Written by Cassidy Leggett, Sleep Consultant
Cassidy Leggett stands out as a foundational sleep expert with a robust foundation in sleep consulting, newborn care, child behavior, and family child development. Grounded in science-based practices, Cassidy empowers families with an array of tools, enriching their parenting journey and optimizing sleep for holistic child development.
Potty training is a key developmental milestone that signifies a child's growing independence and readiness for new challenges. Recognizing the signs of readiness, from behavioral cues to age-appropriate milestones, is crucial in facilitating a successful and positive experience for both child and parent.
How to tell if your child is ready for potty training: Essential signs and steps
Potty training readiness varies from child to child, but most children begin to show signs of readiness between 18 and 36 months. It's essential to differentiate between "readiness" and "training." Readiness is about recognizing when your child is developmentally and emotionally prepared, whereas training imposes a schedule based on convenience. Studies have shown that starting potty training before a child is ready can prolong the process significantly.
A study conducted through the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reveals interesting insights into potty training timelines:
Before 27 months: the process can take a year or more.
Between 27 and 36 months: typically takes 5-10 months.
Just before a child's 3rd birthday: it often takes around 5 months.
Signs of toilet readiness can appear as early as 18 months old. More statistics:
22% of children are using the toilet successfully by age 21⁄2.
88% of children are using the toilet successfully by age 3/12.
However, it's important to note that these statistics do not apply to nighttime training or bowel movements.
Research conducted by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia highlights the importance of children developing toilet control skills at varying rates. Typically, infants under 12 months have no control over their bladder or bowel movements. From 12 to 18 months, there is minimal control. Most children only achieve complete control once they are between 24 and 30 months old, with the average age for toilet training being around 27 months.
Is your child ready for potty training? Look for these signs
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that parents should wait until their child shows signs of readiness before starting toilet training, typically between 18 months and 3 years of age. Signs of readiness include:
Demonstrating an interest in the toilet.
Staying dry for more extended periods.
Being able to follow simple instructions.
1. Physical readiness
Fewer wet diapers and staying dry for at least two hours at a time.
Regular and predictable bowel movements.
The physical ability to pull up and down their diaper or pull-up.
The ability to get on and off the potty with minimal help.
2. Cognitive readiness
Following simple instructions such as "pick up your green cup" or "hand me your water."
Recognizing the sensation of needing to go potty, often demonstrated by a pause in activity or retreating to a private spot.
Understanding toileting language, even if they are not verbal.
3. Behavioral readiness
Showing interest when others use the bathroom.
Asking to use the potty and showing interest in potty training stories or activities.
Responding positively to new routines or objects like a potty chair.
Three essential pre potty training steps you must take
1. Improve sleep
Ensure your child is sleeping well independently before starting potty training. Adequate sleep is crucial as a tired child may have more meltdowns, making potty training more stressful.
Poor sleep can also affect the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps control urine production at night. If a child is waking frequently, they may need to pee more often, complicating the training process.
2. Establish expectations and boundaries ahead of time
Begin communicating about potty training during the day, not during sleep hours. Use precise language and set boundaries to create a structured environment.
Role-playing can be beneficial. Practice using the potty and with your child's favorite doll or stuffed animal to make the concept familiar and less intimidating.
3. Have a plan
Outline a daily potty training schedule and set clear expectations to prevent resistance. Consistency helps children understand what is expected and reduces anxiety around the new routine.
The path to dry beds: Nighttime potty training made simple
Nighttime potty training is distinct from daytime training. While daytime training focuses on recognizing the sensation and using the potty, nighttime training involves removing the diaper when the child is developmentally ready to hold their bladder for 12 hours. This readiness typically occurs after age three, when the bladder can retain urine overnight.
Steps for nighttime potty training
Transition to a "big kid" bed with a potty beside it after the child has adjusted to daytime potty training for a few months.
Role-play nighttime potty routines so your child knows what to do if they wake up needing to go.
Ensure their bodies can hold urine for 12 hours and that they are producing sufficient ADH.
The "Dream pee"
The "Dream Pee" involves waking your child around 10:30 or 11 PM to use the potty while they are in a deep sleep. This should only be a temporary measure lasting a week or two to help their bladder adjust without significantly disrupting sleep patterns.
Why does ADH matter for nighttime potty training?
Nighttime potty training involves understanding the biological factors that help manage nighttime urination. One key factor is the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is a hormone that helps regulate the amount of urine your child's body produces, especially at night when they're sleeping. Understanding how ADH works can help you plan your child's nighttime potty training more effectively.
Why ADH matters
ADH is produced by the pituitary gland and helps regulate water balance by reducing urine production. At night, the body increases ADH levels to limit the need to urinate, allowing for uninterrupted sleep.
Sleep and ADH
Hormone Regulation: Proper sleep patterns help stabilize ADH production, reducing nighttime urination.
Bladder Capacity: Deep sleep aids in the bladder's ability to hold more urine.
Emotional Stability: Well-rested children are less likely to have stress-related accidents.
Tips for nighttime potty training
Consistent Bedtime Routine: Promotes better sleep quality and ADH regulation.
Comfortable Sleep Environment: Ensure the room is dark, quiet, and cool.
Monitor Fluid Intake: Limit large amounts of fluids before bedtime.
Gentle vs. forceful approaches: Which encourages better potty readiness?
Encourage your child's independence and awareness of their bodily cues without enforcing rigid training schedules. Let your child take charge of their readiness journey by responding to their body's signals, using the toilet at their own speed, and choosing when to use the potty, diaper, or pull-up. Instead of using rewards or punishments, which can add unnecessary pressure, emphasize the importance of feeling proud of their achievements and behavior. Focus on teaching about physical and cognitive readiness while celebrating each milestone and maintaining patience, recognizing that every child progresses uniquely.
Parental role
Create a supportive and child-friendly environment.
Avoid power struggles and maintain a relaxed attitude.
Help your child feel good about their achievements without relying on external rewards.
Read more from Cassidy Leggett
Cassidy Leggett, Sleep Consultant
During her family and child development studies, Cassidy Leggett noticed the gap between theory, practical support, and community for families, inspiring her to provide transformative guidance. Specializing in child sleep, newborn care, and child behavior, she offers science-based tools attuned to each family's unique dynamics, emphasizing the critical role of sleep in promoting optimal brain health. Her approach aligns behavior with temperament for holistic child growth. With her expertise, Cassidy empowers families to navigate challenges confidently, fostering deeply enriching home environments for maximum growth.
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