Potty training your toddler: The right time and the right way

Potty training is an important first step in fostering independence in children. So when is the best time to start potty training? And what’s the best way to train children so that they are both happy and enthusiastic about learning, while making it easy for parents? This DailySavingz article will help parents answer these questions.

1. When is the best time to start potty training?

In reality, each child will have a different ideal time to start potty training, but typically children are ready to start potty training between 18 and 36 months of age, although most are not fully comfortable with independent toileting until around 2 years old.

When you want to start familiarizing your child with this “independence,” you must ensure that they are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready. In addition, their ability to control their bladder and bowel movements should be somewhat established.

If most of the “readiness signs” are present, it is the ideal time to start potty training. However, if the child is sick or experiencing major life changes, such as starting daycare, the arrival of a new sibling, or moving house, parents should consider postponing potty training.

Kiza MF-01 potty training seat, designed just like an adult toilet

Readiness Signs

When a child exhibits at least two or three of the physical, mental, and emotional signs listed below, it can be considered an appropriate time for parents to begin potty training.

Physical Readiness Signs

• The child is starting to develop regular urination and bowel movement patterns.
• The child can pull their pants up and down without much assistance.
• The child can move or walk to the bathroom independently.
• The child can sense when they need to go to the bathroom or can hold it for a short time until a parent brings the potty.
• The child’s diaper stays dry for longer periods, around 2-3 hours. This is a sign that their bladder control is increasing.

Mental Readiness Signs

• The child can distinguish between urination and bowel movements and can talk about it when you change their diaper.
• The child understands the concepts of “wet” and “dry.”
• The child expresses discomfort and lets you know or removes their diaper when it’s soiled or wet.
• The child can anticipate and tell you when they “need to go potty.”
• The child understands what you say and follows simple instructions like “go get your teddy bear.”

Emotional and Social Readiness Signs

• The common phrase “I can do it” indicates the child’s desire for more independence.
• The child expresses their independence by saying “no” when asked to do something.
• The child imitates the actions of others.
• The child shows joy when praised and wants to please you or other adults.

2. Tips and Guidance for Parents During Potty Training

• Introduce the potty: Show the child the potty and explain what it’s for. Place the potty in a corner or in the bathroom for a few days so the child becomes familiar with it. Then, have the child practice sitting on the potty with their clothes or diaper on to get used to it. Practice this for 1-2 days before having them sit on the potty without a diaper or clothes.
• Encourage, don’t force: At first, the child will likely get up immediately, but suggest and encourage them to sit for a little longer by giving them a toy, a book, or playing music. If they don’t need to go, let them get up and play. And when they successfully use the potty, be sure to praise them!
• Skip the diaper for naps: Potty training means you’ll gradually stop using diapers for naps. This will help prevent bedwetting at night. When the child wakes up from their nap, remind them to use the potty.
• Don’t scold accidents: Accidents are inevitable during potty training. Don’t scold the child; it’s likely your fault for not reminding them to use the potty. If after about 2 weeks of training, your child still isn’t telling you when they need to go, they may not be ready, and you should wait a while before trying again.

Toilet training seat with steps

• Signs of needing to go: The child’s face may turn red, they may frown, squat, touch their genitals, suddenly stop playing, or say they need to “pee” or “poop.” If you’ve been training them, they might also go at the same time each day.
• Suggest using the toilet: After a few weeks of using the potty during the day, suggest that your child try using the regular toilet like a grown-up. Children around 2-3 years old often like to imitate adults, so you can “persuade” them to use the toilet like their parents.
• Show them how to use the toilet: And don’t forget to explain what you’re doing. You can demonstrate, or if the child has older siblings, let them observe while the sibling is using the toilet.
• Create a daily routine: Have the child use the potty after waking up or about 40-60 minutes after drinking a lot of fluids. You can observe the child while they urinate and only have them sit for a few minutes, allowing them to get up if they want.
• Have the child sit on the potty 15-30 minutes after eating: This takes advantage of the body’s natural elimination needs.
• Dress the child in simple, easy-to-remove clothing: To best support the potty training process, avoid coats or jackets that could get caught in their pants.
• When boys are ready to stand and urinate: Be sure to guide them to aim correctly.
• Always praise and encourage: Even if the child isn’t using the potty perfectly, don’t punish or scold them for making a mess. Instead, guide, help, and encourage them. Consider giving them a small reward each time they successfully use the potty.
• Choose the right potty: Select a potty that fits the child’s size – not too tight and not too loose – to provide comfort. Choose a fun, cute potty with attractive colors to engage the child.