It seems like just yesterday when I
brought my nearly three-year-old home from the hospital. I?ve known for some time that she is ready to
use the potty, but I have not been successful with the transition from diapers
(pull-ups) to panties. The specialists
say that some children develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills as
early as 18-24 months of age. However,
most parents do not begin potty training until 2 ? to 3 years of age when their
bladder control has become more reliable.
brought my nearly three-year-old home from the hospital. I?ve known for some time that she is ready to
use the potty, but I have not been successful with the transition from diapers
(pull-ups) to panties. The specialists
say that some children develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills as
early as 18-24 months of age. However,
most parents do not begin potty training until 2 ? to 3 years of age when their
bladder control has become more reliable.
Personally, I have dealt with a lot
of regression and it could possibly be the stress of the baby I am expecting in
July. The American Academy of Pediatrics
suggests that potty training can be more challenging if there are stressors in
the home.
of regression and it could possibly be the stress of the baby I am expecting in
July. The American Academy of Pediatrics
suggests that potty training can be more challenging if there are stressors in
the home.
What is your toddler’s progress
towards potty training? I have created a
checklist to help you on your potty training jouney.
towards potty training? I have created a
checklist to help you on your potty training jouney.
First, you must look for physical signs towards independence:
? Urinates a lot at one time (basically saturating their diaper and
causing leakage due to the amount of urine).
? Has dry periods of at least two hours (naps) or during bedtime
(shows their bladder muscles are strong enough to hold urine).
two to five minutes.
? Can pull his/her
pants up and down or even dress/undress himself.
pants up and down or even dress/undress himself.
? Dislikes the
feeling of a soiled diaper.
feeling of a soiled diaper.
? Shows interest in
going to the potty with you to watch.
going to the potty with you to watch.
? Gives signs of
having to use the bathroom such as grunting, squatting, hiding, telling you or
taking off their diaper.
having to use the bathroom such as grunting, squatting, hiding, telling you or
taking off their diaper.
? Has a desire to wear
underwear.
underwear.
? Takes pride in his/her accomplishments.
? Does not resist when you suggest using the
potty.
potty.
? Is in a cooperative stage (willing to do as
you ask).
you ask).
Finally, you must look for cognitive signs:
? Aware they have
to use the potty and telling you before it happens or even holding it until
he/she has time to get to the potty.
to use the potty and telling you before it happens or even holding it until
he/she has time to get to the potty.
? Understands the
value of putting things where they belong.
value of putting things where they belong.
? Ability to follow
simple instructions, such as ?go to the potty.?
simple instructions, such as ?go to the potty.?
Although we would love to think our
children are ready for the potty as soon as they are walking, but in reality children
can?t control their bladder or bowel movements before 12 months of age. Some toddlers that show early signs of
readiness are still physically unable to control their bladder. Even children that stay dry during the day
may take a while to stay dry at night.
Most specialists say that most children outgrow bed-wetting by the age
of 5.
children are ready for the potty as soon as they are walking, but in reality children
can?t control their bladder or bowel movements before 12 months of age. Some toddlers that show early signs of
readiness are still physically unable to control their bladder. Even children that stay dry during the day
may take a while to stay dry at night.
Most specialists say that most children outgrow bed-wetting by the age
of 5.
