Potty Training a Toddler: When and How

The toddling stage is just the time when teaching the child independence should start. The toddler is taught to control his bowel movements until a desired defecation spot can be reached. Since a toddler is not able to use a toilet, he/she is directed to use a potty. In the later stage of potty training, the toddler is taught to remove his/her pants before sitting on the potty and pull them back after eliminating.

Time for Potty Training a Toddler

Normally, a child is ready to be potty trained somewhere between the age of eighteen months and two years. Girls have been observed to reach the readiness for training earlier than boys. By the age of three years all children should be potty trained, at least for the daytime (it might take another couple of years to stop bedwetting). Markers of potty training a toddler are:

The child understands the word for 'defecating' or 'stool'.
The toddler expresses the need to eliminate by verbal or body language.
The toddler shows uneasiness in diapers and seeks privacy.
The toddler can stay dry for at least two hours.
The child shows more interest in wearing pants than diapers.

Summer is the beast time to start potty training a toddler since the child has less clothing to remove while using the potty. If some time-capturing event is on or near to come (holiday, new baby, moving from house etc.), wait till things get stable.

Beginning with the Training

You can start teaching your toddler what a potty is and how it is used. Watching together an illustrated potty training book or a video is of significant guidance. Choosing a potty also matters. If you take your child along and let him/her pick up her favorite color and design, it will facilitate the teaching process. Today, potties are available that play music on receiving urine. Parents have tried these with success in potty training a toddler. Keep the potty within the toddler's reach. Amuse the child as he/she sits on the potty. On successfully eliminating in the potty, reward the child with a kiss or hug, or (if he/she shows a likeness) give some of his/her favorite food item. But never punish a child if he/she does not succeed with the potty.

Need to See a Pediatrician

If you are potty training a toddler of age 3 for over six months and are not getting any success or very little of it, medical causes might be involved in the child's development to learn. The toddler might be having constipation and irregular bowel movements. It's time to see a pediatrician.

Quick Links

Send To A Friend

Bookmark This Page

Free Potty Training Tips Home

Free Potty Training Tips

Difficulties in Baby Potty Training

Buying the Best Child Potty Chair

Guide to Dog Potty Training

The Correct Method of Dog Potty Training

The Sweet Sound of Success: Using a Dog Potty Training Bell

Folding Potty Seat: Your Child's Very Own Toilet

Free Potty Training Tips: Everywhere You Look

Free Potty Training Tip: Go Easy On Your Child

Free Puppy Potty Training by Professional Trainers

Help the Child Learn with the Aid of a Kids Potty Chair

A Portable Potty Can Be a Lifesaver

Learning Where to Go: The Potty

How to Find the Perfect Potty Chair

Using a Potty Seat While Toilet Training

Becoming a Good Child Potty Trainer

Potty Training is Essential for Toddlers

Potty Training a Boxer Puppy: Worth Every Minute!

Potty Training a Boy: Harder Than Girls?

Many Issues of Potty Training a Cat

Potty Training a Chihuahua: Requires Lots of Love

Basics of Potty Training a Child

Potty Training a Dachshund is No Easy Task!

Potty Training a Girl: Make Training Fun

Potty Training a Little Boy: Simple Yet Effective Strategy

Potty Training a Pug is Possible - Don't Give Up!

Potty Training a Toddler: When and How

Some Potty Training Advice for Worried Parents

Pick the Perfect Potty Training Aids

The Lost Art of Potty Training an Adult Dog

Potty Training an Indoor Dog: No Easy Task

Potty Training an Infant: Start Training Early

Potty Training Doll: Leading By Example

The Challenge of Potty Training for a Kid

Potty Training Help for Parents

Potty Training Pants: Easy On, Easy Off

Housebreak Your Pet with Understanding and Firmness: Puppy Potty Training

The Best Puppy Potty Training Tip: Keep a Schedule

Travel Potty: Potty Train Your Child Anywhere, Anytime

The Soothing Effect of a Wooden Potty Chair