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When To Start Potty Training?

when to start potty training?

Nearly all parents will ask this question at some stage in their toddlers early years.

When to start potty training? Well there are a few tell tale signs which could indicate that your little one is ready to ditch the diaper!

Look out for the signs below, just one or more could indicate that your child is ready to start to start potty training. Remember that all children are different, and will start different milestones at different times. If he doesn't display any of the signals below then leave it for a while longer - Potty training isn't a race!

Look out for these signs

  • Is your toddler pulling at his nappy after he has soiled it? This can be an indication that he's ready to start potty training. He realises that something has happened and it's making his diaper uncomfortable.

  • Is he interested in your toilet habits? If he intently watches you use the toilet, this could be an indication that he's ready to start potty training.

  • Can he pull his pants up and down. He doesn't have to be able to do this, but it makes things easier!

  • Your toddler should recognize the need to go to the toilet. You can't train a child to use a potty if they don't even know when they are weeing or pooing!

  • Can your toddler tell you that he needs to go to the toilet? He doesn't have to use the correct words, it can be a verbal or physical sign.
Leaving the potty lying around in the room is a good idea, so your child can get used to how it looks. Encourage him to sit down on it, so he knows how it feels. This can also help your child to be ready to be potty trained. If you would to see more on how to start potty training click here.

There is no way to be 100% sure when to start potty training. You may start the process and then realize that it just isn't working properly yet, and maybe your child isn't quite ready at this time.

I started to potty train my daughter, but realised that she just wasn't ready. I gave her another couple of months and then tried again. She took to it a lot better and got the hang of it quite quickly.

Most experts say that a child is ready to potty train at around 18 months to 2 and a half years. For some children it could be sooner, for others it could be as late as 4 years old. The trick is with potty training to expect accidents to happen, and don't get frustrated with your child if they do. Shouting at your child if he has an accident on the floor, or while you're out and about can make the whole process harder, and make your child nervous about going to the toilet.

If you would like to learn more about when to start potty training, and how to potty train your child in the quickest possible time, there are two fantastic books to take a look at. Potty training in 1 to 3 days and How to potty train your child in hours!

Return from when to start potty training to the toddler page, or back to the New baby and beyond homepage.


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