About this topic
It can be hard to know the best time to start to potty train your child. Not all children are ready at the same age. It may be time to start the potty training process when your child: � �
- Has dry diapers for longer periods of time, such as after naps
- Can tell you if the diaper is wet or dirty
- Is interested in going to the potty. Your child may want to watch you or others on the toilet or just sit on the potty chair.
- Can pull pants up and down with help
General
- Let your child become familiar with the bathroom.
- Have your child watch you or an older brother or sister while you use the toilet.
- Allow your child to practice flushing the toilet.
- Give your child a potty chair or potty seat to use. Allow your child to sit on the potty with clothes on.
- Encourage your child to sit on the potty.
- Have your child sit on the potty after waking up in the morning, after naps and meals, and at bedtime.
- Read books, sing, and talk with your child while your child sits on the potty. This will help your child relax.
- Praise your child 's efforts. Make a big deal if your child pees or has a bowel movement on the potty.
- Do not express disappointment or get upset if nothing happens. Tell your child, "Let 's try again later. " �
- Remember that children will have toilet accidents.
- Children often get busy and forget to go to the bathroom.
- Offer reminders about regular trips to use the toilet to lower the chances of an accident.
- Do not punish your child for an accident. Calmly, help your child get cleaned up.
What problems could happen?
It is normal for your child to have accidents, especially at night until about age 5. � �
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Your child 's stools are very firm.
- It is painful for your child to have a bowel movement or to pass urine.
- Your child holds the bowel movement and becomes constipated and uncomfortable.
Helpful tips
- Keep an extra change of clothes in your car in case your child has an accident while you are out.
- Think about having a potty chair in each bathroom in your house.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians � �
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/toileting/toilet-training-your-child.printerview.html � �
American Academy of Pediatrics � �
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/default.aspx � �
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/toilet_teaching.html# � �
Last Reviewed Date
2015-07-17 � �
List_set bdysylist
- Genitourinary
- Healthy Living
- Pediatric
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. � �