Many parents are unsure about when to start toilet teaching or "potty
training." Not all kids are ready at the same age, so it's important to
watch your child for signs of readiness, such as stopping an activity
for a few seconds or clutching his or her diaper.
Most children begin to show these signs between 18 and 24 months,
although some may be ready earlier or later than that. And boys often
start later and take longer to learn to use the potty than girls.
Instead of using age as a readiness indicator, look for other signs
that your child may be ready to start heading for the potty, such as the
ability to:
- follow simple instructions
- understand words about the toileting process
- control the muscles responsible for elimination
- verbally express a need to go
- keep a diaper dry for 2 hours or more
- get to the potty, sit on it, and then get off the potty
- pull down diapers, disposable training pants, or underpants
- show an interest in using the potty or wearing underpants
About Timing
There are some stressful or difficult times when you may want to put
off starting the toilet-teaching process — when traveling, around the
birth of a
sibling, changing from the crib to the bed,
moving
to a new house, or when your child is sick (especially if diarrhea is a
factor). It may be better to postpone it until your child's environment
is stable and secure.
Also, while some experts recommend starting the process during summer because kids wear less clothing, but it is
not a good idea to wait if your child is ready.
