, and unique in the way they develop their skills and knowledge. Many children show that they are ready to potty train between 18 and 24 months. There are different ways to potty train children. The success of potty training will depend on physical, developmental and behavioral milestones, not age. However, others may not be ready until age 3. There is no rush, if you start too early, potty training may be delayed and that is where many parents get impatient.
To identify if your little one is ready to potty train, you can use the following key questions:
- Can he walk and sit in the toilet?
- Can he pull his pants down and pull them back up?
- Can he stay dry for two hours?
- Can he understand and follow basic directions?
- Can he communicate when he needs to go to the bathroom?
- Does he seem interested in using the toilet or big boy underwear?
If most of the answers are yes, your child may be ready. If not, he or she may want to wait, especially if there are other major changes, such as a move or the arrival of a new sibling.
Adult preparation is also vital. You should set aside your enthusiasm and allow your child’s motivation to direct the process. Try not to equate the success or difficulty of potty training with your child’s intelligence or stubbornness. Also, keep in mind that accidents are inevitable, and punishment has no role in the process. Plan potty training for when you have quality time to devote to the process and the energy to be consistent.
When it’s time to start potty training:
- Choose your words. Decide what words you’re going to use for your child’s bodily fluids. Avoid negative words, such as dirty or stinky.
- Prepare the equipment. Place a potty chair in the bathroom or, at first, wherever your child is spending most of his or her time. Encourage your child to sit on the potty with clothes on to start.
- Make sure your child’s feet rest on the floor or stool. Use simple, positive terms to talk about the toilet. You could dump the contents of a soiled diaper into the potty and toilet to show your purpose. Have your child flush the toilet.
- Schedule potty breaks. Have your child sit on the potty or toilet without a diaper for a few minutes at two-hour intervals, as well as first thing in the morning and right after naps. For boys, it’s often best to master sitting urination and then move on to standing after bowel training is complete. Many parents are alarmed when their potty-trained child is sitting up to do #1 – this is seen a lot with single moms because it’s what the child watches at home, and it’s okay – it’s just natural.
Stay with your child and read a book together or play with a toy while he or she is sitting. Allow your child to get up if he or she wants to. Even if your child just sits there, praise him or her for trying and remind him or her that he or she can try again later. Bring the potty with you when you are out and about with your child.
- Use a watch. Time the intervals when your child is using the toilet – this will help with regular use, preventing accidents.
- Go to the toilet quickly! When you notice signs that your child might need to go, such as squirming, squatting, or holding on to the genital area, respond quickly. Help your child become familiar with these signs by stopping what you are doing and going to the toilet. Praise your child for telling you when he or she needs to go. Keep your child in loose, easy-to-remove clothing.
- Explain hygiene. Teach girls to spread their legs and wipe carefully from front to back to prevent germs from the rectum from reaching the vagina or bladder. Make sure your child washes his or her hands afterwards.
- Ditch the diapers. Once potty training begins, replace diapers with cloth underwear. Remember that training pads have the same texture as diapers, so they could cause confusion.
After a couple of weeks of successful potty breaks and staying dry during the day, celebrate the transition. Let your child go back to diapers if he or she can’t stay dry. Consider using a sticker or star chart as positive reinforcement. If your child resists using the potty or toilet or isn’t getting the hang of it within a few weeks, take a break. Chances are, he or she isn’t ready yet. Pushing your child when he or she isn’t ready can lead to a frustrating power struggle. Try again in a few months.
Nighttime potty training
Naptime and bedtime training often take longer to achieve success. Most children can stay dry through the night between the ages of 5 and 7. In the meantime, wear disposable training pants and mattress covers when your child is sleeping.
- How to deal with accidents?
- Stay calm. Don’t punish or embarrass your child. You can say: You forgot this time, but next time go to the bathroom first.
- Be prepared. Have a change of underwear and clothes on hand, especially at school or daycare.
- When to seek assistance?
- If your child seems ready for potty training but is having difficulty, talk to your pediatrician. He or she can provide guidance and check to see if there are any other problems affecting the potty-training process.
Reference:
Baby and Toddler Health. 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/potty-training/art-20045230
Contribution by Precious Moments Childcare, LLC.
