How to potty train a toddler
Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when they are physically ready. This usually is around 18-24 months, when they want to be dry and clean. However, there is no perfect time to start. Every child is different, so it’s best not to compare your child to others.By the age of three, nine out of 10 children can stay dry most days. And even then, all children have the odd accident, especially if they get excited, upset or absorbed in something else.
The trick is not to get too frustrated with your toddler. You can’t force your child to use a potty. If they aren’t ready, you won’t be able to make them. So encourage the behaviour you want, while you work out when your child is ready.
Recognising when your toddler is ready
There are a number of signs that your child is starting to develop bladder control.
- They know when they’ve got a wet or dry nappy.
- They get to know when they’re passing urine and they often tell you while they’re doing it.
- The gap between wetting is a least 1 hour.
- They let you know when they are having a bowel movement and have words for ‘wee’ and ‘poo’.
- They can follow the simple instructions that you give and may even copy you when you go to the bathroom.
Tips on how to start
- First, invest in the right equipment. This could be training pants, a potty or a special seat for your toilet.
- Leave a potty where your child can see it so they get used to knowing what it’s for.
- It helps to let your child see you using the toilet and explain what you are doing.
- Watch when your child has a bowel movement. If they regularly go at the same time each day, leave their nappy off and suggest they go in the potty. If this upsets your toddler, put the nappy back on and leave it a few weeks before trying again.
- As soon as your child knows when they are about to pass urine, encourage them to use the potty.
- If your child has an accident, simply mop it up and wait for next time. If you don’t make a fuss, they won’t feel anxious and will be more likely to succeed next time.
- A little praise will help a lot and your child will be delighted when they get it right.
- Be patient. It will take time and there will be setbacks along the way, but they’ll get the hang of it eventually.
If you’d like further advice on toilet training your child, please get in touch with our team of experts. Call us free anytime on 0800 996 1000, or use our confidential instant messaging service, Live Chatfrom 8am to 8pm.