There is no set time for children to be toilet trained. Don’t worry if your child is slower or faster than others.
TOILET TRAINING
Parents and carers usually look forward to putting away nappies and having their child toilet trained. Just relax and remember that as a child develops, it will train itself at its own rate.
When are children ready?
Most children develop some control of their bladder and bowel between 18 months and three years. It is a natural process and cannot be rushed. It is best to wait until the child:
- shows some interest in toileting
- can tell you when they are wet or dirty
- can wait to get to the toilet
- can pull their own pants down.
- oilet training should be started when you are both ready, that is:
- when your child’s behaviour shows you they are ready, and
- when you have established a daily routine at home.
Getting ready for toilet training
- Relax and let nature take its course (don’t worry if your child is slower or faster than others).
- Allow your child to watch you or your older children going to the toilet.
- Get everything you need ready - buy a potty, potty chair or removable seat for the family toilet.
- Talk about the potty and what it is for.
- Allow your child to play and sit on it whenever they want.
- Look for signals that tell you your child is becoming aware of the need to go to the toilet.
- Put the child in trainer pants when they are outside so they are aware of being wet or dirty.
How to teach your child to use the toilet
- Choose a day to start. It is best if you are not going out, so you are handy to the potty.
- Take your child to the potty and encourage them to sit on it for a short time (choose a time when you think your child could succeed e.g. on waking, after meals or even every hour.
- Let your child sit for as long as they wish.
- Praise success and efforts which your child makes.
- Wash your child’s hands after they sit on the potty.
When will my child be toilet trained?
There is no set time for children to be toilet trained. Some are dry a very short time after coming out of nappies; others take months. Most children take much longer to be dry at night, and this usually occurs between three and four years. Some still wet the bed at night until six or seven years.
Wetting or dirtying pants can begin again if a toilet trained child:
- is sick, especially if in hospital
- is extremely upset
- is separated from their family
- has a new baby in the family
- has a change in their family situation.
Toilet training at your day care centre
Ask the staff how they will be toilet training your child. Try to use the same method to teach your child to use the toilet.
Further information
If you would like more information or you are worried about your child, check with your child health nurse or doctor. You should do this especially if:
- you are feeling very anxious about your child’s progress
- there is a continued loss of progress, especially loss of daytime control
- your child appears sick
- your child seems slow in learning both toileting and other skills (e.g. talking).
The information above was provided by Queensland Health.
