Potty training is an important milestone for your child. Parents have tried various ways of encouraging their young children to start using a potty. The most easiest way of potty training is be patient, and wait for your child to show an interest in the potty, or why mummy and daddy use the toilet. There is no "right time" to start potty training. You want your child to be excited and feel happy about using their potty - not to be afraid of it!
Most children will start learning to use the potty or toilet between the ages of 18 months up to 3 years. The average age for children using a potty is around 28 months. The younger a child is when you start potty training, the longer the potty training is likely to take.
There are some indications and signs to show that your child may be ready for potty training. Some points to look for are:
The important point about potty training and when to start teaching your child, is not to make it a battle with them to use the potty. Take your time, and be guided by your child, as well as your own best judgement.
The first steps are to make sure you're ready, and your child is ready. If your child is starting to notice that their nappy is dirty, or wet, or your child says they are about to have a poo or a wee, then they are ready to make the transition from nappies to potty (or toilet). Remember too that all children are different - some will be potty trained in days, some in weeks, maybe even longer. Be guided by what you and your child feels. Do not try to start potty training when you may be moving house, expecting a new baby or experiencing some major stress in your life. It won't help you, and it won't help your child either.
Make it fun and exciting for your child - not a chore or one they hate to do (and for that matter yourself too). Always give them praise and tell them how pleased mummy or daddy is with them. Never tell them off if they have an accident, or "forget" one day to use the potty.
