How to Know When Your Child Is Ready for Toilet Training

Truth be told, some parents wish that their child is ready for toilet training a lot earlier than the child is ready. And it often comes right at that moment when you've just had it buying expensive diapers and changing them again and again and again! But take heart, the time does come and a child that shows signs of readiness is more likely to transition without problems than a child who is pushed before he or she is ready.

Here are some steps to remember:

1. Listen to a toddler who tells you that he or she needs to go. This is a sign that your child is now recognizing the urge to urinate.

2. Notice when your toddler seems uncomfortable in wet or dirty diapers. They might pull at it, cry quickly and demand a change, or simply pull them off.

3. Watch for interest in the toilet. They might follow you in and watch. Or they might clamber on it themselves and mimic other family members using the toilet. Some children even work it out for themselves!

4. Test your child's ability to go to the toilet and remove his or her pants without help. Do they have any problems climbing up and sitting? If so, provide a stepping stool and see if this makes a positive difference.

5. Proceed with Potty Training.

Tips to parents:

*Use cloth diapers or pull-ups rather than diapers as your child starts showing an interest in toilet training. Cloth diapers create a less pleasant sensation and a desire to remove them. Pull-ups are great and easy for the child to handle without causing embarrassment when there are mishaps.

*Try to aim for using the toilet rather than a potty. Or compromise and find a potty that goes on the toilet. And potties in the kitchen are a total no-no. Not only is this disgracefully unhygienic, it also teaches your child a bad lesson - that it is OK to go anywhere. It is not OK; the bathroom is the only correct place to go.

Warning:

*Never push a child who shows fear or disinterest in being taught toilet training; this is a clear message that they do not feel ready and you might delay things a lot longer than would have been the case if you insist and there ''will'' be a lot more nasty messes to clean up.