Toilet Training

When is the best time to toilet train my child?

The best time to begin toilet training is when the child is ready to learn. Most children are ready between 2 and 3 years of age. By this age they are competent, confident, and comfortable enough for successful toilet training. However, children will be ready at their own pace, not when the parents or day care centers want them to be. The child's behavior is often a better guide than the child's age. It is best to start toilet training when the child lets you know when diapers need to be changed because they prefer dry diapers.

What problems can I expect?

Trying to toilet train too early can cause problems if a child resists. Trying to toilet train too early can affect the child's self-esteem, the parent-child relationship, and can be a source of stress, or even fear for the child.

It is important to be patient with the process. Girls are usually trained faster than boys. Many children, even when toilet trained, do not have nighttime bladder control until the age of 4 or 5. Expect accidents and do not punish or shame the child for them. Children often are caught up in what they are doing and forget to take potty breaks. Making the child feel bad when an accident happens adds stress and slows progress.

What are the signs my child is ready for toilet training?

Watch for signs of readiness. You can probably start toilet training if your child:

has watched others use the toilet
wants to be changed when wet or dirty
tells you about the need to go to the bathroom
is able to pull down diaper or underpants
can hold back urine and wait a short time to use the toilet
can get to the potty on their own, and
wakes up dry after sleeping all night, after naps, and for 2 hours during the day.

How do I toilet train my child?

Try these toilet training tips when your child shows readiness:

place child on potty seat when he gives signals of needing to go
use a child size potty chair and start by placing it in the child's play area
always praise and hug your child for success on the toilet and for sitting quietly and trying even when not successful
keep a container of pop-up wipes-near by for easier clean up
have a boy start out sitting to minimize sprays and dribbles on the walls and floors
sit and read to the child while they sit on the potty
when starting have the child wear just a diaper and no shoes and socks
allow your child to pick out their "big boy" or "big girl" underwear, after they have used the potty on their own several times.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File CHL3780F.HTM Release 9.0/2006