Take your lead from your child as to when to begin potty training. Don’t feel pressured to start before you think she is ready. Try not to feel the pressure of other mums at this stage – it isn’t a competition and potty training isn’t an exact science.
Some signs that she may be ready for potty training are:
She takes increasing interest in you going to the toilet and indicates that she understands what you are doing.
She removes her nappy herself.
She has a dry nappy immediately after her daytime nap.
She appears to indicate wanting to sit on the potty and has an interest in using it.
It is now known that toddlers are unable to control their bowel and bladder before 18 to 24 months, and often it can be much later. Most children are able to control their bowels before their bladders so if she has a bowel movement at a certain time of day or makes her familiar ‘going to the loo’ faces, try to pre-empt her by sitting her on the potty. At this time, it’s a good idea to buy a few potties to leave around the house so that there is one close to hand when the urge to poo strikes. It’s great to get everything ready before you start.
Control over the bladder is less easy to regulate and even older children who have been without nappies for years still have the odd mishap, especially if they are busy doing something. Always take spare pairs of pants and trousers with you when going out.
Relapses in children who have been dry for several months are also common, particularly if they have just had a new experience, such as the birth of a sibling, or have started at nursery. It is important not to revert to nappies, but continue with a bag-full of spare pants and offer lots of praise and a reward for the times she stays dry.
Whenever your toddler does manage to use the potty, reward her with hugs and smiles. Another great way to encourage your little one is to use a reward chart with colourful stars and stickers. You can also read together about potty training – there are lots of helpful books especially for children, such as the I Love My Potty by Lara Jones, designed to help little ones come to terms with the process. It helps to have a comfortable potty seat too – padded options offer support for little bottoms and make the potty itself less daunting. You may need to try out a few different potties to find one that your toddler really engages with. A pretty, pink sparkly one may be just the thing!
If she starts going nappy-free and then has days of problems, you may have started too early. Don’t force the issue. Take a break of a few weeks then try again. It may be a good idea to fit a mattress protector too.
The final hurdle is being dry at night. It’s not unusual for children to still be in nighttime trainer pants by their fifth birthday. Again, take your time and wait until she settles into a routine of going to the toilet before she goes to sleep. She will eventually succeed in being dry; it is just a matter of time.