Toilet Learning

Parents are often ready before their child. Most children are physically, intellectually, and emotionally ready between the ages of two and three. Look for the following signs that your child is ready to begin toilet learning.

• Knows the words for using the toilet and can tell an adult when he/she needs to go
• Can follow simple instructions.
• Has the ability to pull their pants up and down.
• Dislikes being wet or soiled and recognizes that they have a wet or dirty diaper.
• Can stay dry for one to two hours and/or get up dry from a nap.
• Shows interest in imitating you in the bathroom.
• Has bowel movements that occur on a regular schedule.

Remember: Every child develops and learns at their own pace!

1. Get a potty meant for toddlers.
2. Make sure their feet are touching the floor or another firm surface when sitting on the potty.
3. Put the potty in a place that your child can easily access. Let them practise sitting on the potty whenever they are interested.
4. As your child becomes more comfortable, let them to sit on the potty with or without a diaper for a few minutes (no more than 5 to 10 min).
5. Having your child sit on the potty at certain times during the day, such as first thing in the morning, after meals or snacks, and before/after naps and at bedtime may lead to early success!
6. Let your child watch you use the toilet.
7. Buy some cotton underpants. Children become aware that they have soiled themselves more quickly when not wearing absorbent training pants.
8. Read children's books about toilet learning together. You can find many great children’s books on toilet learning at your local library.
9. Teach your child words like pee and poop.
10. Let your child practise dressing and undressing.
11. Point out to your child when you notice that they are peeing or pooping. This may help them be more aware of when they are peeing or pooping.
12. Teach your child how to wash (external link) their hands after using the potty.

• Provide your child with clothes that are easy to take off and put on.
• Accidents are common while toilet learning. Be prepared and have a change of clothes on hand.
• Praise your child's efforts and successes. A positive approach will be encouraging
• Stop if your child resists or shows little interest. Try again in a few months.
• Starting in the warmer months can be easier when there is less clothing to remove.
• Make potty time fun. Read or sing together, or have a special toy just for potty time.
• Daytime control is easier than night control.

If the first try at toilet learning does not work, it might be because your child isn’t ready. Take a break for one to three months and watch for signs of readiness.

In the beginning, your child may be afraid to poop in a potty or the toilet. If that happens, let them poo in a diaper so that they are not holding it in. Constipation can make going to the toilet painful and toilet learning longer. If you’re worried that your child is constipated, talk to your doctor about what you can do.

Talk to your doctor if your child:

• Is not using the toilet by their fourth birthday
• Was using the toilet well for a good length of time (six months or more) and now seems to be slipping back
• Refuses to poo, experiences pain when using the potty, or has blood in their poo
• Develops redness or rash around the vagina or penis
• Has foul smelling or cloudy urine, or needs to go more frequently or urgently

In general, school staff will expect your child to be able to go to the toilet without help.

Please seek help from HaltonParents if you are feeling stressed or having challenges with toilet learning by dialing 311 or contact your local EarlyON Child and Family Centre (external link) in:

• Halton Hills (external link)
• Milton (external link)
• Oakville (external link)