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After 12 months of dealing with diapers, parents may want a change. Parents often say, "I'll be so glad when she can use the toilet!"
The key is not when you are ready, but when your child is ready. Problems with getting children out of diapers almost always come from trying too soon.
Typically, girls are ready before boys. Some children are ready around age 18 months, while others are not ready until age three.
When is a child ready?
Your child is ready to learn to use the toilet when she has:
Physical ability
is able to walk.
has a larger bladder, so she urinates fewer times a day.
wakes up from a nap with a dry diaper.
can control the muscles that hold and release urine and bowel movements.
can take underwear off and put it back on.
Mental ability
understands the body's signals for needing to use the toilet.
understands words such as "pee-pee," "poo-poo," and "potty."
understands what is expected: when to go, what to do and where to do it.
Social and emotional ability
can express her needs, like telling you that her diaper needs to be changed.
wants to learn to use the toilet.
When all these abilities are in place, your child can move out of diapers easily. A child who is not ready may resist learning, and parents may become frustrated. Don't force it!
Helping your child learn
Later, when your child is ready to use the toilet, you can make learning easier. Some tips:
Talk with your caregiver. Parents and caregivers should agree on when a child is ready and what she should be able to do.
Always supervise your child as she learns to use the toilet. Make sure your child can easily get to the toilet. Put a potty chair in the bathroom or place a sturdy step stool by the toilet. Place toilet paper within easy reach.
Dress the child in clothing that is easy to take off. These might include a dress, a skirt or pants with an elastic waist.
Use cloth training pants. Your child will think that disposable paper training pants are the same as diapers.
Help your child overcome any fear of the toilet. The deep hole and loud flushing noise can seem scary.
Watch for signs that a child may need to go. This might include a frown or action such as holding her crotch.
When the child urinates or has a bowel movement in the toilet, say, "That's good." Avoid making too much of it. Children need to learn to use the toilet for themselves, not to satisfy you.
Never scold or shame a child for an accident. These are natural body functions, and children easily forget and get distracted.
If a child has lots of accidents, go back to diapers for a while. Try again when the child seems ready.
Month By Month has been adapted for Fathers from Healthy Start, Grow Smart, Your Newborn, Washington, D.C. 2002 - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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