Potty training: what works

When's the best age to start potty training?

There's no definite age at which your child will be ready to start using the potty. However, most children are ready when they're between 18 months and three years old (AAFP 2008, Choby and George 2008, ERIC 2010b).

How long will potty training take to succeed?

Mastering the various steps of potty training can take a long time. Though a few children finish in just a few days, others need weeks or months, especially when it comes to completing night training.

Let your child set the pace and get used to this new, complicated process step-by-step. He can then move from one stage to the next in his own time. Stimulate his interest with stories and encouragement (ERIC 2010b).

Remember that he'll need some direction from you to actually have a wee or a poo for a while. For a toddler, going to the loo comes way down in the list of priorities when there are so many other fun things to do. So say something like, "Have a wee and then we can go and play a game".

How can we prepare for potty training?

Before you even buy your child a potty, think about how you plan to handle the training. Decide:

• when you want to start
• how you want to start
• what (if any) rewards you'll use
• how you'll handle accidents

You could also talk about your plan with your partner, health visitor and other parents, to see if they have any advice gained from experience.

Once you've come up with a plan, make sure that everyone else who takes care of your child has the same approach, to avoid confusing him.

When should we praise him during potty training?

While he's potty training, your child will be looking to you for positive reinforcement of his new skills. Don't disappoint him. Whenever he moves on to a new step or tries to use his potty, tell him he's doing well, and that you're proud of him. Though don't go so overboard with praise that he becomes nervous and afraid to fail (DH 2009), as this may lead to more accidents.

How can we make potty-training accidents into a positive?

Virtually every child will have accidents before being completely trained during the day and at night. Try not to get angry or punish your child. Mastering the process will take time. When he has an accident, calmly clean it up, and suggest that next time he tries using his potty instead (DH 2009, ERIC 2010a, b).

Now see potty training: what doesn't work.