Toilet Training

• As your child approaches 2, you'll begin to consider toilet training, whether it is because others are urging you, or because a preschool requires it. Most children are ready after their 2nd birthday, with boys a little later.
• Early toilet training is possible, but not necessarily preferred. It may put unnecessary pressure on the child, especially if he doesn't have the necessary bowel or bladder control, or the motor skills necessary to quickly remove his clothes quickly and reliably.
• Many children who begin toilet training  before 18 mos are not completely trained until after age 4. It is generally accomplished more quickly when a child is older.

The signals that a child is ready (most children reach this stage between 18-24 mos)

• BM's occur on a fairly predictable schedule
• diaper is not always wet (therefore, bladder is able to store urine)
• can and will follow directions
• interested in imitating other family members or friends in the bathroom
• she shows you that she knows when her bladder is full or when she's about to have a BM, ie through words, facial expressions or a change in activity.
• she must WANT to take this step
• If she is not yet ready, familiarize her by keeping the potty chair handy and explaining how it works

How to train:

• 1st goal is bowel training (often urinate with BM, so hard to separate the two)
• best way is let him watch members of the same sex
• boys usually empty their bladders in the sitting position, but gradually transfer to a standing position, especially after watching older boys do it
• obtain a potty chair and place it in a child's room or nearest bathroom

1. sit on potty fully clothed, telling him about the toilet, what its for. Do this for a few weeks
2. when he sits on it willingly, try it with his diaper off. Show him to keep his feet planted on the floor (helps to push). Do it once to several times/day
3. try changing diaper while he's seated and drop it in the potty, to show him what it's really for.
4. let him play near the potty without a diaper and remind him to use the potty when he needs to. He'll miss or forget at first - don't show disappointment, wait until he succeeds, then reward with excitement and praise
5. after using the potty chair regularly, switch from diapers to training pants. At this point, most boys will quickly learn to urinate into the potty by imitation. At this point, you may try adult toilets outfitted with training seats.

Nap-time and night-time training

• encourage use of potty immediately before and after going to bed
• try training pants instead of diapers at nap time
• (use a plastic sheet under the sheets)
• reassure that all children have some accidents

Caring for your baby and child: birth to age 5. Revised Ed.