How to Toilet-Train Your Toddler

Learning to use the toilet is a major achievement in a child's life, as he will gain some additional independence from his parents. Before starting the potty-training process, make sure your child is able to follow instructions, understands the words you will use to explain the process and can verbally communicate. He should also have the ability to stay dry for at least two hours and show an interest in learning, according to Nemours Foundation's website, KidsHealth. As long as the timing is right, parents can have their child toilet trained in a matter of weeks.

Things You'll Need

  • Potty

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a potty. Take the child with you when making this purchase and let her help with the selection. Explain what she will use the potty for and encourage her to select one she likes, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org website.

    • 2

      Put the potty in the bathroom. Make sure he can sit comfortably with his feet touching the floor. The Mayo Clinic recommends allowing him to watch other members of the family use the regular toilet so he can see how the process works.

    • 3

      Ask the child to sit on the potty for a few minutes each day.This will become part of the child's daily routine. If the child wakes up with a dry diaper or has had a large amount of fluid in the past 45 minutes, it is a good time to sit on the potty, notes the Kids Health website. Only keep her on the potty for a few minutes at a time and allow her to get up whenever she wants.

    • 4

      Respond immediately if the child asks to use to potty or gives a sign that he needs to use it. As you notice these signals, you can inform your child about what he is feeling and ask him to give you verbal cues. Make sure you praise him when he does let you know, the Mayo Clinic suggests.

    • 5

      Offer rewards for correctly using the potty. This can include having a book read to her or receive a sticker every time she accomplishes this task, according to KidsHealth.

    • 6

      Use diapers when the child is sleeping. Since bladder control starts as a daytime activity, use training pants while the child sleeps until he has developed enough control to last the night, the Mayo Clinic recommends.

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