Potty Training I: Is Your Child Ready?
Part 1 of 2 part series
(See Part II - Tips)

The best time to start:
The average age a toddler will potty train is 2½. Girls tend to potty train faster than boys. Summer months makes potty training easier because toddlers can wear underwear or training pants with just a t-shirt. Potty training in the summer creates less clothing for a toddler to remove when going to the potty. Also summer potty training means less laundry when the toddler has an accident. Starting too early will usually result in in you spending half of your life waiting for your toddler to potty.

Don't start if there are big changes ahead such as:

• New baby in the family.
• Move from house or school.
• Parent starting work.
• Holiday.

Signs of readiness:

• Able to stay dry for an hour or two.
• Awareness of bodily functions - the look, grunt, comment when they go.
• Interest in being clean and dry.
• Able to understand and follow simple instructions.
• Interest in wearing training pants instead of diapers.
• Simple self dressing.
• Interest or curiosity about bathroom habits.

The time it takes to potty train your toddler may vary. Toddlers will train at their own pace. Each one is different. Potty training is a complex skill which requires awareness, concentration, coordination, muscle control, and split-second timing. In the early stages of potty training toddlers will rely on mom and dad to remind them to use the potty. The best thing to do is not to set a time limit on potty training. Be very patient and rest assured that your toddler will potty train.

Source: www.southernclothbaby.com