Toilet Training: Where to Start!
No one would argue that being able to use the toilet is a really important life skill for all children. For parents the idea of toilet training their child can be daunting but also exciting. What a wonderful thought to no longer have the change nappies but the idea of cleaning up after accidents can be a massive deterrent. Like many things with kids when you’re in the thick of it, it can feel like it will never end but once you get through the other side it becomes a distant memory.
When it comes to toilet training your little one a bit of preparation can really help set your child and family up for success. Like learning most skills, using the toilet requires parent guidance and support to help achieve independence.
Generally, most children show signs that they are ready to begin toilet training at around two years old with some showing signs as early as 18 months and others a little over two years of age. Some of the signs that a little one is ready to start are:
Shows interest is the toilet and using the toilet, this may include asking and talking about the toilet, watching parents/siblings using the toilet (this may seem a bit strange, but it can be a great way for a child to see what the toilet is for!) or pretend play around toys using the toilet
Some classic signs of readiness are your child: is able to stay dry for around two hours, stops wanting to wear nappies, notices when their nappy is wet or soiled, has regular bowel motions
There are a few skills that your child will need to have to support the process that may not seem as obvious, such as: walking, the ability to get on and off a chair, pull their pants up and down, follow some simple instructions such as “come to, mummy” or “give me the block”
There are many signs that tell you that your child is ready to begin the toilet training process. Although, it is not necessary for them to show all of the above to begin! One key necessity is that everyone in the household and who looks after your child is ready to consistently work together to successfully toilet train. There are some things you can do to help prepare them. These include:
Practicing the toileting routine including, dressing and washing hands with your child and encouraging your little one to become more independent with each step
Make sure your child is happy to drink water or other fluid when asked (the more they drink the more chance for practice using the toilet!)
Ensure your toilet is set up for a child to use, with a foot stool and frame with handles so that they feel stable (or you can have a potty ready if you choose to use one in the initial stages)
Help your little one practice wearing underwear and sitting on the toilet before starting toilet training. It is nice for them to get used to doing these things before toilet training starts
Be sure that your child has a variety of things they love that can be used for rewards. Having special rewards that are just for using the toilet work really well
There are many components that contribute to successful toilet training. Toilet training is not just sitting on the toilet and voiding it is just as important to teach your child to ask to use the toilet, voiding bowel motions in the toilet and dressing skills. It may feel like an impossible task but by breaking it down into small achievable steps it is certainly achievable.
It is important to note that children with additional needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays may not show sign of readiness. Despite this it is possible to implement a toilet training plan.