Readiness for Toilet Training Checklist
2. Cognitive Readiness
Understanding Basic Instructions
Look for: Your child can understand and follow basic instructions like "come here", "sit down" or “pull down your pants”.Recognises the Sensation of Fullness
Look for: Your child may show signs of needing the toilet like squatting, holding themselves, or saying phrases like “I need to go.”Desire for Independence
Look for: Your child might show interest in using the toilet, imitate parents or siblings, or express discomfort in wearing nappies.
3. Emotional Readiness
Willingness to Sit on the Potty
Look for: The child willingly sits on the potty or expresses curiosity about it, either through play or observation. They should be able to sit on the toilet or potty for approximately 5 minutes to start.Ability to Communicate Needs
Look for: The child may verbalise or indicate when they need to go, even if they are not always successful in reaching the bathroom on time.Discomfort with Dirty Diapers
Look for: The child may express dissatisfaction with wearing a soiled nappy or ask to be changed immediately after soiling.
4. Social and Behavioural Readiness
Interest in Adults and Peers Using the Toilet
Look for: Your child shows curiosity about how others use the toilet or tries to mimic adults or older siblings. Children are often motivated by observing others, particularly when they see family members or peers using the toilet.
5. Parental Readiness
Commitment to Consistency
Toilet training is a process that requires consistency and patience from parents. Research shows that consistency in timing, encouragement, and positive reinforcement supports successful potty training.Appropriate Environment for Training
Availability of a potty or toilet (with appropriate aids) that is comfortable and accessible, and a calm, supportive atmosphere that fosters a positive experience.
Toilet training is a significant milestone in a child's development, but readiness varies from child to child. While there is no universal age for starting, most children are ready between 18 months and 3 years.
Below is a readiness checklist to help guide you in determining when your child might be ready to start toilet training:
1. Physical Readiness
Dry Nappies for 2+ hours
Look for: Your child consistently has dry nappies for long stretches, such as after naps or during playtime.Bowel Movements Become Predictable
Look for: A consistent pattern of bowel movements that are predictable, such as after meals or in the morning. By 18-24 months, most children develop regular bowel movements.Able to Walk and Sit Independently
Look for: Your child can walk to the bathroom on their own or with minimal assistance and sit comfortably on a potty or toilet. Another sign of readiness is the ability to pull their pants on and off..
Additional Considerations
Developmental Delays or Special Needs: If your child has developmental delays or special needs, toilet training may take longer and require additional support or continence aids. Your Continence Physiotherapist will be able to support you and you child through this process and collaborate with other health care professionals or support staff to optimise your child’s toileting journey.
Patience and Flexibility: Toilet training is a process, and every child moves through it at their own pace. Some children may show early signs of readiness but still need time to master the skill. It is essential to be patient, encouraging, and avoid pressuring your child.
If toilet training becomes too stressful or frustratihng for you or your child, it’s ok to take a break!
Some bowel concerns (e.g. constipation) can hinder the toilet training process because the bowel may not be functioning correctly and therefore your child may not be able to understand or respond to their bodies internal ‘messages’. Your Continence Physiotherapist can help to assess, diagnose and treat constipation if needed.