Many parents are curious about the best time or age for their child to start using the toilet. Some start their child as young as 4 months while others start at age 4. For the parent that starts at 4 months, they are getting the child accustomed to the activity of using a toilet, and the parent is highly aware of their child’s elimination cycles. As this child becomes mobile and has increased manual dexterity they will likely use the toilet on their own near the age of 18-24 months. The parent that starts their child at age 4 will encounter increased developmental skills that focus on self and independence. This may cause the child to exercise those development skills and choose not to use the toilet.

The key to timing is to observe your child’s actions and behaviors when they have a wet diaper or pull-up, and utilize that as an indicator for toilet training. This observation includes communication, mimicking and interest.

Communication – Begin toilet training when you are committed to actively and continuously being aware of your child’s communication, either verbally or physically, that they need to use the toilet.

Mimicking – You will find at some point that your child shows particular interest in the everyday things that you do, and they will often start mimicking you. Show them how the toilet works. One of the best ways to help them is to have them in the bathroom when you are using it. Children’s brains are like sponges, they will retain all this information and put it to use.

Interest – Your child will go through a period where they are eager to help and do things for themselves. Use this to your advantage! They will get a great sense of pride from being able to go to the toilet on their own, especially if they feel like they are helping you.

These indicators usually present themselves between the ages of 18 and 30 months. Once you get beyond 30-months developmentally children become more independent as mentioned earlier.

Toilet training when based on your commitment and observations will save you hundreds of dollars in diapers. It will help save the environment, and most importantly, your child will feel a personal level of satisfaction at his or her success.