At what age should you start potty training your child?
There is no correct age. Every child is different. Many children are ready to begin potty training around 2.5 to 3 years old, but many others will be ready earlier or later. Don’t try to rush the process. Wait for signs that your child is physically, emotionally and intellectually ready. Your child may be very strong in some areas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are ready for potty training.
How do I know my child is ready?
Your child has been walking for a while and is now willing to sit in one place. Your child has left the “no” stage and says “yes”/is agreeable frequently. Your child understands what pee/poop are and has words for them. Your child likes to copy you. Your child is interested in being clean and neat. He knows when he is soiled and wants to be clean. He stays drier for longer periods of time.
How do I get started?
Let your child watch you in the bathroom. Talk about what you are doing. Purchase a potty chair. Let your child help you pick it out. Talk about what it’s for. Make sure your child’s feet can touch the floor or a step. Put it in the bathroom for your child to see/explore. Make it possible for your child to wash their hands (step stool). Make sure the bathroom door is easy for your child to open. Dress your child in easy to remove clothing. Talk to your childcare provider and others involved in your child’s life so everyone can work together on potty training efforts. Mentally prepare yourself. Potty training takes time and patience. Accidents will happen. You will have extra laundry. Stay calm and keep a good sense of humor! Once your child is ready to start trying to use the potty, sit him on it every hour (if the child is willing. Don’t force the issue.) Read a fun book while he sits on the potty! When he gets off the potty, stop reading the book until next time. Praise and reward your child every time he sits on the potty! Decrease the frequency of rewards as they become more comfortable and consistent with using the potty.
Don’t: stress, force the issue, punish your child, set deadlines or make it more complicated than it needs to be
Do: stay calm, figure out what motivates your child (M&M’s? Stickers? A special toy or book he can only use at potty time?), remember we all get potty trained eventually!