Baby Potty Training Age

Potty training is a huge step and important milestone in your child and your life. For the process to be a success, you need to be consistent and patient. Over time, your child will get accustomed to the new routine, but it will not happen overnight. As there is no specific training age, the right time to start potty training depends on your child's physical and emotional readiness. While some may start at one and a half, most start at two. However, some kids may not be ready till they turn 2 ½ or are even older. It is important to assess your kids' readiness, for starting too early can prolong the process.

Age to Start Potty Training

As we have already mentioned, there is no fixed age for potty training. Here are some indicators that will help you judge whether your child is ready to be potty trained or not:

• Your child should be able to grasp and obey simple directions.
• Your child should be able to pull his/her pants down, so that he/she is able to use the pot easily and does not dirty his/her clothes.
• Your child should be asking you or others, basic questions.
• Your child should not like being in a wet or dirty diaper.
• Your child should be staying dry for up to two hours or longer during the day.
• Your child should display some signs (words, gestures, facial expressions or posture) when he/she needs to go to the loo.
• It is preferable to start potty training after your child has bladder control while sleeping.
• It is preferable if your child has fairly predictable bowel movements.
• Your child should show at least a slight interest in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear.

If most of these conditions (not all have to) are applicable to your child, then he/she is probably ready to commence potty training. If your child isn't exhibiting any of these signs, then you will have to wait awhile.

Baby Potty Training Tips

Even if your child is showing signs of readiness, it still doesn't mean that the transition will be easy. Expect to go through a period of accidents and maybe even face some potty training problems. Remember to be patient and keep alive your sense of humor through this period. Here are some potty training tips that will help you ditch the diapers.

React Quickly: If you see your child exhibiting trademark indications of wanting to go, such as squirming or squatting, respond quickly. For the initial period, transfer your child, as fast as possible, to the toilet. After a while, you can teach him/her to head to the toilet when the urge is felt. Remember to praise your child when he/she tells you that he/she has to go, even if your child doesn't manage to hold it till he/she reaches the toilet. If the trip to the john is successful, allow your child to flush. It is good to inculcate the habit of washing one's hands after using the toilet right from the potty training days.

Pretty Potty: Get your child a colorful, attractive potty chair and place it in the bathroom. Ensure that it is stable and comfortable for your child to sit on. To ease the transition, try to get one that can later be placed directly on the toilet. Get your child to sit on the potty chair for a few minutes everyday, with or without a baby diaper, so that he/she may get habituated to it. Help your child understand the purpose of the potty, possibly by emptying the contents of a dirty diaper into the potty chair.

Rewards and Recognition: Reward your child with either praise or a treat. You may give your child a sticker/star on a chart, take him/her to the park, or read out a story. Whether it is the only thing you do, or it is in conjunction with other tangible incentives, it is important to heap your child with praise.

With these methods, you and your child are likely to go through the potty training process fairly smoothly. Irrespective of what people may tell you is the right age for starting the training, or for that matter at what age your friends started the process, let your child decide and tell you when he/she is ready. And lastly, never get angry or make a big deal about mistakes.