Health Tips

Potty training is arguably one of the more important events in your child’s development. Most parents are eager to get their child to use the potty as soon as possible, just like you.

In this topic, we will talk about:

• basics of potty training
• age to start potty training
• potty training readiness checklist

What is potty training?

Potty training, also known as toilet training is a process in which you train your child to use the toilet appropriately.

Mainly for urination and of course, the bigger businesses like the poo.

The term potty refers to a small toilet bowl-shaped device that helps to accommodate your child’s bum when he begins his training.

What is the potty training age?

Most children develop this skill between the age of 18 months to 3 years old. However, it is relatively easier to train an older child rather than a younger one. Also, it is easier to train girls rather than boys.

Most parents will want to train their children as early as possible:

• It minimizes the need to purchase diapers.
• Reduces the risks of skin irritation from a diaper rash.
• Being independent when the children are in childcare or preschool.

Watch a video on how to start potty training here.

Potty training readiness checklist

Here is a potty training readiness checklist to see if your child is ready to be trained:

• A fixed poo-ing time.
• Diaper stays dry after 1 to 2 hours.
• Wakes up with a dry diaper.
• Interested in you going to the bathroom.
• Able to pull up and down his own pants.
• Able to understand simple instructions.
• Knows the difference between pee and poo.
• Able to tell you that he has pee’d or poo’d, or even before doing so.
• Able to show facial expressions or postures when he is about to do it.
• Enjoys praises.
• Tries his best to please you.
• Wants to do things by his own effort.
• Feels uncomfortable with his own wet/dirty diaper.

If you answer yes to most of the questions above, then your child is all ready and set to go!

On the next post, we will be discussing on the potty training must-haves and best potty training seats.

References:

1. Potty training: Overview | PubMed Health
2. Kiddoo, Darcie A. “Toilet Training Children: When to Start and How to Train.” CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal184.5 (2012): 511. PMC. | PubMed Central
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/potty-training/art-20045230/in-depth/art-20045230

Image credit:

1. https://pixabay.com/photos/child-sitting-potty-training-316211/

In collaboration with Ethissa.

Written by

Dr Eric Siew