Insider Tips On Potty Training - When And How

age to potty train

Parents look forward to saying goodbye to wet stinky diapers, but the process leading up to that exciting day can be a battle ground involving patience and energy stretched to the absolute maximum. Potty training a toddler involves countless bathroom visits, extra laundry and stains on furniture and flooring. Here are some basic ideas and tips to help you know when he or she is ready for the potty, as well as some information on how to potty train your child.

The time to start potty training is around the age of 2 or 3, at which time your child may show signs that he or she is ready to begin. If he or she has the ability to dress, shows an interest in the potty, knows the words for stool, urine and toilet, and is aware of when the need to urinate or have a bowel movement is at hand, then those are all signs that your child is ready to begin to potty train. If however, it becomes apparent that he or she isn't ready, then simply try potty training again at a later date.

The hugs-and-kisses approach goes like this; each time your child uses the potty correctly, give praise by clapping and giving kisses and hugs. Also point out her or his accomplishments to friends and relatives, so they can fuss over the child too. It is to every parent's advantage to start with this approach and save the rewards for any hurdles you and your toddler may encounter along the way.

The cold-turkey, toddlers potty training approach begins when you let your boy pick out several pairs of fun, big-kid underpants, or let your daughter buy some pretty new undies. Let them put on the underwear and let the spills fall where they may. When they do have accidents, they will feel the discomfort much more quickly. If you're very patient, underpants are believed by many to be a better way to go than disposable trainers.

The no-mess disposable-training-pants approach starts when you switch him or her from regular diapers to disposable training pants. Of course, while they will get the hang of pulling them up and down, you will give the usual amount of encouragement. Make sure to take your child to the bathroom at regular intervals and ask frequently if he or she has to go. Give lots of praise when they get to the potty in time.

The "he'll-get-it-when-he's-ready" toddler toilet training approach starts at around age 2. You will want to watch for signals that your child is ready, but don't apply any pressure. Put a potty seat on top of your toilet or buy your child their own potty chair and place it in the bathroom, yet don't insist that he use it. If he does use it, then give hugs and praise, and in time he may approach it more frequently. This approach is less stressful, but it may mean that your child will be in diapers a bit longer. You will definitely need to be patient and wait.

Even after your child is a potty training pro, expect that there will be a few accidents. Until he or she hasn't had an accident for six months, they are not officially potty trained. It may take a few false starts, but eventually, one approach or another will click with your child, and you'll both say goodbye to diapers forever.