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5 Signs For Starting Potty Training

Potty training can be one of the most stressful times of life for both parents and toddlers, so to be sure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, parents need to be sure that their children are ready for this big developmental step.

Most children begin potty training by the time they are 2, but some start much earlier and some benefit from waiting longer. The appropriate potty training age varies from child to child, even among siblings, so it is important for parents to have a grasp on specific signs that show a child is ready to move from using diapers to using a potty. If you wait until your child is ready, rather than forcing potty training on him or her at a certain age, you will find that your child will begin consistently using the potty without much hassle or too many accidents.

Because potty training can be very daunting for many children, begin at a time in life that is not already stressful for your child. For example, if you have recently had another child, your potty-training child, although he or she is fully capable of learning to use the toilet, may resist training techniques and prefer to have mommy or daddy change his or her diaper, just like the new baby. Other reasons to delay potty training include divorce, moving to a new house, adverse medical developments, or any other major changes in a child’s life. So it’s important to take into account any possible reasons that could make potty training a real battle.

You will notice a number of signs that indicate your child’s readiness to begin potty training, even if he or she does not voice this opinion. At this stage in life, your child is becoming more independent, and wants to do things by his- or herself, such as getting dressed in the morning or cleaning up the play area. Your child may also imitate adults or older children and can follow simple commands. These things all show that your child is mature enough to learn to use a toilet.

Begin potty training after you notice that your child is having regular bowel movements. He or she also should be able to stay dry for a few hours at a time and during many nights and naps. Other signs that you child is ready to begin potty training include:

Showing discomfort with a dirty diaper
Asking questions about bathroom use
Telling an adult when he/she has a dirty diaper
Wanting to begin potty training
Knowing when he or she needs to use a toilet

Overall, the most important reason to wait for these signs is that your child will more easily go through the potty training process if it is not forced. Potty training can be frustrating otherwise. Some parents begin with children as young as 18 months. Others wait until their toddler is closer to 3 years of age to even start the process. Don’t be concerned if your child is not ready as soon as you think he or she should be. If you have any questions about age-appropriate potty training techniques, your paediatrician should be able to help you. Start potty training when your child is ready, and it should be smoother sailing than you expect.

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