Checklist for Toileting Skills

Toilet training marks a new stage in your toddler's development. The prospect of teaching your little one the finer points of toileting may cause you to wonder when to start and how to proceed. A checklist for toileting readiness and skills can guide you and your tot successfully through the process. Armed with mental awareness as well as motor and hygiene skills, your toddler will master independent toileting and be onto bigger adventures before you know it.

  1. Recognizing Readiness

    • Before starting potty training, your toddler should be able to tell you when he needs to go and walk independently to the potty chair, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. If your tot shows signs of discomfort with wet or dirty diapers, asks to have his diaper changed and stays dry during naps, overnight or for two or more daytime hours, he may be ready to graduate to using the potty. Additional signs of readiness include the physical coordination to pull his pants up and down and climb on and off the potty with or without your help as well as the ability to follow simple instructions and copy your toileting behavior. However, avoid starting at the same time your child is experiencing other stress from changes such as moving, switching child care, moving from his crib to a big bed, experiencing a family illness or crisis or adjusting to a new baby in the house.

    Practice and Patience

    • When your toddler tells you she needs to go, walk with her to the bathroom and show her how to pull her pants or underwear down or remove her diaper. Your daughter may also need practice holding skirts or dresses out of the way as she sits on the toilet seat. Encourage her to sit on the potty for at least two minutes, using bathroom toys or storybooks to entice her to sit there long enough to have a bowel movement or urinate.

    Wipe It Clean

    • Wiping may be the biggest physical challenge for some toddlers who are learning toileting skills. Guide his hand to pull down and tear off a few sheets of toilet paper and wrap it around his hand. Show him how to reach behind him and wipe from front to back. This can be an awkward angle for his developing motor control so help him as necessary. Demonstrate how to fold the paper over and wipe again until the paper comes away clean. Then have him drop the wad of toilet paper in the toilet, flush and pull his pants up.

    Hygiene to Go

    • Teach your child good bathroom hygiene from the start by showing her how to wash her hands after every toileting experience. Demonstrate how to use soap to scrub her hands with warm water. This protects her from spreading any uncleanliness and germs through touch.

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