Potty training is looked forward to by many parents who are weary of changing diapers.  Most health care experts have found that waiting until the child shows signs of readiness and has the ability to control the bladder and bowel movements will allow an easier and more successful toilet learning experience.

Toddlers are usually able to do this between 18 and 36 months of age.  Daytime control happens more quickly than nighttime control.  Toddlers have to master many steps to be able to control their bladder and bowel to be successful in toilet learning.  These steps seem easy to adults, but they are for a toddler.

Starting early doesn’t mean your toddler will be successful before he or she is ready.  Toddlers become more motivated to act more “grown up” and to stay clean after 2 years of age.  Before that, it is easier to go potty in a diaper than to take all the steps to use the potty.

Some signs for toiler readiness include:

*Longer periods of time between wet diapers and bowel movements happening on a more regular schedule.

*More ability to follow instructions and beginning to show interest in copying you in the bathroom.

*Making faces or hand signals (like holding self) or stopping an activity when he or she has a full bladder or needs to have a bowel movement.