Signs your child may be ready for potty training:
- begins to communicate having a dirty diaper—your child may verbally tell you or draw your attention to her diaper by patting it or pointing to it;
- begins to show discomfort when wet or soiled—your child may walk with a wide stride or begin to pull and take off her soiled diaper;
- shows interest in the potty— models potty training with toys, dolls, or even herself;
- displays independence—starts to pull her pants on and off and follows basic one- and two-step directions.
Regularity
- is able to stay dry for up to two hours between diaper changes— shows that the bladder is maturing, and she is able to hold it longer;
- starts to have regular bowel movements at the same time every day.
Ready to Start?
- Stay close to home.
- Try no underpants or underwear.
- Try to encourage the most tries as possible so your child can get used to the feeling of going.
- Give your child plenty of salty snacks that make her thirsty. Diluting juice to drink will encourage peeing and support potty training quickly.
- Have all materials present at the potty (toilet paper, underwear or pull-up, change of clothing if necessary).
- Let her bring her favorite toy or stuffed animal to model potty training.
Verbal Praise: Be excited about your child using the potty!
- Sing a song, do a dance, clap your hands, and tell her with a smile you are proud of her.
- Don’t be upset or annoyed when she has an accident. Remind her that pee goes in the potty. Have her help you clean up, do laundry, or get clean clothes together.
Follow Through
Potty on the go:
Invest in a travel potty to encourage consistency. It is important to keep up with your routine even when at Grandma’s house, with your babysitter, or at school.
- The more days you get into potty training, the more consistent your child’s potty times will become. Having a routine with nap and eating times adds to consistency.
- Have all your materials with you, such as wipes, clean underwear, and plastic bags for soiled clothes.
Potty time doesn’t mean missing play time! Don’t make your child feel like going potty means she is missing out on an activity.
- Move the potty to the activity. If everyone is outside, let your child use the potty while she is outside so she doesn’t put up a fight.
- Encourage your child to try before you start an activity or before you go somewhere. Have her try before and after lunch, as well as before you start a game or put out a new set of toys.
