TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

When should I start potty training my child?

The Associated Press

Toilet training takes time and lots of patience, so don't rush the process before your child is ready.

ADVERTISEMENT

By RANI GEREIGE, MD

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 29, 2009

One of the most frequent questions I get from parents is, "When should I start toilet training my child?"

Understandably, parents look forward to the day when they can ditch the diapers and let their toddler wear "big kid" underpants. At the same time, though, they worry about pushing too hard or too early.

There is no set age when toilet training should begin. Every child is different. Before age 1, a child has no control over his or her bladder or bowel muscles. Many show signs of readiness between ages 18 to 24 months, but some not until 30 months or older. Children typically achieve bowel continence and daytime urine control by age 3 to 4. Most can stay dry at night after age 5.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your child may be developmentally ready for potty training if he or she:

• Stays dry at least two hours at a time or wakes from naps dry

• Has predictable bowel movements

• Shows signs of having to use the bathroom

• Follows simple instructions

• Can walk to and from the bathroom and remove clothing

• Seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers and asks to be changed

• Asks to use the toilet or potty chair

• Asks to wear "big-kid" underwear

Major changes in routine or stresses may interfere with toilet training or cause your child to revert to bed wetting and soiling after being completely trained. You may need to delay the process if major disruptions occur, such as a big move, arrival of a new baby, major illness or other family emergency.

Once your child is ready, some practical tips can help set the stage for success:

• Decide which words to use. When describing body parts, urine and bowel movements, avoid negative words like "dirty," "naughty," or "stinky" that can make your child feel ashamed. Use simple, matter-of-fact language.

• Pick out a potty chair. A potty chair is easier for small children to get onto than a toilet, and their feet can rest on the floor. Reading a potty training book or giving your child a special toy may make sitting on the potty more enjoyable.

• Know the signs. Before a bowel movement, your child may grunt or strain, squat or stop playing. Explain that this means a bowel movement is about to come. If your child tells you after wetting or soiling his diaper, it's a good sign he is starting to recognize the urge to go; offer praise, and suggest that "next time" he let you know in advance. The need to urinate takes longer to recognize than the need to move bowels.

• Establish a routine. Make potty breaks part of your child's day first thing in the morning, after meals, and before naps.

• Try training pants. After several weeks of successful potty breaks, your child may be ready to switch from diapers to training pants.

• Be prepared for "accidents." They will happen, especially when your child is tired or upset. Remain calm, quickly change your child, and use the opportunity to remind her to use the potty chair every time she has to go.

Toilet training takes time and lots of patience. The experience should be positive, so don't rush the process before your child is ready. Harsh toilet training can cause emotional frustration, resistance and other problems such as constipation. If your child expresses no interest in potty training by age 3, continues to wet the bed or soil diapers by age 5 years, or reverts to bed wetting after being dry for more than 6 months, you may want to consult your pediatrician.

Dr. Gereige is associate professor of pediatrics and director of the Primary Care Pediatric Sports Clinic at USF Health.

Share this:

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT