Before deciding to start potty training both the child and the adult must be both physically and emotionally ready. Every child is different but most children are ready to start potty training when they are between 22 and 30 months of age. Potty training can be a frustrating experience for both the child and the adult if you start before the child is ready. With the above in mind here are 10 helpful potty training tips:

1. Do not feel discouraged if you notice other children of the same age are already potty trained. As with eating and sleeping habits the child will only get there when he or she is ready and it is not something that can be forced.
2. Make it FUN! The attitude of adults around the child has a large impact on how the child feels about potty training; it should be viewed as an exciting achievement and not a dreaded task.
3. In order to prepare your child for potty training start to talk to him/her about how to use the toilet and how using the potty means that he/she will be able to wear “big-kid” underwear and not diapers. Involve your child with the purchase of new big-kid underwear, so that the child is excited about it. Purchase books about potty training and read them.
4. Remind children – frequently! Most children get caught up playing and forget to go to the bathroom, when starting potty training take the child to the bathroom on a frequent basis and remind him/her to tell you if he/she needs to go in between trips to the potty.
5. A common problem for potty training toddlers is a fear of the toilet. Help your child feel more comfortable by assuring him/her that they will not fall in while sitting on a potty training seat.
6. If potty training with a seat on a regular toilet have a small step stool in front of the toilet for your child to rest his/her feet on while on the toilet. Having something to rest their feet on will help with bowel movements.
7. Teach children the correct way to wipe themselves. Show the child how to remove toilet paper from the roll, wipe themselves and then throw the paper in the toilet. Instruct girls that they should always wipe from front to back to avoid infections. An adult will normally have to help children wipe after they have had a bowel movement until about the age of 4-5.
8. Dress your child in clothes that is easy for him/her to remove when they need to. Pants that have an elastic waistband or dresses are a good example of this. Jeans/overalls/tight leggings are all examples of clothes that will be difficult for a child to remove in a hurry.
9. Do not punish or scold your child when he/she has an accident. Accidents will happen. Be prepared for this when you start potty training.
10. ENCOURAGE!! Use praise and encouragement as much as possible.