When and how do you potty train your child? It's a common parenting question, and one that has no one answer. Each child is different, and you will be learning along with your child what's right for him.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some basic guidelines to help you get started:
- A child under the age of 12 months has no bowel or bladder control.
- Between the ages of 12 to 18 months, they will have very little bowel or bladder control.
- Between the ages of 18 to 24 months, many children will show signs of being ready.
- Some children will not be ready until 30 months or older.
Suggested readiness signs to watch for are:
- Your child stays dry for 2 or more hours at a time, or wakes up from naps with a dry diaper.
- Your child's bowel movements have become regular and predictable.
- You see signs such as facial expressions, words, posture or hiding prior to your child urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Your child can follow simple instructions, can walk to and from the bathroom, and can help get undressed.
- Your child seems uncomfortable once their diaper is dirty, they ask to be changed, ask to use the potty, or asks to wear grown-up underwear.
In addition to letting your child give you cues as to his readiness to train, there are certain situations that may impede your child's ability to potty train, such as the impending or recent arrival of a baby, a move, or a recent or suddent illness or death in the family. If you've already begin training when one of these situtions occurs, let your child guide you, and if he begins to regress or show other setback in training, do not pressure him. You can always take a break and try again in a few weeks or months.
Once you've taken the plunge and are ready to train, there's even more to consider:
- Potty Talk. You'll want to figure out how you're going to describe your child's body parts and eliminations. Experts recommend using proper terms that are least likely to offend, confuse or embarrass your child (or you, when you're in he middle of the grocery store and a rather loud potty announcement is made from your little trainer!).
- Potty Chair. A child-size potty is not necessary, but it's easier for little ones to sit on, sit comfortably, and fosters a sense of accomplishment when they can do it themselves.
- Praise! There will be many setbacks along the way. In the beginning, you will find your child comes to you after they've already gone. Do not punish or scold them -- praise them for letting you know, and encourage them to try to tell you before they go so they can use their big kid potty.
- Create a Habit. Try to make routine trips to the potty to get your child used to the idea and the process. Praise him for his efforts, even if they are not completely successful. Some parents even set a timer to remind them (or the child) that it's time to visit the potty again.
- Training Pants. Some parents like to jump right in with training pants, while others like to wait until they've acheived a modicum of potty training success before making the switch. Whenever you decide to take the plunge, make it a special time for your child as they are really becoming a "big kid"!
An important thing to remember as well, from the AAP: "Keep in mind, most children achieve bowel control and daytime urine control by 3 to 4 years of age. Even after your child is able to stay dry during the day, it may take months or years before he achieves the same success at night. Most girls and more than 75% of boys will be able to stay dry at night after 5 years of age."
Potty training can take time, and pressuring your child before they are ready will generally only slow the process. Likewise, punishing a child for accidents or mistakes may lead to setbacks. So, look for the signs, praise, praise, praise your child, and try not to get discouraged. If you need to, put the potty away, and try again in a couple of weeks. Each child will train at their own pace, and with your love and guidance, it will be a rewarding and exciting time for both of you.
Now that you're ready to take the plunge, stop by your favorite Bellingham baby store or shop online for all of your potty training needs!
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