All parents eagerly await the end of diapers. Your child will start to show an interest in toilet learning between the ages of two and four. Be patient with your child as they learn this new skill.  Accidents are common until 5 years of age.

Bladder control does not always happen with bowel control. Night time control may occur several months or years after day time control.

• Stay dry in diapers for several hours at a time
• Tell you when their diaper is wet or dirty
• Tell you through words or actions that they need to use the toilet
• Show interest in the toilet and are able to sit on the toilet
• Will "pee" or "poo" in the toilet instead of their diaper

Talk with your child about how you use the toilet.

• Allow your child to watch you use the toilet
• Read your child books about toileting

Use a potty chair or an adult toilet with a special seat inserted into the toilet for your child.  When using the adult toilet, use a stool for your child to put their feet on while sitting on the toilet.

Encourage your child to sit on the toilet when they wake up in the morning, after naps and at bedtime. Do not force your child to use the toilet. Take your child to the toilet quickly when they say they need to go and then stay with your child while they use the toilet.

Dress your child in loose clothing or pull ups that they can remove easily.

As your child becomes successful with using the toilet for several weeks, remove the diapers for short periods and use underwear. Remind your child to use the toilet frequently.

Praise your child for every success with toileting. Do not get angry when accidents happen. Your child will become successful with daytime toileting but may still need diapers at night for a while longer.

• If your child is in the "No" stage all the time
• Having frequent temper tantrums
• During a time of change (for example: a new baby, moving the house, starting daycare)

 

Try toilet learning again in one to three months when your child is more settled and less stressed.

Constipation can make toilet learning more difficult as it can cause pain when your child has a bowel movement. Make sure your child eats lots of fruits and vegetables and drinks lots to prevent constipation.

 

If your child is not ready to learn, trying to teach them will not work and will be frustrating for both you and your child. "Toileting battles" can hurt your relationship with your child and make toilet learning more difficult. Be patient. Try toilet learning again in one to three months.

Remember that every child's development is different so your child may be ready to toilet learn at a different time than other children. Your patience and support of your child can make the experience of toilet learning a positive one for both of you!

For more information on understanding and guiding your child's behaviour, visit Programs and Resources.