Toilet Training / Potty training

Teaching a child to use the toilet or a potty is an important part of learning to be independent.
The following are the most important points around this learning process;-

1) 18 months is the earliest age to start toilet training. 2 years is a more realistic age to start and if your child recognizes that they are wet or dirty and indicate this, they are ready to begin the process.

2) It is best to start toilet training when your child is well and there are no distracting events such as the arrival of a new baby or moving house for example.

3) Your child should be included in the purchase of a strong potty with a rigid base to stop it tipping. For boys, a splash guard can be very helpful!

4) This potty should be within easy reach and if possible kept in a regular place ensuring that it does not become regarded as one of your child's toys.

5) The potty should be placed on a firm washable floor surface avoiding thick carpets or rugs.

6) The room where the potty is kept should be warm and comfortable so that there is no association with unpleasantness and cold. Keep toilet tissue near the potty and let your child help to clean him/herself.

7) Encourage your child to sit on the potty for a few minutes after meals and, to begin with, every two or three hours. It can be helpful to let your child see other children use a potty.

8) Trainer pants can be useful and colorful children's underwear can encourage a child to stay dry. Once nappies have been replaced with trainer pants it is important not to change back to nappies.

9) Children should be rewarded with lots of praise when they use a potty as a means of encouraging this behaviour.

10) Accidents should be treated lightly and cleaned up calmly.

11) It is best to train in warm weather if possible as at that time the child has less clothing to cope with.

12) It is important that ALL the carers of the child have the same attitude to training so that the child always gets the same messages.

Most children have gained day time control by the age of 3 years. Night time may take a little longer. Girls often learn more quickly than boys.