When did you start potty training your little one? What telltale signs did you recognize when it came time to train your little one to use the potty? We all hate diapers, that is no secret. The entire business of urinating and defecating on oneself, no matter how small, is very unsanitary. I think from the moment our children are in diapers, we are waiting with bated breath for the moment when they can use the potty.
But if you start training too soon you run the risk of great frustration and regression. Word to the wise: no matter how “gifted†your child appears to be, do NOT start potty training before the age of one.
Here are some signs that your little one is ready to graduate from diapers:
Cognitive signs
- Recognizes the physical signs that he needs to urinate or defecate and can hold it until he has access to a bathroom.
- Can follow simple instructions.
- Can communicate the need to go to the restroom to you.
Physical signs
- Child can walk steadily.
- Has regular, well-formed bowel movements.
- Has a “dry†period for prolonged amounts of time, which means that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine for longer periods of time.
Behavioral signs
- Can sit down quietly in one position for a few minutes.
- Can pull his pants down.
- Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
- Shows interest in others’ bathroom habits (this works particularly well if there is an older sibling in the house).
- Is in generally cooperative and interested in learning to use the potty.
Photo Source: Todd Morris
