Potty Training Basics

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Potty training is a major milestone for both parents and children. Finally ditching the diapers for good is a concrete sign that your little one isn’t a baby any more and is becoming more independent each day.

While most parents are more than willing to give up changing poopy diapers, many feel intimidated by the potty training process or reluctant to push their child too far, too fast. Many of today’s moms and dads have no idea where to even begin when it comes to potty training or how to tell if their child is really and truly ready to start.

As you start to read about different potty training methods, keep in mind that every child and every family situation is unique. What works for one child may not work for another and just like every child walks and talks at a different age, they all reach the stage of potty training readiness on their own timetable.

Before you decide to start teaching your child to use the potty, it’s important for you to learn the signs of readiness so that you can start when the time is right for him or her. These milestones are met sometime after your child becomes a full-fledged toddler and include:

  1. Being able to walk and sit well.
  2. The ability to understand and follow simple commands.
  3. Showing an interest in what other people are doing in the bathroom.
  4. The ability to communicate their needs, either verbally or by using signs.
  5. Is going 3-4 hours at a time without wetting their diaper.
  6. Can pull pants up and down.
  7. Shows an increased desire for independence.

Once your child is showing the signs of readiness, you will be able to start the potty training process unless there are some other factors that might indicate that it’s better to hold off for a bit, such as:

  1. A recent move.
  2. The birth of a new sibling or a due date in the very near future.
  3. A divorce or separation.
  4. Serious illness or death in the family.
  5. A change of schools or daycare providers
  6. Recent traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or accident.

In these cases, it’s best to wait until the child has adjusted to the new situation or has been given time to fully heal or process the event. Too much change at one time is not easy for anyone!

It’s important to lay the groundwork for potty training before you actively start teaching your child. Some good ways to introduce the idea of using the potty to your child are:

  • Letting them watch you, your spouse and other willing family members use the toilet. Ideally, children will be able to observe members of the same sex use the potty, but if this is not possible, they will still be able to pick up the idea from watching others.
  • Giving them both the proper words for body parts and waste and “family” words and nicknames.
  • Reading age appropriate books about potty training. The children’s librarian at your local public library can be a wonderful resource to help you find different books to try out. Your child might also be very enthusiastic about potty training books featuring one of their favorite cartoon characters.
  • Watching videos about potty training.
  • Talking to your child about using the potty and all the great things that will happen as they become a big kid. Keep a positive tone and answer all of their questions as honestly and simply as you can.

Once your child has reached all of the developmental milestones necessary for potty training success and understands the concept, it’s time to start taking action! Begin by setting a target date and getting all of your supplies in order. Depending on the method you choose, you will need:

  • A stand-alone potty chair and/or inserts that fit into the regular toilet to keep your child safe and secure while sitting. Some children prefer to have their own little potty while others will insist on using the big toilet from the start. Look for potties that are easy to clean and designed so that they can’t be tipped over backwards.
  • A doll that wets to demonstrate to your child what you want them to do and get them excited about starting the process.
  • A potty training chart to keep track of your child’s progress so that they can earn rewards.
  • Little prizes or treats.
  • Children’s underwear or training pants. It’s best to stay away from disposable training pants like Pull-Ups as they can confuse children and take away some of the motivation for trying.
  • Lots of patience!

While it typically takes a few weeks or even a couple of months for children to completely master using the potty, most children will start using it within a day or two of starting the process. Remember that accidents are normal and even though it’s not fun now, it won’t be too long before it’s done and you’re enjoying the benefits of having a potty trained child!