How to Toilet Train Your Toddler

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:ToiletTrainToddler
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Toilet Train Your Toddler

Introduction

There are many ways to toilet train your child, and various experts consider many of them controversial. Remember that your child will give you signs to indicate readiness for the big step.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Assess your toddler's readiness for toilet training. Ask yourself these questions: Does your toddler follow simple instructions? Dislike having a soiled diaper? Know words for stool and urine? Sit for 5 minutes or more attending to a project? Understand the physical signals indicating the presence of urine or stool? Have dry periods for 2 hours or longer? Wake up dry from naps? These are all good indications that you can start introducing your toddler to the potty.
2

Step Two

Buy a potty or toilet seat. Choose one that will suit the needs and preferences of both you and your toddler. Do you want one you can take with you anywhere? Do you want one that will rest safely on public toilets? Do you want one that makes music? Don't be surprised if your child doesn't agree with the one you think is right.
3

Step Three

If you feel comfortable, have your child sit on his potty with clothes on while you, your spouse, or another person of the same sex as your child goes to the bathroom. Don't try to restrain your child or force him or her to sit down. If your toddler shows extreme fear or disdain for the potty, put it away and try again, or let your child explore the toilet seat independently.
4

Step Four

Sit your child on the toilet seat without a diaper when he or she shows no signs of fear. Explain to your child what is supposed to happen on the potty. Don't be surprised if nothing happens for a long time. After two-plus years of passing urine and stool in a diaper, change will come slowly.
5

Step Five

Create a toilet routine. Following a routine will set up your child for success. Place your toddler on the toilet at specific times of day - first thing in the morning, right before or after a nap, and right before bed.
6

Step Six

Be patient. Some children become urine-trained before becoming stool-trained. Other children wet the bed up to age 7 or 8. All children develop and accept change differently.

Tips & Warnings

  • Reward your child for making it to the potty.
  • If your child has an accident on the floor or in training pants, use gentle, encouraging words. Let your child know that he or she is learning something new and that accidents are OK.
  • Read toilet-training books for kids together to show your toddler that other children learn this skill, too.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Training Pants
  • Potty Chairs
Tools: |