Potty Training

When is your child ready or not ready for potty training?

If you can answer “yes” to most of the following questions, your child might be ready to potty train. If not, you might want to wait.

• Can your child follow simple instructions?
• Can your child tell you when they need to go?
• Can your child walk to and sit on a toilet or training potty?
• Is your child able to pull down and pull up their pants?
• Can your child stay dry for at least two hours or after naps?
• Are you changing fewer diapers?
• Does it seem like your child recognizes they are going number one and two?
• Is your child interested in using the toilet?
• Does your child want to wear “big kid” underwear?
• Are you ready to devote the time and energy to be consistent daily?

Major changes can be stressful for a child. Adding potty training to the mix can be overwhelming and sabotage training success. You may want to wait if your child is facing a major change including but not limited to the following:

• The upcoming or recent move
• The arrival of a sibling
• Change in childcare
• Switching from crib to bed
• Family death
• Family crisis

Potty Training Tips

• Make sure your child is ready
• Put the training potty in the bathroom way before training starts
• Switch to pull-up diapers
• Start and stick to a potty schedule to reduce accidents
• Make potty positive. Never refer to your child’s dirty diaper as smelly, stinky, gross, or other negative references. Never scold, punish or shame for accidents.
• Dress your child in easy to pull down and up pants or shorts
• Commend their “big kid” behavior
• Show your child how to use the potty. Toddlers love to mimic.
• Watch for signals like fidgeting, straining, or cross legs
• Be patient as there will be accidents

Just keep in mind that your efforts and patience will be rewarded with no diaper changing and diaper costs. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s potty training, please discuss them with your pediatrician.