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Toilet Training

Most children learn to use the toilet between 18 months and 4 years. There is no set time-frame and you should not compare your child with others, they all learn at their own pace. Daytime control usually happens before night time, therefore you may need to continue using nappies at night for a little while longer.
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Signs Your Child Is Ready For Toilet Training

  • They pause and make faces when having a bowel movement.
  • Often has dry nappies for two hours or more during the day.
  • Has regular, soft bowel movements.
  • Can understand and follow simple verbal instructions.
  • Wakes up dry from a sleep.
  • Does not like to wear a dirty nappy and may try and take it off.
  • Tells you when they have done a 'wee' or 'poo'.
  • Wants to watch others go to the toilet and is curious about what is in it.
  • Is able to undress themselves.

Preparing Your Child For Toilet Training

  • Talk to your child well before beginning toilet training to introduce the idea of using a potty.
  • Introduce toilet-related words, such as 'wee', 'poo', 'potty' and 'I need to go'.
  • Give them trainer pants or underpants for them to try on and feel comfortable wearing.
  • Read stories about toilet training.
  • Introduce your child to the potty or toilet and encourage them to sit on it, even fully clothed.
  • Children learn by copying - let them watch trusted family members go to the toilet so they understand the process.
  • Make sure your child is eating fibre and drinking lots of water to make going to the toilet much easier.
  • Use a doll or stuffed toy in role-play, using lots of praise, get your child to take the toy through the process of using a toilet or potty - including going, flushing and washing hands.

Choosing A Time To Start Toilet Training

  • Toilet training can take a lot of time and effort, from both the child and parent.
  • Choose a time when you have no big plans and will be close to your home for at least a few days.
  • Summer is a great time because there are fewer clothes to take off.
  • Ensure your child is happy and healthy.

Starting Toilet Training

  • Be relaxed and positive and never force your child to use the potty or toilet.
  • Take them to the potty or toilet at regular times, such as before leaving the house, before meal times and sleep times.
  • Give them enough time to try to go, but try not to leave them there for too long.
  • Try reading a book or singing a song to keep your child seated for longer.
  • Running tap water may help your child go.
  • Look for signs they want to go, such as rocking or jiggling when they sit.
  • Praise your child for trying and especially when they succeed.
  • Be prepared for when they don't make it in time, don't get angry or discipline them.
  • Teach your child to wash their hands after going to the toilet.
  • If you're using a toilet, use a small box or stool that your child can stand on, and a small potty seat.
  • Learning to wipe their bottom will take time and practice, help them to do this for as long as necessary.

Toilet Training A Boy

  • Whether using a potty or toilet, get him to sit first as bowel movements and urine often come at the same time.
  • Once he's confident using the toilet sitting down, he can try the standing position.
  • A male role model is a good idea, so they can copy their dad, uncle or trusted family friend.
  • If he seems a little unsure, try placing a ping pong ball in the toilet bowl for him to aim for.
  • A less messy idea and great game is to put a target on a tree outside for him to practice weeing on.

What If Your Child Regresses?

This is very common and completely normal. Some days you might have more failures than successes.

  • Try to understand what caused it, often they may regress if something is happening in their life, such as a new baby, starting kindy or even school.
  • Stay positive and calm with your child.
  • Regularly remind your child to go to the toilet, when they're busy it's easy to forget.
  • Praise and reward them when they go to, a star chart is a great idea.

Potty Or Toilet?

This is really the choice of you and your child and what they feel most comfortable using. The benefit of a potty is that it is mobile and children often find it less scary than a toilet. Some parents encourage their child to use both to avoid becoming conditioned to only using their potty.

Some children may be happy to use the toilet from the onset. To make using the toilet much easier for your little one, consider getting a step-stool and potty seat that sits snug into the toilet, providing extra support and comfort.