Potty training teaches children to control their bladder and helps them to learn to use the toilet. Children are ready to begin at different ages and it is important to look out for the signs as to when they are ready. Many children are happy to start as young as two years old, whilst others not until they are three years. In my experience, I tend to find boys are a little later than girls but that is not always the case. I also think that the later you leave it, the quicker it is for them to grasp the concept.
Signs that they are ready
- The child is aware and lets you know when they are doing a wee or poo in their nappy.
- They have an increased interest in the potty, pants and taking off their nappies.
- They are able to follow instructions and can carry out simple tasks.
- They can pull their nappies up and down themselves if using pull up nappies.
- They show distress if left in a wet or soiled nappy for any period of time.
- They are over the age of 18 months. Before this, the ability to control their bladder has not developed fully.
How to start training
- Clear a week in your diary to be able to give your full attention to the training. On the first few days of training try to stay at home to avoid the child getting upset after any accidents.
- Have a potty upstairs and downstairs, somewhere they can easily access it, and close by, so that they can make it in time!
- Make sure you have plenty of changes of clothes and spare pants as accidents will happen.
- Start by explaining what you are expecting from them and use picture books that encourage potty training; you may be surprised to know how many potty books are available.
- Remove the nappy and every five to 10 minutes ask them if they would like to sit on the potty, never force a child as they will rebel against you.
- If they ask for their nappy back, that is fine for the first few days, but I would encourage you to try and take it off as often as you can.
- After they go to the toilet in the potty, give lots of praise.
- If an accident happens, give them reassurance that it is okay, clean it up and put fresh pants on. Never tell them off as this will have a negative effect on their confidence. Be patient and accept that this is a new experience for them and that it will take time.
- Put on a nappy before nap and sleep times, explain why and that when they wake up they will put their ‘big boy/girl pants’ on again.
- When you feel ready, take them out on a short outing. Take each day step by step and you will find they will learn to hold their bladder for longer and longer.
This process should take one to two weeks assuming you follow the instructions and that the child is ready.
Potty training problems
- Some children may take longer to produce a stool in the potty. This may be because of the sheer fact it takes longer and toddlers do not like to sit still for very long. It could also be fear of the unknown after doing it in their nappy for so long, or just plain old laziness. The most important thing is not to force the issue, as it can make them hold it for longer, often causing constipation. Monitor their bowel movements and once you have noticed a regular pattern emerging, encourage your child to sit and read a story with you, have a drink or play with some stickers as this will keep their attention. Give them plenty of fluids and fibre rich foods throughout the day to avoid hard stools. Be patient and they will soon learn.
- Occasionally after the child has been potty trained, it is not uncommon that they suffer some regression and begin to wet their pants again. This can often be triggered by a certain event, for example; a new baby, moving houses or starting nursery, etc. The best way to deal with this is to go back to the beginning of the training, give them lots of attention and help them remember to use the potty. I would also suggest having a few days at home to reinforce the potty rules.
With thanks to Sophie O’Brian of Right Routine.