Toddler Toilet Training

Toddler Toilet Training

Toddler Toilet Training - 6 Signs Indicating When it Should Begin
By Heather Higgins Platinum Quality Author

Toilet training is an integral part of growing up. It usually occurs when a child is 18 to 24 months of age. Bowel control is normally attained before bladder control and day time control is usually achieved before night time control. A child should never be hurried or pressurized to begin toilet training before he is ready to do so. Look for signs that tell you he is ready:

1. He is aware that he is wet or soiled:This is one of the first promising signs that a parent can observe. He will indicate his awareness by making some specific noises, showing uncomfortable facial expressions or even gesturing in some. He appears to be unhappy until a new diaper is changed.

2. He has regular bowel movements

Some children, especially those who have been placed regularly on the potty at fixed time everyday, have regular predictable bowel movements. If your child falls into this category, he is then ready for toilet training.

3. He knows when to 'let go'

A child may articulates some unique words, points or signals or in some, assumes a specific posture whenever he is about to urinate or open his bowel. This useful sign indicates that your child is ready for toilet training. At this stage, control is still poor and unless he gets to the potty immediately, he may still wet himself. In some, though they may have the urge to 'let go', they may be too engrossed with what they are doing at that time and ends up wetting themselves.

4. He has increasing periods of dry spells

A child will be able to stay dry for at least 2 hours during the day when he is more mature. A sign to look for is he remains dry after a nap.

5. He is able to use the potty with good dexterity

When your child is able to pull down his pants, sit on the potty and put on his pants after he is done, he is showing sign of readiness for toilet training.

6. He refuses to wear diapers

Your child may indicate to you that he prefers proper underwear to diaper. This is especially apparent if he has older siblings to emulate.

Toddler toilet training should not be started until both the child and parents are ready. Toddlers who are allowed to achieve bowel and bladder control at their own pace tend to be successfully toilet trained quicker. Parents should also be prepared to devote the time and energy necessary before starting the toilet training.

Toddler Toilet Training