When To Start Potty Training

When to start potty training is a good question to ponder over. If you are a first time parent you may begin to hear that other parents of similar aged children are potty training their toddler and that may start you thinking that maybe you should try. Don't worry, there is no set potty training age and all children develop at very different rates.

Sometimes if you start earlier then process takes longer, whereas if you start later when your child is more developed they succeed at being dry much quicker.

The key of when to start potty training is through being watchful of your toddler's behaviour - he will show you when he's ready.

Signs to look for to show that your toddler is ready to begin toddler toilet training

• If your toddler is dry for 1 - 2 hours during the day it shows that his bladder has matured to hold more urine.
• If your toddler wakes up dry after a nap.
• If your toddler bowel movement and urination is more or less regular or at a set time of the day.
• Behaviour: your toddler goes to a corner or another part of the room to squat to do BM.
• Your toddler will tell you about it and so be aware of it.
• Your toddler doesn't want a smelly nappy on.
• Your toddler understands the concept of dry and wet and clean and dirty.
• Your toddler wants to wear pants (so you need to let him be aware of them - from older siblings, friends or nursery).
• Ability to pull up and down his pants or trousers.

Choose your timing carefully

Beginning potty training is a big change in a little life so you need to choose the timing carefully. Knowing when to start potty training depends on what else is going on in your toddler's life. Questions to ask yourself are:

• Is there going to be a big family change i.e. a new baby?
• Is there going to be any major moves i.e. moving house?
• Is there any issue currently going on which effects my child i.e. familiy or parental problems?
• Is there due to be any change in child care?
• Is my toddler well and healthy in himself?

If you can time potty training for the summer then that's a bonus - your toddler can run around bare-bottomed outside with a potty nearby and if he has an accident it's easy to deal with. But if not, then it's really no problem. Time your potty training to your toddler's seasons!

How long will potty training my toddler take?
Well, there's no strict answer to this one. It could take a matter of days (unlikely, but more likely if your toddler is older), weeks or months. A few months is quite usual and potty training and staying dry during the day is a gradual process.

Risks of trying toddler potty training too early
It really isn't worth pushing potty training if your toddler isn't ready...Here's what you could get as a result:

• resistance from your toddler which is upsetting and stressful for everyone
• rebellion in other areas and could spark toddler tantrums
• a longer than necessary struggle to potty train your toddler
• more accidents and subsequent clean ups than necessary
• a feeling of despair on your part
• a feeling of failure and loss of confidence on your toddler's part

If you do not limit yourself to a set potty training age you are paving the way to make toddler potty training a chance for your toddler to feel confident, proud and very pleased with himself. As with most things in life, and especially with your own child's natural development, there is no rush. Tomorrow is another day afterall.

But it is reassuring to have some idea of when to start potty training and some guidance so as to not to worry unduly. Some children show signs that they are ready for potty training before their second birthday, some after their third and mostly in between.

On the other side of the spectrum you don't want to ignore potty training and simply be waiting for the signs and perhaps not notice them. It is fine for you to suggest trying going on the potty or toilet and give your toddler the idea of potty training but as always, don't force the issue.

Your toddler is a smart cookie and he will let you know the righ time for when to start potty training.