potty training help Toddler on potty playing on iPadEventually, almost everyone gets the hang of urinating (doing a wee) or defecating (doing a poo) in the toilet - except perhaps for a bit of regression during the first year at university - but not before they've gone through the messy business of potty and/or toilet training.
How do I know my toddler is ready? | Preparing for potty training help | Introducing a potty | Starting potty training | Out and about | Night-time dryness

Is my toddler ready for potty training help?
Your mum probably claims you were toilet trained at nine months, but she also claims you were talking at five months and eating a full roast dinner at the tender age of six weeks, so don't fret unduly about your own incontinent tot.
Signs your child might be ready
They're old enough to have bladder control
Toilet training is much easier when children are aged two and upwards. Proper toilet training is virtually impossible for a child under 18 months because the sphincters (muscle outlets) of the bladder and bowel aren't yet under their control.
Bear in mind there's a wide variation in how quickly toddlers potty train, some of which is probably genetic. Lateness in acquiring bladder and bowel control runs in families and boys may take longer to get the hang of it than girls.
They have awareness that they're doing a poo or a wee
At around 18 months toddlers often know they're opening their bowels and stop playing for a moment - maybe standing still with a look of concentration. They might also tell you they've done a wee or poo and tug at their nappy or lie down in the 'change me now' position.
Another sign is if your child wees while her nappy is off and gazes with interest at the puddle and maybe clutches herself.
All these signals mean your toddler is starting to link effect with cause.
They're showing an interest in the potty or toilet
Your child has probably been accompanying mum and dad to the toilet for some time and may start indicating that he'd like a go at using the potty or toilet himself - sometimes when he feels he's about to do a poo.
Always encourage this role play, even if it doesn't produce anything. If it does, you will probably faint with shock, but try not to feel too victorious – this is just the start.


Starting potty training help
Explain what you're doing
Ditch the nappies
Encourage regular potty visits
Employ bribery and corruption