You can start you child’s potty training when your child is between eighteen months and three years of age. When your child is ready for potty training, you may notice some of these signs.

- Your child can stay dry for at least two hours at a time.

- Your child has regular bowel movements.

- Your child does not feel comfortable with dirty diapers. He may ask you to change his diaper, or he asks to wear regular underwear.

If you child shows these signs, he is ready for potty training. You should praise and encourage him to start potty training. Make him feel special about his growth and accomplishment. Even though you want to encourage your child to start potty training, you want to keep the training at the slow pace in the beginning. Do not push your child too fast. If he makes mistakes, do not punish or criticize him. Your child probably does not do it on purpose. Punishing him will only discourage him. But if he gets it right, you want to give him strong encouragement and praise.

Most parents try to push their children for potty training when they are about two years old. It is important to remember that each child is different. Although age may be used as a determining factor, it should not be the only factor. Your kid will need to have a certain amount of physiologically readiness before potty training. So your kid is not ready, do not punish him. You have to be patient.

Potty training can be a stressful experience for you and your child. It’s best to start potty training when your child has an established daily routine and is not dealing with any additional stress. Potty training should be the only major change in your child’s life.

If your child is showing signs of potty training readiness, ask yourself if any of the following situations exist:

New baby - Although the thought of double diaper duty may be overwhelming, your child needs time to adapt to the new baby before you begin potty training.

Divorce or Separation - Divorce or separation is always stressful for children. Your child may be living in two different homes or under two separate sets of rules. When things calm down, share your potty training plan so that you are both aware of the other person’s plan and can work together for the benefit of your child.

New daycare/baby sitter - If your child has recently switched day cares or baby-sitters, wait a couple of weeks/months (depending on how your child adapts) before you start potty training.

New bedroom or bed - Small changes, like a new bedroom or bed, can have a big impact on your child. Wait until your child has adapted to his new bed before you begin potty training.

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Danna Henderson ZIP Baby 101 Convention Center Drive, Ste 700 Las Vegas, NV 89109

Teaching your child to use a potty does not have to a frustrating experience. Here are 3 potty training tips to set you on the path to having a happy, potty trained toddler.

Tip 1: Prepare For Potty Training

Incorporate pre potty training into your toddler’s daily routine. An example would be to talk to them every time you change their diaper. This will introduce the child to the words that you will use in toilet training.

Pre potty training routines can start as early as one year old. Before toilet training formally begins potty train an anatomically correct doll that wets itself. That way your child will know what to expect.

Tip 2: Choose The Right Time To Begin Potty Training

A child needs to have communication skills and that includes understanding, and being able to carry out, simple instructions. They must be physically able to walk and sit down unaided and be able to pull up and down their own pants. They should also be displaying some control over urinary and bowel functions and be free from undue stress.

Only begin toilet training when your child is ready. Far better to delay for a few months and for it to be a happy experience than go ahead when they are not able to handle it. You don’t want to turn this learning experience into a battle of wills.

Also do not begin potty training until you have sufficient time to devote to it. You must be able to block off some time for potty training. Many parents find a weekend works best.

Tip 3: Be Consistent

If potty training is going to be accomplished speedily then everyone involved in your child’s care must follow the same potty training practices and routines. Otherwise you will just confuse your child. Children thrive best on set routines.

Remember, using a potty is a skill your child has to acquire.