Toilet Learning

Signs Your Child May Be Ready

• Stays dry for longer periods (about 2 hours)

• Shows interest in the toilet or watches others use it

• Communicates when their diaper is wet or soiled

• Can pull pants up and down with minimal help

• Follows simple directions

• Begins asking to use the potty or wants to wear underwear

What you can do at home

• Follow your child's readiness cues rather than rushing the process.

• Establish a predictable potty routine, such as after meals or before bath time.

• Celebrate attempts and successes with praise rather than rewards or punishment.

• Dress your child in clothing that is easy to remove independently.

• Read books or sing songs about using the potty to make learning fun.

• Keep the experience positive and avoid pressure if your child isn't ready.

Resources

🚩 When to Ask for Help 🚩

• Is older than 4 years and has not begun showing signs of readiness.

• Experiences pain, significant fear, or distress related to toileting.

• Has frequent constipation or painful bowel movements.

• Has persistent accidents after previously being toilet trained.

• Regularly withholds urine or stool.

• Has developmental or physical challenges that make toilet learning difficult.

• You have concerns about your child's toilet learning or independence.