The most common questions that parents ask about potty training are:
When do you first start to potty train?...and How do you potty train?
While there is not one exact answer, there are very definite and useful guidelines.
When should my child begin potty training?
Some children may start as early as 18 months (1 and a half years old) with very little coaching, while others may not start until three years old and require much more encouragement. However, "late starters" don't automatically represent a developmental concern. Potty training readiness varies widely between individuals.
So how do I know that my child is ready to start potty training?
look for these signs:
Sleeping through a two hour nap with no wetting, indicating adequate bladder muscle development. (This does not include sleeping through the night with no wetting.)
Pulling at diapers. (Showing dislike of soiled diaper.)
Squatting, or even hiding when they have to go. (Showing awareness of having to go.)
Pointing, gesturing, or even just grunting.
Telling you! "I'm peeing/pooping."
How do I potty train my child?
Make the switch from diapers to pull-ups. (Pull-ups are also called training pants.)
Teach them how to pull down their own pull-ups themselves during changing time.
Buy a potty chair, and put it in easy view at first. Tell them what it is, and show how to sit in it. (Available in Store!)
Teach them how to ask. "I need to potty, or Potty time!"
Eventually move the potty chair to the bathroom.
let them see you go. Children learn through modeling what they see.
Use pictures books of potty time. (Available in Store!)
Make it fun! Do the Potty Dance. (Video available in Media!)
Never punish! Even the mildest disapproval may result in the child wanting to keep it a secret.
Focus on peeing on the potty first, and then pooping as a secondary goal. Stability is key. Lifestyle changes such as going to a new school, or moving to a new home can distract from settling into a potty training routine. Most important: Expect relapses! Potty training is a classic, one step forward, two steps back situation.