Children Show Signs When Ready to Toilet Train - Health Tips

Children Show Signs When Ready to Toilet Train

For many parents, toilet training is a frustrating developmental milestone. It can cause stress for mom, dad, and child. Many parents have unrealistic expectations about when their child should be toilet trained, and begin training too soon.

"One of the most common questions parents ask me is when to begin training their young child to use the toilet," says Nancy

VanderSluis, M.D., a pediatrician with Boys Town Pediatrics. "My answer is always the same. Every child is different and will be ready at different times," she explains.

"A lot of children will show signs of readiness once they reach their second birthday. However, the majority of boys won't be ready to tackle the toilet for a while longer," says Dr.VanderSluis.

If a child is not toilet trained by his or her fourth birthday, Dr. VanderSluis suggests parents talk to their child's physician. "It is possible that a physical or neurological disorder may be the cause of the child's inability to master toilet training," she says.

Parents can introduce many concepts about the toilet before their child begins the training process. Around the time a toddler reaches 12 to 18 months of age, parents should:

Teach the child to use words such as "pee," "poop," "dry," "wet," and "clean"
Have the child watch parents, older siblings, and friends of similar age use the toilet correctly
Change the child's diaper often to encourage her to prefer a dry diaper
Teach the child to let an adult know when his diaper is wet or soiled

"Another good strategy is to place a floor-level potty in the room where the child plays in most," suggests Dr.VanderSluis. "By having her sit on it fully clothed while watching television, eating snacks, or looking at books, parents will help the child become familiar with the concept of using the toilet. Parents just might find their child trying to using the potty on their own."

Once a child starts showing signs that he is ready to toilet train, move his potty into the bathroom and try a couple of practice runs, says Dr.VanderSluis. Signs may include:

Certain facial expressions
Grunting
Holding the genital area
Tugging at clothes
Pacing, squatting, or shifting from foot to foot

"Encourage your child to sit on the toilet with his pants or diaper off," suggests Dr.VanderSluis. "Then ask him to try to go to the bathroom in the toilet. Let him get up after a minute of encouragement, but don't let him sit there much longer than four or five minutes."

According to Dr. VanderSluis, punishment or pressure to use the toilet will only discourage a child. Instead, use words of praise or small rewards such as stickers or hugs when a child cooperates or uses the toilet successfully.

"Once a child begins to successfully use the toilet at least half of the time, parents should introduce cotton-training pants," says Dr. VanderSluis.

Buy loose-fitting pants that a child can easily take off and put on. Once a child begins using cotton pants, avoid using diapers or pull-ups during the day. Save them for naps and nighttime.

"Toilet training can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. However, some children might take as long as six months to a year," explains Dr.VanderSluis."It is common for all toddlers to have an accident from time to time, even after a parent thinks training is complete. Be patient and soon you can experience your child's joy when he or she masters toilet training."

Nancy L. VanderSluis, M.D. is Board Certified in Pediatrics and practices at West Maple Clinic at 14264 West Maple Rd. She is a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Missouri. For an appointment with Dr. VanderSluis, call 431-0187.