Toilet training can begin from 18 – 30 months depending on baby’s personality and development. By this I mean that while some toddlers are able to understand what’s happening to them and communicate how they are feeling, others (e.g. very premature babies and those with mild neurological difficulties and who may have delayed speech) need more time.
A toddler needs to be physically and emotionally ready to ‘let go’ before toilet training can begin.
Signs that your toddler is ready:
• S/he will communicate when the nappy is uncomfortable e.g. patting bottom and saying something like: ‘bum, bum’
• Stays dry for longer
• Predictably makes a wee in the bath
• Insists on watching when you go to the toilet
• Is able to stay focused or interested for a short while
• Starting to show an interest in dressing or undress themselves i.e. can pull pants up and down.
Do’s and don’ts of toilet training:
• Do start when your toddler is ready
• Don’t miss readiness clues
• Do share their excitement and enthusiasm
• Don’t show disgust - your toddler may take offence or feel guilty!
• Do praise every success!
• Don’t smack when there are accidents
• Do co-operate with the nursery school toilet routine – especially over week-ends
• Do keep panties/undies on during the day
• Don’t confuse your toddler by putting a nappy on when it suits you
• Do keep a night-nappy on until your toddler is dry during the day
• Don’t keep a ‘reward chart’ – toddlers are too young to understand.
Remember toilet training is not a race to show how clever your toddler is (which of course s/he absolutely is) or to cut costs. Most toddlers (and parents) get through this milestone with ease! If there are obvious communication problems and developmental delays, please have your toddler assessed by a paediatrician.
