When To Start Potty Training

Most parents would agree that they are excited to have their child potty trained but not so excited to actually start the educational process themselves. Potty training your child is definitely challenging, especially if you have never done it before. There is a lot of anxiety associated with potty training both for the parents and for the child. Many parents have no idea when they are even supposed to start trying to potty train. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Many first time parents wonder, “When should I start potty training my child?”

Physiological signs it is time to start potty training

The most significant physiological factor that parents need to consider when deciding when to potty train their child is called “bladder readiness.” Bladder readiness is a term used to describe a child’s ability to control their bladder muscle. As a child gets older he is better able to hold in his urine and has less regular and larger voids. A child shows signs of bladder readiness when he can go longer periods of time without urinating. For example he is waking up from a nap and has not wet his diaper. When children can consistently wait about two hours between wetting their diapers they may be ready for potty training. Another huge physiological component of figuring out when your child is ready to start potty training is that he recognizes and is aware of the times that he wets himself. You cannot successfully potty train a child if the child does not know what it feels like to void. Most children start to develop strong signs of bladder readiness by the age of two and continue developing their sensitivity to their own system to have a strong understanding by the age of three.

Physical signs it is time to start potty training

Most would agree that a child needs to be able to walk and be sure on his feet before he can successfully use the toilet. It is helpful if a child understands how to pull down and lift us his pants as well as how to get on and off of the toilet. Boys need to have an even more developed ability to coordinate actions if they are to urinate while standing. This is just one of the reasons why many believe that boys are more difficult to potty train than girls.

Psychological signs it is time to start potty training

You may have heard that it is impossible to force your child to be potty trained. Well if it is not impossible, it is very difficult, because children need to be psychologically prepared for potty training. This means that your child must want to be potty trained before he can do so successfully. Of course as parents you can persuade your child to feel this way by having him look at the example of parents and others that your child wishes to emulate. Other children need little persuasion as they feel uncomfortable in a dirty diaper or have a desire to be a “big kid” without having to be persuaded. Toddlers derive a great deal of satisfaction from their ability to control their bodies. You may have to do very little to convince your child that it is a good idea to be potty trained

Consider their age, level of communication, and other factors when deciding

Experts suggest waiting about three months once you have decided that your toddler is psychologically, physically, and physiologically ready for toilet training. This time should be used to get your child excited about potty training. Make sure to teach your child the words that he or she will need to know about potty training and how it relates to their bodies. Use videos and talk about them afterward. Remember that there is no designated time that all children should be potty trained. It is alright if you and your child need some time, so long as you are not hesitating out of postponement of the inevitable.