Potty Training

Potty training is an adventure that you and your baby will eventually embark upon. Are boys really more difficult to train than girls? How do you know when to potty train your child? Actually, your child will let you know, although she may not tell you in words. It's your job to look for signs of readiness, such as the following:

• She stays dry for most if not all of the night, several nights in a row.
• She doesn't like being dirty or wet.
• He shows an increased interest in using the potty.
• He tells you when he has to go.
• She loves looking at pretty panties.
• He is very curious when you use the potty.

Once you see a couple of these signs, it may be time to begin potty training your child. Some children are ready at around eighteen months, while others are closer to three years old. The average age is around two and a half years, however, and you can't force it on your child if she isn't ready. In fact, doing so may actually cause her to delay using the potty.

Toilet Training Boys

Boys are sometimes harder to toilet train than girls, but this isn't always the case. Training your son may take a few days to several weeks. Be consistent, but don't expect him to be accident free. Many parents find that teaching their boys to urinate in the potty while sitting down is easier than teaching them to stand up. However, others have found that placing a target in the water, such as colored tissue paper, and having their child aim at it, can encourage him to stand up while peeing.

Toilet Training Girls

When your little girl is ready, a great way to encourage success is to let her pick out some pretty panties. She'll be so excited to wear them, that you may find she doesn't want to mess them up, and it will be a breeze! Once your little one becomes more adept at using the potty, teach her the correct way to wipe to help eliminate painful urinary tract infections.

Possible Problems

Unfortunately, potty training may come with a few problems. Some children are afraid of the sound a flushing toilet makes. If this is true for your child, don't flush until she leaves the bathroom. Some children are afraid of the big toilet, period. Don't encourage them to use it. In fact, you don't even have to have your child's potty chair in the bathroom. Move it into a hall or den area to help your child feel more secure.

For more great tips, check out all of our great articles, and don't forget to visit LoveToKnow Baby often for information on everything about your baby!