Verified by:
iMumz Expert Panel
Updated on:
August 29, 2023
The best tip for parents is that they wait to see if the baby is ready before they start.
- Some babies will want to use just one potty they get familiar with, a small, portable one would work best for them.
- If you choose a toilet seat attachment make sure the toilet area is safe – keep household cleaners, deodorants, and toiletries out of reach
- Starting potty training is better in warm weather.
- You may even let your toddler go without pants or a nappy some of the time.
How do I know that my baby is ready for potty training?
Bear in mind that most children can control their bowels before their bladder.
By age 1, most babies have stopped doing potty at night
By age 2, some children will be dry during the day, but this is still quite early
By age 3, 9 out of 10 children are dry most days – even then, all children have the odd accident, especially when they're excited, upset or absorbed in something else
By age 4, most children are reliably dry during the day.
Being ready for potty training depends on physical, developmental, and behavioral milestones, not the age of the baby Many children show signs of being ready for potty training between ages 18 and 24 months. However, others might not be ready until they're 3 years old.
Here are some questions to ask:
- Can your baby walk to and sit on a toilet?
- Can (s)he pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
- Can (s)he stay dry for up to two hours?
- Can (s)he understand and follow basic directions?
- Can your (s)he tell in some way when he or she needs to go?
- Does (s)he seem interested in using the toilet or wearing "big-kid" underwear
If you answered mostly yes, your child might be ready. If you answered mostly no, you might want to wait — especially if your child is about to face a major change, such as a house move or the arrival of a new sibling.
Your readiness is important, too. Let your child's motivation, instead of your eagerness, lead the process. Try not to equate potty training success or difficulty with your child's intelligence or stubbornness. Also, keep in mind that accidents are inevitable and punishment has no role in the process. Plan toilet training for when you or a caregiver can devote the time and energy to be consistent on a daily basis for a few months.
What are the steps of the Potty Training process?
- Choose either a potty or a special toilet seat attachment
- The baby has to start wearing clothing that is easy to get off and on and easy to wash, such as training pants
- Watch for signs that your toddler is about to do a wee or a poo - facial expressions and/or squirming can indicate.
- Don’t raise an alarm or panic when you see a sign. Just gently guide the baby to the toilet.
- Lots of praise is good. Say things like, ‘You are so good! You did it!’ or ‘I am so proud of you, keep it up’ or ‘You’re so smart. You make me so happy.’
- Explain hygiene. Teach girls to spread their legs and wipe carefully from front to back to prevent bringing germs from the rectum to the vagina or bladder. Make sure your child washes his or her hands afterward.
- Try not to show disappointment or irritation when there is an accident.
- Change and clean your child and let them know they can try again.
- If you find you are getting annoyed or even feeling like your toddler isn’t trying, leave it for a while and try starting again in a few days or a week. Punishment does not help with toilet training.
Night-time Potty Training Basics
So, parents, nighttime is only 2nd priority. Only when the baby gets very comfortable and confident with daytime potty usage.
If your baby’s nappy is dry or only slightly damp when your child wakes for a few mornings in a row, they may be ready for night-time potty training.
Ask your baby to use the potty last thing before they go to bed.
Put a waterproof sheet to protect your child's mattress at night. It will not only protect the bed but also not give the baby feelings of guilt.
***
Potty Training Your Baby
Learning how to use the potty is one of the first big learning steps for the baby. Often parents start worrying and the baby can read that pressure. All babies are different. Some learn quickly while others need lots of encouragement and a vibe that they are loved despite any accidents.
In the 1950s, pediatrician Benjamin Spock and other experts began advocating a more relaxed approach to toilet training. Then, in the 1960s, pediatrician and parenting expert T. Berry Brazelton advocated an even gentler, more "child-centered" philosophy: He encouraged parents to allow children to follow their own timetable when it came to giving up diapers.
The best tip for parents is that they wait to see if the baby is ready before they start.
- Some babies will want to use just one potty they get familiar with, a small, portable one would work best for them.
- If you choose a toilet seat attachment make sure the toilet area is safe – keep household cleaners, deodorants, and toiletries out of reach
- Starting potty training is better in warm weather.
- You may even let your toddler go without pants or a nappy some of the time.
How do I know that my baby is ready for potty training?
Bear in mind that most children can control their bowels before their bladder.
By age 1, most babies have stopped doing poos at night
By age 2, some children will be dry during the day, but this is still quite early
By age 3, 9 out of 10 children are dry most days – even then, all children have the odd accident, especially when they're excited, upset or absorbed in something else
By age 4, most children are reliably dry during the day.
Being ready for potty training depends on physical, developmental and behavioral milestones, not the age of the baby Many children show signs of being ready for potty training between ages 18 and 24 months. However, others might not be ready until they're 3 years old.
Here are some questions to ask:
- Can your baby walk to and sit on a toilet?
- Can your baby pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
- Can your baby stay dry for up to two hours?
- Can your baby understand and follow basic directions?
- Can your baby tell in some way when he or she needs to go?
- Does your baby seem interested in using the toilet or wearing "big-kid" underwear
If you answered mostly yes, your child might be ready. If you answered mostly no, you might want to wait — especially if your child is about to face a major change, such as a move or the arrival of a new sibling.
Your readiness is essential, too. Let your child's motivation, instead of your eagerness, lead the process. Try not to equate potty training success or difficulty with your child's intelligence or stubbornness. Also, keep in mind that accidents are inevitable and punishment has no role in the process. Plan toilet training for when you or a caregiver can devote the time and energy to be consistent on a daily basis for a few months.
What are the steps of the Potty Training process?
- Parents have to choose either a potty or a special toilet seat attachment
- The baby has to start wearing clothing that is easy to get off and on and easy to wash, such as training pants
- Watch for signs that your toddler is about to do a wee or a poo - facial expressions and/or squirming can indicate.
- Don’t raise an alarm or panic when you see a sign. Just gently guide the baby to the toilet.
- Lots of praise is good. Say things like, ‘You are so good! You did it!’ or ‘I am so proud of you, keep it up’ or ‘You’re so smart. You make me so happy.’
- Explain hygiene. Teach girls to spread their legs and wipe carefully from front to back to prevent bringing germs from the rectum to the vagina or bladder. Make sure your child washes his or her hands afterward.
- Try not to show disappointment or irritation when there is an accident.
- Change and clean your child and let them know they can try again.
- If you find you are getting annoyed or even feeling like your toddler isn’t trying, leave it for a while and try starting again in a few days or a week. Punishment does not help with toilet training.
What if the baby resists potty training?
Do not start toilet training at a time when your toddler is adjusting to change e.g. the arrival of a new brother or sister, moving house, or starting childcare. Explain it is okay if they do not want to use the toilet but they will need to wear a nappy and if they change their mind they can use the toilet. Most times children will decide to start using the toilet again after a short period of time.
Start only when your toddler is showing signs of being ready and not because you as the parent are being pressured by others to start toddler toilet training too early.
Night-time Potty Training Basics
So, parents, nighttime is only 2nd priority. Only when the baby gets very comfortable and confident with daytime potty usage.
If your baby’s nappy is dry or only slightly damp when your child wakes for a few mornings in a row, they may be ready for night-time potty training.
Ask your baby to use the potty last thing before they go to bed.
Put a waterproof sheet to protect your child's mattress at night. It will not only protect the bed but also not give the baby feelings of guilt.
