Best Way to Potty Train Your Child

While you may wish to choose the time to toilet train your child (spring and summer are the most convenient seasons), be aware that no child will be trained until physically and emotionally ready (from eighteen to thirty months, or even older). Some of the signs of readiness include dry diapers for a couple hours at a time, the ability to understand simple commands and explana­tions, a desire to mimic adults’ bathroom routines, an inclination toward tidiness, and a dislike of being wet or soiled.

Remember that if you try to push things, you’ll only be train­ing yourself to catch your child. If your child is not responding or showing an interest, or if you find yourself in a battle of wills, put the whole thing off for a few weeks or months. Relax, and don’t pay too much attention to friends’ and relatives’ advice. By the time your child goes to school, you’ll wonder why toilet training seemed like such a big deal.

Basic Training

Once basic training is underway, help your child understand that toilet habits are his or her own responsibility, including cleanups after accidents. Make it clear that this is not a punishment, just a matter of taking care of oneself.

• Put the potty chair (if you opt for one) in the bathroom a few months before you think your child will be ready to use it. Explain that when your child is old enough, it will be there to use. It’s okay for your child to sit on it with clothes on to get used to it.
• Try letting your child go without bottom clothing altogether when training starts. (You’ll have to be a bit brave to do this, or at least be a good observer and willing to do an occasional cleanup. Even carpet cleaning may be worth the investment if it does the trick.)
• Make potty cleaning easier by putting an inch or so of water or several sheets of toilet tissue in the bottom of the pot before each use. (Don’t use bleach. Urine contains ammonia that will cause a dangerous chemical reaction.)
• Let your child learn by watching you or an older child use the toilet.
• Help your child learn what’s expected by reading potty books like KoKo Bear’s New Potty. There are lots of potty books available that help children under stand what to expect and what’s expected.

• Keep a box of flushable baby wipes in the bathroom for your child to use instead of toilet paper. They’re easy for kids to use and help cut down on wasted toilet paper.
• Bring along a potty chair or use an inflatable one when travel­ing, so you can stop along the road instead of having to worry about finding a gas station. Line it with a plastic bag ahead of time. A little boy can do his business nicely in an empty coffee can lined with a plastic bag. Fill the bag partway with toilet tissue, paper towels, or even a disposable diaper to avoid sloshing.
• Keep a basket of children’s books by the potty to keep a child sitting longer, or sing songs with your child.