Early Learning Project
“No more diapers!” Sounds great, but how do you get ready for toilet training? Here are some tips.
About thisTip Sheet
Be sure you are ready!
Helping your child learn to use the toilet takes time and patience. Have a potty chair, a child-sized seat that fits the toilet, and a sturdy stepstool on hand. Training can take 3 months or more.
Get your child interested!
- Let her get to know her potty chair or portable toilet seat. Let her sit on it fully clothed, if she wants.
- Check out children’s books about using the potty, and read them with your child [e.g., Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi (1993) and Going to the Potty by Fred Rogers (1986)].
- Let him observe you or other children (if they are willing) using the toilet.
- Show him how the toilet works. Let him flush it if he wants.
- Never leave a toddler alone in a bathroom.
Teach the right words.
Use the terms you want your child to use. You might say in a friendly voice, “I’m changing your diaper because you peed in it.” “You pooped in your diaper, so I’m putting on a clean one.” Use terms that other people will understand.
Watch for signs that your child is ready.
Most children learn to use the toilet between 2 and 3 years of age. Girls show signs of readiness an average of 3 months before boys. Your child may be ready to start toilet training if she shows any of the following signs:
- Knows the diaper is wet or dirty and wants a clean one
- Has bowel movements at regular times
- Stays dry for 2 hours at a time
- Uses facial expressions, sounds, or words to show she is ready to urinate or have a bowel movement
- Understands the terms you use for bladder and bowel functions
- Follows simple directions and likes to put things in the right place
Be aware of signs that your child is not ready.
You may need to wait a little longer if he simply doesn’t want to sit on the toilet or if he is going through any of the following:
- An illness
- A phase of irritability or power struggles with you
- Major life changes such as the birth of a new baby or moving to a new home
Learn more about getting ready for toilet training at these Web sites:
- When Is the Right Time to Start Toilet Training?
http://www2.aap.org/publiced/BR_ToiletTrain.htm - Toilet Training Your Child
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/toilet/179.html - Readiness Signals
http://www.parentingme.com/toiltrng.htm#readiness - Toilet Training
http://www.nncc.org/Guidance/toilet.train.html - Toilet Ready? How to Know When Your Child Is Ready to Use the Potty
http://www.ocd.pitt.edu/Files/PDF/Parenting/ToiletReady.pdf
Spanish: No más pañales: ¿Está listo su hijo?
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.