When to Potty Train Your Toddler

Have you decided to potty train your toddler?  Things arent as easy as we would like them to be when it comes to our spontaneous toddlers and potty training.   However there are a few key things to look for before you begin the potty training process.  The normal age that children begin to show that they are ready to use the potty is between 18 and 36 months old.  Although the normal age is above 18 months, every child is different.  There might be a 13 month old that has been walking for 4 or 5 months and is curious to the toilet.  However, some signs that your child is ready to potty train may include but are not limited to:

Clean diapers for 2 hours or more at a time
Regular stools
Child can follow simple instructions
Child dislikes dirty diapers and wants to be changed immediately
If the child asks to use the potty chair
If the child pushes to wear regular under wear

These signs do not necessarily mean that the child will take to potty training within that week.  Its a process that might take 2 weeks to 2 months to complete.  You should be able to notice your childs facial expressions, posture, or what and how he is speaking when he or she is about to have a bowel movement or urinate.  If your child comes up to you and lets you know that he or she has "messed up" their diaper, praise and encourage them and make sure they know they need to tell you in advance next time before they potty in their diaper.  This will let the child know that priases are given to letting mommy or daddy know in advance!