Potty Training-When Should I Start?

Most children are ready to begin potty training when they are between the ages of 18 and 24 months. But that is not some "set in stone" rule. You will know when they are ready because the signs will be there. These are the signs to look for:

* Expresses an interest in using the toilet

* Tries to imitate other family members using the potty

* Is able to tell you that they need to go potty or telling you they went already

* Is able to pull their pants up and down by himself

* Expresses irritation when diapers are wet and stays dry for about two hours at a time

* Expresses an interest in big kid underwear

When your child shows that they are ready for potty training, it's time for you to begin introducing him or her to the potty. You need to choose a comfortable potty chair that will make potty training fun for your child and is also easy for you to clean. If you are not sure which chairs your child will like, bring him with you when you choose it.

You can introduce the idea of potty training by reading a potty training bedtime story at night or by watching a potty training DVD together. You can also teach your child the steps to going potty on your own which include:

* Taking underwear off

* Sitting down

* Actually going to the bathroom

* Wiping themselves

* Flushing

* Washing your hands afterwards.

Quick tips: Give your child a bit more liquids so that you can increase potty training chances. This will help your child to build muscle memory and help your child potty train quickly. Take your child to the potty every thirty minutes and on time. Have your child sit for a couple of minutes and read a book together while he's still on the potty. Turn on the faucet or place your child's feet in warm water to encourage urination. Don't you remember that sleep over trick that you pulled on your friends? It will work on baby too!

Just remember to relax and not stress so much over this whole potty training thing. It will happen soon enough.

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by Jordan Swanson

*Check out our Potty Training Charts and Potty Training Reward Coupons.  Also, see our articles on Potty Training Boys and Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool!

About the author: Jordan Swanson is a child psychology researcher and a mother of two children. She has been helping parents potty train their children at http://www.pottytrainnow.com