Is it time to start toilet training and what are the best steps for my child?
Toilet training is a big step for any little person and a goal that needs to be supported by the entire family unit. But when is the right time to start toilet training with your child?
Every child is different, there is no right time. The time will be right when your child is ready.
Your child may be ready if:
Your child is dry for 2 hours between wees.
Your child drinks whole drinks with meals, not just sips (150-200ml).
Your child does a whole poo approximately every 12-36 hours with no accidents in between.
Your child insists on completing tasks without help and is proud of their new skills.
Your child can indicate if they are wet or dirty and need changing.
Your child can indicate a need to wee or poo.
Your child pull their pants on and takes their pants off.
Your child can sit steadily for 1-2 minutes.
Your child can follow instructions.
Even if your child isn’t displaying all the above skills to show they are ready for toileting, it’s still very important to make your child aware of toileting. This may look like taking your child with you to the toilet or talking with your child about having a wet or dirty nappy during nappy changes. Having your child become aware of toileting early on will assist them with knowing it’s something they need to be involved in, and can help to gradually teach them the steps in independent toileting.
6 stages to the development of toileting in children.
There are 6 stages to the development of toileting in children and it’s important to consider what stage your child is currently at and what the next stage will be for them.
When you think your child is ready, you need to set them up for success for the stage they are at.
Toilet set up is very important for your child to ensure they feel comfortable, relaxed, and safe while using it. Some children can become scared of using the toilet if they are worried about falling in or being exposed when using the toilet. Here are some considerations:
A child sized toilet seat or toilet insert so your child isn’t worried about falling into the toilet, and can sit comfortably and relax on the toilet.
A stable foot stool to allow your child to rest their feet on will provide stability and position your child in the ideal sitting position.
Toilet paper should be within easy reach for your child.
Allow your child to be involved in decorating the toilet room with posters or their favourite pictures to ensure it is a relaxing and inviting space for your child.
Did you know there are lots of different toilet training approaches? Let’s explore some of the common ones:
Wait and catch – this is when you take your child to the toilet when they show signs of needing to go.
Sit and wait (routines) – for this approach you take your child to the toilet at regular intervals during the day.
Intensive training – the final approach focuses on frequent practice and skills training while taking your child to the toilet at frequent intervals.
Fun Fact: Children’s bladders will fill and empty 5-7 times per day. It is encouraged to drink whole drinks with mealtimes instead of sipping regularly throughout the day. Having whole drinks assists with teaching children to increase their awareness of when their bladder is full. About 20-30minutes after a full drink, children when generally then need to wee. To further assist with this, have a timer set for about 20-30minutes after they drink to check in if they need to go to the toilet.
Fun Fact: Children will generally empty their bowels 1-2 times per day usually 20-30minutes after a main meal.
Fun Fact: Wee’s are usually successful before poo’s on the toilet.
Remember: It is common for children to have cycles of forward and backward progression as toileting is a complex set of skills, and times of sickness or becoming overwhelmed can impact on their progress!
If you need further assistance with toilet training for your child, an Occupational Therapist can complete a thorough assessment and determine suitable strategies that are tailored for your child and family.