“If you’re thinking about starting the toilet training process, there are a few things to consider first,” says Janine Armocida from the National Continence Helpline. “Everyone has a different opinion about when and how you should toilet train your child. Most of the advice you receive from family and friends will be with the best intentions, though sometimes it can put enormous pressure on you as a carer and your child.”
When should I start toilet training?
Most children are developmentally ready to be toilet trained from about two years of age. For some children it will be later, and for others it will be earlier (as young as 18 months). We are all different! If your child is neurodiverse then toilet training may take longer and there may be a delay in showing readiness signs.
Alongside the child being ready, it’s also important to identify when the best time is for you as a family to start the toilet training journey. Try to avoid busy periods, or big changes in the household and allow yourself the time and space to see the process through.
Overall, toilet training shouldn’t be stressful, and as a carer you need to be there and support your little one as they learn and master a new skill.
What are some signs of toilet readiness?
- Being able to stay dry for two hours
- Regular soft, easily passed bowel motions. If your child’s bowel motion is hard, dry, large or difficult to pass make sure they are eating and drinking well. Pears, prunes and kiwi fruit are good foods for the bowels. If you think your child may be constipated see your GP or pharmacist and they can advise you on laxative use if needed
- Can follow simple instructions and sit for 2-3 mins
- Can pull their pants up and down
- Can wash and dry their hands
- Tells or shows you signs of having a
wet or soiled nappy - Dislikes wearing a nappy
What equipment do I need?
- Clothes that are easy to get on and off
- Cleaning supplies – expect accidents
- Children’s books about toileting
- Potty or toilet steps with a toilet insert - There is no right or wrong choice of equipment here, this is up to you to decide. You should always supervise your child on the toilet and keep the door closed when it is not in use, especially if you have younger children
- Training pants or underpants - Both options are suitable. Training pants can help your child to feel a little uncomfortable and absorb some of the urine (wee). Or you can go straight to underpants and your child can help choose their special underpants to help make the experience fun and exciting
- Supplies for going out - extra clothes, bag for wet clothes, baby wipes, an extra potty for the car
How do I start toilet training?
It’s important to prepare your child for toilet training, so they understand the process and what to expect. Before actively toilet training, get your child to sit on the toilet or potty once or twice a day. This could be first thing in the morning and/or before bath time to get them used to the toilet or potty and make it part of their normal routine, so they get used to it. Let your child see you sit on the toilet. Teach your child the difference between wet, dry, poo and wee. Always keep your language positive, simple and try not to react or say anything negative during toilet training time.
Use clear language and tell your child to sit on the toilet/potty when they first get up, 30 minutes after a meal or snack, and before going to bed. This will equate to about two hourly visits, or six visits a day.
Stay positive throughout and give clear direction to sit on the toilet/potty, rather than ask them if they want to sit. For example, “Charlie, it’s time to sit on the toilet now please”. Once your child becomes reliably dry then you can try “Charlie, what is it time for now?”, then change it to “Charlie, do you need to go to the toilet?” as your child gains independence.
Should I praise or reward my child?
All rewards need to be small and immediate for them to be effective. It could be a cuddle, a high five, a sticker on a chart or even the option to call someone important. Try to plan the rewards based on what you know your child likes and responds best to.
Always praise your child for following your directions or taking themselves to the toilet. “Well done sitting on the toilet”, “oh fantastic you’ve done a wee in the toilet”, “let’s put a sticker on your chart for sitting on the toilet and another one for doing wee, you are so clever”.
Setbacks and further support
It’s important to remember that there may be some setbacks during toilet training, and it’s okay to take a break if needed.
Book a call back from our continence specialists today or call 1800 33 00 66 (8am-8pm AEST)
Read more from Bridge: https://issuu.com/continence.org.au