Potty Training Your Child

When to start potty training
All children are different and may be ready to potty train between the ages of 2 years and 3 1/2, some can take up to 4 years of age depending on the motivation and or development of the child.

Don't begin training until your child shows signs that he/she is ready and know that this is not going to happen over night. Potty training takes time and allows the child to succeed by knowing the common signs of potty training readiness.
Allow you and your child the time to work together on potty training and if you have a care provider make sure you and your care provider agree together on how you will potty train your child.


Here are some signs for when your child is ready to be potty trained.

• Your child has bowel movements at about the same time every day.
• Your child can stay dry for a few hours at a time or wakes up dry.
• Your child knows that he/she has to go potty.
• Your child understands the association between dry pants and using the potty.
• Your child doesn't like to have a wet or dirty diaper. 
• Your child can pull his/her pants up and down. Make sure the clothing is easy to pull up and down. Avoid snaps and zippers; I prefer stretch waist band pants because they are easy to pull down and up.
• Your child understands what "pee, poop, dry, wet, clean, dirty and potty" mean.
• Your child watches you on the toilet and asks questions.
• Your child wants to do things by herself/himself.
• Your child shows interest in using the potty.