Ditching the Diaper: When Do I Start Potty Training?

All eager new mothers will eventually ask this million-dollar question: when do I start potty training? Yes, even with all the happiness that having a baby gives, even loving mums (and dads) can’t seem to wait for the day when their precious bundle of joy can learn to go to the potty on their own. Oh, what sweet freedom to never see a single dirty nappy again! Well, at least until the next the baby comes along.

But when should potty training begin? Is there an exact age for when a child must learn to discard the childish ways of the diaper and don grown-up underpants?

The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules about the when’s of potty training. Each and every child learns at his/her own pace. As good parents, we should not rush or push our children into something they may not be ready for. So, if your best friend’s 18-month-old baby is already learning to pee in the potty and your two-year-old doesn’t even know what a potty is, don’t fret. Let him take his own time to figure things out.

But how can you tell that your child is ready? The following are some signals that show that your child might be able to ditch the diaper soon enough.

• Stays dry for three to four hours at a time

• Makes faces or noises when he/she needs to go

• Knows what “pee” and “poo” are

• Expresses interest in your bathroom habits

• Cries when she wets or soils her nappy

• Has a concept of proper order (ex. “Pillows go on the bed, food on a plate. What goes in the potty?”)

• Expresses a desire for independence (ex. Wanting to eat or walk by himself)

• Can walk, sit, pull pants up and down

Being a new mom (or dad) can be quite a feat and potty training is only one of the challenges of parenthood. That’s why new parents need all the help they can get. The following are some helpful articles that might make the journey easier for you.

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