Toilet training your toddler
The age at which children are ready to toilet train varies from around 18 months to 3 years but it depends on when they are physically and emotionally ready. Children need to develop the ability to control their bladder and bowels and communicate with you when they need to use the toilet. Doing a wee on the toilet is much easier, however, it can take a lot longer for your child to control their bowel and learn how to do a poo on the toilet. Overnight toilet training can also take longer.
Some signs that your child is ready to start toilet training include when they:
• Can tell you when they have done or are doing a wee or poo
• Wake up dry from a sleep
• Keep their nappy dry for 2 hours or more
• Want to use the toilet
• Can pull their pants up and down
• Can sit in one position for a short period of time
• Don’t like to wear a nappy anymore, particularly if it is wet or dirty
• Can follow simple instructions
• Have regular and soft bowel motions. It can be difficult to toilet train if your child is constipated.
It is important not to pressure your child so they don’t get scared of using the toilet or potty. Try and keep the experience fun and use lots of praise. It is normal for kids to have accidents so try not to show your frustration or make a big deal over the mess so they don't get discouraged. Just explain that it was an accident and you will try better to make it to the toilet next time.
You can try the following when you decide to start toilet training your toddler:
-
Pick a quiet period of time with no major changes so you can focus on toilet training. It will help if you don’t need to leave the house for a couple of weeks until your child gets used to using the toilet
-
Use undies at all times other than for sleep so your child understands the feeling of wetness and when they are doing a wee
-
Incorporate using the toilet as part of your child’s routine, such as taking them after each meal and before sleep. Say “it's time to use the toilet” rather than asking them so they don’t have the opportunity to say no (they might not even realise they need to go at first)
-
Be supportive and offer lots of praise. You might want to use a reward chart and add stickers to it when they do a wee or poo on the toilet
-
Try not to bribe your child to use or stay on the toilet. Keep the experience normal, relaxed and easy-going
-
Try not to make them sit on the toilet for too long if nothing happens so it doesn’t feel like they are getting punished
-
You can try using a potty, step seat or toilet seat insert to make your child feel more comfortable on the toilet
-
Ask childcare to use the same routine that you are using at home for consistency.
If your child is having trouble with toilet training or if you are getting frustrated, take a break for a couple of months or so as they might not be ready. Otherwise, if you are concerned talk to your child’s GP, paediatrician or child and family health nurse.
For more information on toilet training, visit the Bub Hub website.