Parents Center: Won't Sit On The Potty (12 to 24 mo.)

What if my child refuses to sit on the potty?
Even if your child is developmentally ready to begin using the potty, he'll probably need lots of support and encouragement from you before he's willing to give up diapers.

If you've been trying to get your child to use the potty for a while and he's been saying no most of the time, put the potty away for a few weeks and take a break. As you know, toddlers often say no to assert themselves — even when they want to say yes! Give your child a little while to get out of the refusal pattern so both of you can start fresh.

To restart toilet training, wait for a time when your child's daily life is fairly routine and stable. Since training requires your child to focus and learn new patterns, it's best if he isn't also adapting to other changes, such as moving into a new house or starting at a different childcare center. If your child's days are unpredictable, consider holding off on toilet training until he's older. You may also want to think of ways to add more structure to your child's routine to make things more predictable for him.

When you begin training again, don't expect your child to make the connection between sitting on the potty and really using it. First just have him sit on the potty for a few minutes once or twice a day at regular times, such as after a nap or right before bed. If he urinates while he's sitting, he'll make the connection himself, and after a while he'll figure out how his body feels when he needs to go. Some children put all of this together in a matter of days, but most take weeks or even months. Don't worry if your child falls into the latter group.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training Problems And Solutions (12 to 24 mo.)

If toilet training isn't going smoothly, take heart: Many families encounter bumps in the road. Here are some of parents' most common complaints, along with suggestions on how to handle them.

My child won't use the toilet.
Strange as it sounds, children sometimes refuse to use the toilet because they're afraid of it. Imagine the toilet from your child's point of view: It's big, hard, and cold, it makes loud noises, and things disappear into it, never to be seen again. From this vantage point, the toilet is something to steer clear of!

The best thing you can do in this situation is to help your tike get comfortable with his own little potty chair. Start by letting him know that it's his very own. Personalize it by writing his name on it or letting him decorate it with stickers. Let him sit on it fully clothed, put his teddy bear on it, and lug it around the house if he wants to. To help him get more comfortable with the big toilet, you might take his soiled diaper, empty it into the toilet, and let him flush down his poop, watching it disappear. Reassure him that this is what's supposed to happen — roaring noises and all.

Maybe your child's unwillingness to use the toilet is simply his way of telling you that he wants to stay in diapers a while longer. Forcing the issue will only be counterproductive. If he genuinely seems uninterested in potty training now, give him a break and then watch for signs of readiness ahead.

If your toddler exhibits all the signs of readiness but is still unwilling, something may be preventing him from focusing on potty training just now. Any big change — such as starting a new school, the arrival of a sibling, or moving to a new home — can temporarily disconcert a toddler. Wait until your child has settled back into a comfortable routine before resuming training.

When I suggest using the toilet, my toddler says no or gets upset.
Your child might resist potty training for the same reason he sometimes refuses to take a bath or go to bed: He's discovered that saying no is a way to exert power. The first thing to do is defuse the issue by backing off and letting him feel as though he's in charge of this project. These tips will help:

Resist reminding. Though it's hard not to intervene when you think an accident is imminent, too much reminding can make your child feel corralled and controlled. Instead of frequent repetitions of "Don't you need to go potty?" simply put a potty chair in a central location and, whenever possible, let your child run around bottomless so he can use it at the spur of the moment without your involvement.

Don't hover. Enforced potty sitting ("Let's wait a little longer and see if anything comes out") can sow the seeds of rebellion. If your child sits for a moment, then jumps up to play, bite your tongue. The result may be an accident, but it's just as likely that he'll hop back on the potty when he feels the need.

Be calm about accidents. It's not easy to stay serene in the face of a yucky mess, but overreacting to accidents can make your child fearful about having them, which in turn may stir up anxiety about the whole process. Be reassuring when your child wets his pants, and do whatever you need to do for your own peace of mind, whether it's rolling up a favorite rug or spreading out layers of towels. No matter how frustrated you get, don't punish your child for having an accident. It's not fair to him, and it can lead to long-term resistance.

Reward good behavior. Break the resistance cycle by praising your child's efforts. Celebrate when he first gets something into the potty and make a big deal out of the first time he stays dry all day. (But don't make a big deal of every potty trip, as the glare of the spotlight could make your toddler nervous and skittish.) If your child responds well to positive strokes (and who doesn't?), don't wait until he goes potty to compliment him. Tell him now and then how nice it is that he has dry underpants (or a dry diaper). This will give you many more opportunities to encourage him over the course of the day.

My child isn't having a bowel movement on the potty as often as he should, or refuses to go at all.
It's common for toddlers to pee in the potty easily but resist using it for BMs. Most likely your child is fearful of making a mess — maybe he had a bowel movement accident at preschool and people overreacted, or maybe he witnessed another child having such an accident. Helping him have a BM in the potty and then heaping him with praise can go a long way toward overcoming his fear.

If your child has bowel movements fairly regularly, make a note of the times — right after he wakes up from his nap, for example, or 20 minutes or so after lunch — and try to make sure he's near a potty then. Get his daycare provider or preschool teacher in on the plan, too. However, if your child remains just too anxious to handle a BM in the toilet right now, try an interim solution: Suggest that he ask you to put a diaper on him when he thinks he's about to poop.

Another reason your child may be refusing to use the potty for BMs is that he's constipated. If so, the pain he feels when he tries to poop may heighten any discomfort he has about using the potty in the first place. This creates a vicious cycle: He withholds poop, which exacerbates the constipated, and when he finally goes it's painful, so he fears using the potty.

Fiber-rich foods such as whole-grain breads, broccoli, and cereal can help keep your child regular. A good rule of thumb is that your child should eat enough grams of fiber to equal his age plus five (for example, a 4-year-old needs 9 grams of fiber each day). It's also best if the fiber is eaten throughout the day, rather than all at once. Make sure your child is getting enough fluids, too. Water, prune juice, and other diluted fruit juices are good choices. And be careful not to give him too many dairy products, which can make constipation worse. If nothing else works, consult your child's pediatrician about using laxatives.

Ease your child's anxiety by talking with him about his body's functions, making sure he understands that they're natural and universal. A great tool for this is the delightfully scatological book Everyone Poops, by Taro Gomi.

My child won't use the toilet at his daycare center or school.
Start by finding out everything you can about his program's bathroom routine. Some specific procedure may be confusing your child. Maybe the teachers take the kids in groups and your child wants privacy, for example. If this is the case, ask if it's possible to modify the routine. Perhaps a teacher can take your child separately, or allow him to go with his best buddy.

Or maybe it's the toilet itself. If your child is having trouble switching from his potty chair at home to a built-in toilet at the center or school, it might be worthwhile for you to buy a second potty chair just like the one he uses at home for the center's bathroom.

My child was toilet trained, but then he started having accidents again.
Seemingly small changes — going from a crib to a bed or starting a swim class — can throw a toddler's equilibrium off, making him long for the familiar. And if he learned to use the toilet quite recently, the familiar might mean diapers. Be careful not to make him feel bad or ashamed about that. You don't want to push him toward toilet training if he's reluctant. At the same time, try to find ways to make him feel like a big boy and reinforce any steps he takes toward independence.

Choose a relaxed moment to have a little talk, letting your child know that you think he's old enough now to be in charge of learning to use the toilet. Then just lay off the subject for a while. When he starts trying to learn again, use some incentives to encourage him. Place a shiny star on a calendar each day your child uses the toilet, or reward dry days with an extra bedtime story or an after-dinner walk to the park. (It's not a good idea to use rewards like candy with a child younger than 3. He's likely to focus solely on the sweets, which may trigger temper tantrums. Besides, you don't want to teach your child that the way to reward or console himself is by eating sweets.)

However, if your child asks directly for a return to diapers, don't make an issue of it. Put him back in diapers for a few weeks, or until he expresses an interest in using the toilet again.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training Tricks: Products That Help (age 2 to 4 )

Time flies! You probably have vivid memories of changing your baby's first diapers, and now your child is learning — or ready to learn — how to use the potty like a big kid. Here are some common stumbling blocks you may run into, along with products that can help this important growing-up step go smoothly.

How do I get started?
If this is your first child, potty training is probably a bit of a mystery. Everyone masters it eventually — but right now it may be hard to imagine your little one doing something so grown up.

What helps:

 Potty training videos. Fun videos and DVDs can help your child get familiar and comfortable with the idea of potty training. They usually feature animated characters singing songs and showing how to use the potty. (You can even find different versions for boys and girls.)

 Potty training books. Since kids love hearing the same stories over and over (and over) again, try adding a potty training book to your home library. A story with kid-friendly characters who are learning to master the potty just might just inspire your child to give the toilet a try.

Tip: Once potty training has begun, let your child pick out "big kid" underpants in a favorite color or with a familiar character on them. Some well-chosen underwear can inspire kids to say goodbye to diapers.

How do I motivate my child to use the toilet?
Your child may not be as eager to be potty trained as you are to make it happen. In fact, as your child grows up and learns new skills ranging from reading to riding a bike, you'll probably find this is often the case.

What helps:

 Staying positive. Avoid punishments, pressuring your child to give up diapers, or getting upset about accidents. Stay calm and supportive, and praise even small improvements.

 Potty training incentive chart. Let your child put a sticker on the chart (or calendar) for every visit to the potty. A certain number of stickers (you decide how many) earns a reward. At first, make it easy. For instance, three stickers might earn your child that coveted little toy car. You can gradually increase the goal, and the size of the prize.

 Potty "targets." Flushable targets that float in the water, often in animal shapes, can also motivate kids. Targets work especially well for boys because they can "aim," but some girls love them, too. Pieces of O-shaped cereal are also great for target practice, and won't harm plumbing.

 Stepping stool. For kids motivated by doing it "myself," a stool can help by letting them use the big potty and wash their hands on their own. Plastic stools are lightweight enough for a child to move from toilet to sink.

Tip: Put a few drops of blue food coloring in the toilet. When your child urinates in the potty, the water will turn green. Children are so amazed by this phenomenon, they'll want to make the water turn green over and over again!

How do I soothe my child's fears about the toilet?
Going from diapers to potty is a big transition, and it's natural that some children will be afraid. The noise of an adult toilet flushing, the whirl of water going down, and even the size of the toilet seat opening can be scary to someone so small.

What helps:

 Potty chair. Some children don't feel secure on a regular-size toilet because their feet dangle. A low-to-the-ground potty chair makes it possible for even the smallest toddler to sit on the toilet independently and comfortably, feet on the floor. You can even put it in front of the television and let your child watch a favorite video — preferably one about potty training — while sitting on it.

 Potty seat insert. Light plastic or padded mini-toilet seats that sit right on top of the regular adult seat are more suited to small bottoms and help some kids feel safer when they sit down.

Tip: Avoid flushing the toilet while your child is sitting on it or standing in front of it. Some children are frightened by the noise or afraid that they'll accidentally be flushed down. Instead, let your child flush the toilet.

How do I help my child do a better job of wiping?
Many children aren't great at wiping until preschool age, or even older. If you think about it, wiping is a pretty complicated motor skill.

What helps:

 Pre-moistened wipes. A child who's having a hard time wiping may find pre-moistened wipes easier to use. They're softer on a child's skin than toilet paper and clean more effectively, too.

Tip: Include hand-washing as part of the potty training incentive chart. Let your child put a sticker on the chart after washing up at the sink.

How do I get my child to use the toilet away from home?
Especially in the early stages of potty training, it may be unrealistic to ask a toddler who's just learning how to use the familiar toilet at home to sit on a seat and go to the bathroom in a strange place.

What helps:

 Folding "travel" potty seat. A plastic travel seat that fully covers a standard-size toilet will keep germs from public bathrooms away and make your child feel more at home. These seat can be folded to fit in a diaper bag. Look for a seat that comes in a storage bag, and carry wipes with you so you can clean it before you put it away.

 Travel potty. Various types of potties are made especially for carrying with you. So whether you're on the road, at the park, or at the beach, you don't have to worry about finding a bathroom — and your child will have a familiar potty wherever you go. These potties usually have a carrying case, or they fold up to fit in your diaper bag. Plastic bags or liners that you dispose of after use make cleanup easy.

Tip: At first, try to plan your excursions around bathroom trips. Encourage your child to use the bathroom before you leave the house, and don't forget to bring a change of clothes (and paper towels to clean up puddles) with you wherever you go, just in case.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training Tricks: Products That Help (12 to 24 mo.)

Time flies! You probably have vivid memories of changing your baby's first diapers, and now your child is learning — or ready to learn — how to use the potty like a big kid. Here are some common stumbling blocks you may run into, along with products that can help this important growing-up step go smoothly.

How do I get started?
If this is your first child, potty training is probably a bit of a mystery. Everyone masters it eventually — but right now it may be hard to imagine your little one doing something so grown up.

What helps:
• Potty training videos. Fun videos and DVDs can help your child get familiar and comfortable with the idea of potty training. They usually feature animated characters singing songs and showing how to use the potty. (You can even find different versions for boys and girls.)

• Potty training books. Since kids love hearing the same stories over and over (and over) again, try adding a potty training book to your home library. A story with kid-friendly characters who are learning to master the potty just might just inspire your child to give the toilet a try.

Tip: Once potty training has begun, let your child pick out "big kid" underpants in a favorite color or with a familiar character on them. Some well-chosen underwear can inspire kids to say goodbye to diapers.

How do I motivate my child to use the toilet?
Your child may not be as eager to be potty trained as you are to make it happen. In fact, as your child grows up and learns new skills ranging from reading to riding a bike, you'll probably find this is often the case.

What helps:
• Staying positive. Avoid punishments, pressuring your child to give up diapers, or getting upset about accidents. Stay calm and supportive, and praise even small improvements.

• Potty training incentive chart. Let your child put a sticker on the chart (or calendar) for every visit to the potty. A certain number of stickers (you decide how many) earns a reward. At first, make it easy. For instance, three stickers might earn your child that coveted little toy car. You can gradually increase the goal, and the size of the prize.

• Potty "targets". Flushable targets that float in the water, often in animal shapes, can also motivate kids. Targets work especially well for boys because they can "aim," but some girls love them, too. Pieces of O-shaped cereal are also great for target practice, and won't harm plumbing.

• Stepping stool. For kids motivated by doing it "myself," a stool can help by letting them use the big potty and wash their hands on their own. Plastic stools are lightweight enough for a child to move from toilet to sink.

Tip: Put a few drops of blue food coloring in the toilet. When your child urinates in the potty, the water will turn green. Children are so amazed by this phenomenon, they'll want to make the water turn green over and over again!

How do I soothe my child's fears about the toilet?
Going from diapers to potty is a big transition, and it's natural that some children will be afraid. The noise of an adult toilet flushing, the whirl of water going down, and even the size of the toilet seat opening can be scary to someone so small.

What helps:
• Potty chair. Some children don't feel secure on a regular-size toilet because their feet dangle. A low-to-the-ground potty chair makes it possible for even the smallest toddler to sit on the toilet independently and comfortably, feet on the floor. You can even put it in front of the television and let your child watch a favorite video — preferably one about potty training — while sitting on it.

• Potty seat insert. Light plastic or padded mini-toilet seats that sit right on top of the regular adult seat are more suited to small bottoms and help some kids feel safer when they sit down.

Tip: Avoid flushing the toilet while your child is sitting on it or standing in front of it. Some children are frightened by the noise or afraid that they'll accidentally be flushed down. Instead, let your child flush the toilet.

How do I help my child do a better job of wiping?
Many children aren't great at wiping until preschool age, or even older. If you think about it, wiping is a pretty complicated motor skill.

What helps:
• Pre-moistened wipes. A child who's having a hard time wiping may find pre-moistened wipes easier to use. They're softer on a child's skin than toilet paper and clean more effectively, too.

Tip: Include hand-washing as part of the potty training incentive chart. Let your child put a sticker on the chart after washing up at the sink.

How do I get my child to use the toilet away from home?
Especially in the early stages of potty training, it may be unrealistic to ask a toddler who's just learning how to use the familiar toilet at home to sit on a seat and go to the bathroom in a strange place.

What helps:
• Folding "travel" potty seat. A plastic travel seat that fully covers a standard-size toilet will keep germs from public bathrooms away and make your child feel more at home. These seat can be folded to fit in a diaper bag. Look for a seat that comes in a storage bag, and carry wipes with you so you can clean it before you put it away.

• Travel potty. Various types of potties are made especially for carrying with you. So whether you're on the road, at the park, or at the beach, you don't have to worry about finding a bathroom — and your child will have a familiar potty wherever you go. These potties usually have a carrying case, or they fold up to fit in your diaper bag. Plastic bags or liners that you dispose of after use make cleanup easy.

Tip: At first, try to plan your excursions around bathroom trips. Encourage your child to use the bathroom before you leave the house, and don't forget to bring a change of clothes (and paper towels to clean up puddles) with you wherever you go, just in case.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center: How Should We Handle Unwanted Toilet Training Advice (12 to 24 mo.)

How should I handle pressure from my parents and in-laws?
It's not unusual for today's grandparents to think their grandchildren should be toilet trained at an age when many modern children are still in diapers. Child rearing practices of a generation ago were not as child-centered as they are today. "Child-centered" refers to a way of guiding children in which parents watch for their kids to show readiness or interest before they begin real teaching or training. However, many grandparents believe that waiting for a child to decide that he's ready or interested doesn't provide enough structure.

Some grandparents will be interested in learning more about current toilet training ideas, and showing them some of what you've read here may be helpful. You may also agree to disagree, asking your child's grandparents to direct any comments to you, out of your child's hearing.

Sometimes grandparents will make remarks about toilet training as part of general criticism about the way their grandchildren are being raised. A remark such as "You mean you haven't started toilet training yet?" may be attached to comments about your other parenting choices. Sometimes a grandparent compares one grandchild to another in a way that implies criticism of the child or his parents. These comparisons can stir up feelings of competition between siblings.

Annoying as such criticism may be, it's unlikely that relatives' views about how or when to begin toilet training will make a difference to a young child. However, if your child's grandparents frequently take care of your child, you may want to discuss what you'd like them to try and why. Even if your 2-year-old doesn't seem ready to you, she might be ready enough to practice using the potty part-time with Grandma.

Since a toddler won't usually have the same kind of need to assert her independence or act negatively toward her grandparents as she does with you, she may be more cooperative in using the potty when she's with them. As long as you feel comfortable with the general approach your child's grandparents are planning to take, it's reasonable to let them start potty training when they're with your child even if you want to wait a little longer.

Grandparents, just like parents, should avoid making too big a deal out of a child's success at using the potty. If your child then has an accident, she'll feel that she has let down the people who care about her. And grandparents, like parents, should refrain from scolding or punishing a child for toileting mistakes. Most importantly, don't let your child be caught in the middle of any disagreement about toilet training between you and your parents or in-laws.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Handling Unwanted Toilet Training Advice(age 3 to 4)

How toilet training philosophies have changed
The parenting philosophies of a generation ago were quite different from those in vogue today. It's common for grandparents these days to think their grandchildren should be toilet trained at an age when many children are still in diapers. Today most experts believe that toilet training, like many developmental achievements, should be child centered, which means parents take their cue from the child rather than vice versa. However, many grandparents believe that waiting for a toddler to decide that he's ready or interested doesn't provide enough structure.

What you can do when you disagree about toilet training
Sometimes grandparents will make remarks about toilet training as part of general criticism about the way their grandchildren are being raised. A remark such as "You mean you haven't started toilet training yet?" may be attached to comments about your other parenting decisions.

If your preschooler's grandparents frequently take care of him, you may want to discuss your toilet-training strategies. Some grandparents will be interested in learning more about current toilet training ideas, and showing them some of what you've read here may be helpful. You may also agree to disagree, asking your child's grandparents to direct any comments to you, out of your child's hearing.

What you should do if the grandparents watch your child
Even if your 3- or 4-year-old doesn't seem ready to you, he might be ready to practice using the potty part-time with Grandma (who cares for him during the day). Since your preschooler probably won't have the same need to assert his independence or act negatively toward his grandparents that he does with you, he may be more cooperative with them when it comes to using the potty. As long as you feel comfortable with the general approach your child's grandparents are planning to take, it's reasonable to let them start potty training even if you'd planned to wait a little longer. However, consistency is key for a preschooler, so it's important to get everyone on the same page before you begin.

Also, let your child's grandparents know they shouldn't make too big a deal of his efforts to use the potty or he may feel that he's let them down when he has an accident — which is almost inevitable. And, of course, when he does have an accident, talk to them about how important it is not to scold or punish him, or he may begin to resist training. Most importantly, don't put your child in the middle of any disagreement about toilet training between you and your parents or in-laws; handle any tense discussions well out of his earshot.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training Readiness Checklist (age 3 to 4)

Is your preschooler ready for toilet training? There's no magic age at which children are ready to start learning how to use the potty, but some develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months of age. Many parents don't start potty training until their children are 2 1/2 to 3 years old, when daytime bladder control has become more reliable. And some children aren't interested in potty training until they're closer to 3, or even 4.

Use the checklist below to measure your child's progress toward readiness, and keep in mind that starting before your child is truly ready doesn't mean you'll finish sooner — it's more likely that the process will just end up taking longer.

You don't have to wait until you've checked off every item to start training. Just look for a general trend toward independence and an understanding of what it means to go to the bathroom like a grown-up.

Physical signs

Urinates a fair amount at one time.

Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.

Has "dry" periods of at least three or four hours, which shows that her bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.

Behavioral signs

Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.

Can pull her pants up and down.

Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.

Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear).

Gives a physical or verbal sign when she's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.

Demonstrates a desire for independence.

Takes pride in her accomplishments.

Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet.

Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one.

Cognitive signs

Can follow simple instructions, like "go sit on the potty," and communicate needs, such as "I need to make peepee."

Understands the value of putting things where they belong.

Has words for urine and stool.

Understands the physical signals that mean she has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until she has time to get to the potty.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training Girls (age 3 to 4)

Are girls really easier to toilet train than boys?
Yes, although no one, including expert T. Berry Brazelton, seems to know why. In her book Toilet Learning, Alison Mack says the difference may be partially due to the fact that moms are usually the primary toilet-trainers in a family. If that's true, girls have the advantage of observing someone with the same equipment — so the process may click a little sooner.

Is there anything special I should know about toilet training my daughter?
The only gender-specific tip you should know is a carryover from your diapering days: Wipe from front to back. As your daughter learns to use the toilet, make sure she knows to move the toilet paper from front to back, especially when she has a BM, to prevent bacteria from her bottom from coming into contact with her sensitive vagina, which can lead to infection. If this seems too complicated for her to grasp (it requires having to remember to go in a certain direction), teach her to pat the vaginal area dry after she pees.

Bladder infections, although uncommon, seem more frequent among girls of toilet-training age. If your daughter seems to urinate more often than usual, finds urination painful, wets her pants after having established good bladder control, has abdominal pain, and feels sudden, urgent needs to pee, call her pediatrician and have her checked out.

What if she wants to try standing up?
If your preschooler sees her older brother, father, or one of her friends from school stand tall at the toilet, she'll probably want to give it a whirl, too. Let her. Sure, you might have to clean up a wet mess or two, but she'll quickly understand that she just doesn't have the equipment for the stand-up approach, and you won't have to engage her in a power struggle.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Toilet Training In Three Easy Steps (age 3 to 4)

Toilet training doesn't have to be a tug of war between you and your preschooler. If you know when to start and what to do, it can be easy. Here's how you can best help your child tackle toilet training:

Ready

Some kids start toilet training around age 2. Others don't start until age 4. What accounts for the wide age range in mastering this skill? It's mostly a matter of physical and emotional readiness. To make sure your child is ready, check out this helpful article:

l Toilet training readiness checklist

Set

Once your toddler is physically ready, be careful not to pressure her to use the potty. When she's ready to learn this new skill, she will. Read on for tips on the best ways to toilet train boys and girls:

Toilet training boys

Toilet training girls

Go

Now that your child is ready to begin toilet training, you can introduce a potty chair or a special seat that attaches to your toilet. A footstool to keep feet from dangling is helpful, too. Encourage your little one to get comfortable with her potty seat. Let her play with it, look inside, or pop it on her head. Have her sit, fully clothed, on her potty once a day — after breakfast or before a bath — so she gets used to it.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Developmental Milestone--Toilet Training (age 3 to 4)

Toilet training: What to expect when
Most children are toilet trained by the time they're 3, but don't worry if your 3-year-old isn't; some kids aren't ready to start until they're about 4.

If you're starting the toilet-training process now, it will likely be brief because your child is ripe at this age. If your child is already trained, she has probably used a potty rather than a toilet. Now, in preparation for preschool, she needs to feel comfortable using the toilet both at home and elsewhere. If she hasn't mastered the skill already, she should also start to stay dry at night.

Signs of readiness
Your preschooler must be physically ready to start potty training before you have any chance of success, meaning she can hold urine and stay dry for three hours or more (this indicates that her bladder muscles are sufficiently developed to store urine). She also needs to be able to recognize the physical signs that signal when she has to go, and act on them before anything comes out (no small feat when you've never had to think about this before). It makes it easier, too, if she can pull her clothes up and down by herself.

Physical and mental readiness aren't the only factors involved. Motivation is key. If your child demonstrates a desire for independence and shows an interest in imitating others' bathroom habits, it may be an auspicious time to plunge into the process. Children may figure out how to have a bowel movement before they learn to urinate in the potty because they typically only have BMs once or twice a day, usually at the same time.

When your child is completely comfortable using her potty, buy a child-size seat for the grown-up toilet, and provide a step stool so she can climb up and down herself. Take her shopping with you, and let her help pick it out. She'll be much more excited about using it. After she's happily made this transition, you can put her potty away. Little boys typically sit down to urinate in the early stages of toilet training, but as preschoolers, they begin to copy their dads, older brothers, and friends, who stand up to pee.

Occasional nighttime wetting (as often as twice a week) and daytime accidents (when your child is engrossed in play or laughing herself silly) are perfectly normal and to be expected for at least six months to one year after she's mastered toilet training. If your preschooler consistently wets the bed at night, she may have a small bladder or may not have developed the ability to wake up in response to the call of a full bladder; this problem will usually pass as she gets older. Another solution is to limit liquids at night and before bedtime.

What you can do
You can make using the toilet a cinch for your child by dressing her in clothes that can be quickly and easily undone without your help. Elastic-waisted pants and shorts are perfect for this job; a dress with elastic-waisted underpants works just as well.

You may also need to assist boys making the move from sitting to standing. A step stool can help here, along with giving your son a target — a few Cheerios tossed in the bowl may do the trick. Be prepared to do some cleanup around the toilet for a while because it may take him some time to perfect his aim (practice makes perfect).

When you're out and about, teach your child to recognize rest-room signs, and encourage her to use them with your help and supervision. She'll also need to learn that sometimes (such as before a long car trip to Grandma and Grandpa's place) it's smart to visit a toilet before she feels a strong urge to go. You'll also need to prepare her for occasions when a bathroom is needed but not available — on a hike, for instance. That's easy for boys, of course, but little girls need to learn how to squat so their feet and clothing are safely out of the way. You can help your daughter by demonstrating how to squat and physically supporting her as she mimics you.

You'll also need to teach your child how to clean herself after she's been to the bathroom. Be sure to instruct girls to wipe from front to back to avoid infections. And, of course, you'll want to encourage hand washing after the job is done.

Be careful not to make a big deal about the occasional nighttime mishap. If your preschooler starts bed-wetting after a long dry period, she may be responding to some change or stress in her life. Once she's more relaxed, the problem will probably go away. If she wets the bed several nights in a row, downplay these accidents, and make sure she understands that they aren't her fault. Consider having her wear pull-on nighttime diapers again for a while — when she begins waking up dry, stop using the them. Don't punish her or make fun of her; she really can't help it and you'll only make her feel more ashamed.

What to watch out for
If your child has frequent accidents during the day and night, dribbles urine constantly, strains while she pees, or complains of burning or pain when she goes, she may have an infection or other health problem. Call her pediatrician as soon as possible. You should also talk to her doctor if her urine is cloudy or pink, if she has redness or a rash in her genital area, or if she soils herself on a regular basis. These guidelines apply to boys as well.

A small percentage of children may routinely soil themselves. This can happen if a child doesn't respond to the urge to have a bowel movement. If she ignores the impulse and holds it in, the stools become harder, larger, and more painful to pass, which further discourages toilet use. If your child has infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week), if she passes either large stools or hard, pebbly stools, or if it is difficult for her to pass a bowel movement, talk with her doctor about possible constipation.

If a child starts wetting the bed after a long dry period, there may also be an underlying emotional cause. "I'd talk with her doctor about any emotional stressors you think might play a part," says Denise Aloisio, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician in Rochester, New York. "Things like going to a new school, changes in the family (such as separation or divorce), or physical abuse can all be triggers."

What's ahead
In preparation for kindergarten, you'll want to help your child become completely self-sufficient in the bathroom. She'll need to be able to pull down her clothes, use the toilet, wipe herself, pull her clothes back up, and wash her hands. Typically, 5-year-olds are dry both day and night, with only occasional accidents.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Handling Unwanted Toilet Training Advice(age 2)

How toilet training philosophies have changed
The parenting philosophies of a generation ago were quite different from those in vogue today. It's common for grandparents these days to think their grandchildren should be toilet trained at an age when many children are still in diapers. Today most experts believe that toilet training, like many developmental achievements, should be child centered, which means that parents take their cue from the child rather than vice versa. However, many grandparents believe that waiting for a child to decide that she's ready or interested doesn't provide enough structure.

What you can do when you disagree about toilet training
Sometimes grandparents will make remarks about toilet training as part of general criticism about the way their grandchildren are being raised. A remark such as "You mean you haven't started toilet training yet?" may be attached to comments about your other parenting decisions.

If your child's grandparents frequently take care of her, you may want to discuss your toilet-training strategies. Some grandparents will be interested in learning more about current toilet training ideas, and showing them some of what you've read here may be helpful. You may also agree to disagree, asking your child's grandparents to direct any comments to you, out of your child's hearing.

What you should do if the grandparents watch your child
Even if your 2-year-old doesn't seem ready to you, she might be ready to practice using the potty part-time with Grandma (who cares for her during the day). Since your child probably won't have the same need to assert her independence or act negatively toward her grandparents that she does with you, she may be more cooperative with them when it comes to using the potty. As long as you feel comfortable with the general approach the grandparents are planning to take, it's reasonable to let them start potty training even if you'd planned to wait a little longer. However, consistency is key for 2-year-olds, so it's important to get everyone on the same page before you begin.

Also, let your child's grandparents know they shouldn't make too big a deal out of her efforts to use the potty or she may feel she's let them down when she has an accident — which is almost inevitable. And, of course, talk to them about how important it is not to scold or punish her when she does have an accident, or she may begin to resist training. Most importantly, don't put your child in the middle of any disagreement about toilet training between you and your parents or in-laws; handle any tense discussions well out of her earshot.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Developmental Milestone--Toilet Training (age 2)

Toilet training: What to expect when
No magic age signals the ideal time to start the process of toilet training. Some children develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills as early as 18 to 24 months, whereas others aren't ready until they're 3 or 4 (boys are often slightly later than girls). Some children get the knack in a few short days, while it can take others a year or more.

What accounts for the wide age range in mastering this skill? Timing. Pediatricians have a saying about toilet training: If you start at 2 you'll be done by 3; if you start at 3 you'll be done by 3. "If you catch them when they're ready, it may only take a month," says Denise Aloisio, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician in Rochester, New York. "But if you miss the signals or don't wait for their cues, it can take six months or more."

Signs of readiness
Your child must be physically ready to start potty training before you have any chance of success, meaning he can hold urine and stay dry for three hours or more (this indicates that his bladder muscles are sufficiently developed to store urine). He also needs to be able to recognize the physical signs that signal when he has to go, and act on them before anything comes out (no small feat when you've never had to think about this before). It makes it easier, too, if he can pull his clothes up and down by himself. Steer clear of overalls if he can't undo the clasps.

Physical and mental readiness aren't the only factors involved. Motivation is key. If your child demonstrates a desire for independence and shows an interest in imitating others' bathroom habits, it may be an auspicious time to plunge into the process. Children may figure out how to have a bowel movement before they learn to urinate in the potty because they typically only have BMs once or twice a day, usually at the same time.

What you can do
Your job as a parent is to make the toilet-training process as natural and non-threatening as possible. Keep a relaxed and positive attitude, and encourage your child to get accustomed to his potty. Let him help pick the potty out at the store, then let him play with it, look inside, sit his teddy bear on it. Then, ask him if he wants to sit on it — with his clothes on at first — so that he can get used to how the seat feels. If he wants to take a rain check on this, don't push it. Explain how the potty is used in simple terms that he can grasp: "This is for making pee and poop in when you're ready to stop wearing diapers." (Use whatever words you're comfortable with for urine and feces, but be sure he understands them.)

By now your child has probably seen you and your partner use the toilet on many occasions. He may be more interested in just watching at this point. Role models take the mystery and fear out of new things, so let him watch. After about a week of familiarizing him with the potty with his clothes on, empty the contents of his diaper into the potty, so he sees what's supposed to go in there.

Once your child is willing to use the potty, make it part of his routine — start with after breakfast or before his bath — and gradually increase from once to several times a day. Praise him for his success and brush off accidents or no-shows.

Don't rush to flush: Kids see pee and poop as an extension of their own bodies. They may be fascinated by and proud of what they put in the potty. Some children also like to wave bye-bye to their BMs.

Be careful not to push your child or nag. Just like grown-ups, children are much less receptive when someone is constantly on their case than when they feel like they're in charge. Instead, watch your child for changes in posture or facial expressions that signal he has to go. If he grabs himself or grunts, for instance, let these be your cues to gently remind him about the potty. Handle accidents and setbacks calmly and kindly. Just clean up the mess matter-of-factly and suggest that next time he try using his potty. You may also want to switch from plastic disposable diapers to cloth diapers at this stage.

You're more likely to have success with toilet training if you choose a time to plunge into the process when all is reasonably quiet on the home front. As a deadline-oriented adult, it might seem logical to start training a few weeks before the next baby is due, just before your child goes to preschool, or when you're planning to move to a new house. But 2-year-olds are contrary creatures, and the more they sense your not-so-hidden agenda, the less inclined they are to go along with it. So ditch the deadline, act casual about the whole thing, and let your child "own" the experience.

What to watch out for
If you find yourself getting angry or frustrated about potty progress, or if your child seems to resist toilet training, consider it a sign that you both need to take a breather. Too much pressure to perform can sabotage the whole exercise, so wait until you've regained your patience and your child seems more open to the idea — it could be a couple of days, or even months. If you choose this battle, you will inevitably lose — toilet training can only be mastered with your child's voluntary cooperation.

You should also stop the toilet training if your child is reluctant to use his potty or becomes constipated. If your child has infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week), if he passes either large stools or hard, pebbly stools, or if it is difficult for him to pass a bowel movement, talk with his doctor about possible constipation. Address his health problem first by varying his diet (bananas are good for firming up BMs while prunes and other fruits are good for loosening them) and getting him to drink lots of liquids. Then you can try toilet training again.

What's ahead
Once your child is using the potty regularly, you'll gradually make the move from diapers to training pants during the day. In preparation for preschool, you may also need to help your child make the shift from the potty to the toilet. Most children take longer to conquer naptime and nighttime dryness. Don't worry, though, if your child is not ready to take these toileting steps. When he's ready to learn these new big-kid skills, he will (and not a moment sooner).

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training : Toilet Training In Three Easy Steps (age 2)

Toilet training doesn't have to be a tug of war between you and your 2-year-old. If you know when to start and what to do, it can be easy. Here's how you can best help your child tackle toilet training

Ready?

Some children start toilet training around age 2. Others don't start until age 4. What accounts for the wide age range in mastering this skill? It's mostly a matter of physical and emotional readiness. To make sure your child is ready, check out this helpful article:

l Toilet training readiness checklist

Set:…

Once your child is physically ready, be careful not to pressure him to use the potty. When he's ready to learn this new skill, he will. Read on for tips on the best ways to toilet train boys and girls:

l Toilet training boys

l Toilet training girls

Go:

Now that your child is ready to begin toilet training, you can introduce a potty chair or a special seat that attaches to your toilet. A footstool to keep feet from dangling is helpful, too. Encourage your little one to get comfortable with his potty seat. Let him play with it, look inside, or pop it on his head. Have him sit, fully clothed, on his potty once a day — after breakfast or before a bath — so he gets used to it.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training Girls (age 2)

Are girls really easier to toilet train than boys?
Yes, although no one, including expert T. Berry Brazelton, seems to know why. In her book Toilet Learning, Alison Mack says the difference may be partially due to the fact that moms are usually the primary toilet-trainers in a family. If that's true, girls have the advantage of observing someone with the same equipment — so the process may click a little sooner.

Is there anything special I should know about toilet training my daughter?
The only gender-specific tip you should know is a carryover from your diapering days: Wipe from front to back. As your daughter learns to use the toilet, make sure she knows to move the toilet paper from front to back, especially when she has a BM, to prevent bacteria from her bottom from coming into contact with her sensitive vagina, which can lead to infection. If this seems too complicated for her to grasp (it requires having to remember to go in a certain direction), teach her to pat the vaginal area dry after she pees.

Bladder infections, although uncommon, seem more frequent among girls of toilet-training age. If your daughter seems to urinate more frequently than usual, finds urination painful, wets her pants after having established good bladder control, has abdominal pain, and feels sudden, urgent needs to pee, call her pediatrician and have her checked out.

What if she wants to try standing up?
If your 2-year-old sees her older brother, father, or one of her friends from daycare stand tall at the toilet, she'll probably want to give it a whirl, too. Let her. Sure, you might have to clean up a wet mess or two, but she'll quickly understand that she just doesn't have the equipment for the stand-up approach, and you won't have to engage her in a power struggle.

source from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training : Are Girls Easier To Toilet Train Than Boys? (12 to 24 mo.)

Are girls really easier to train than boys?
Girls are usually easier, but I haven't seen any research that explains why this is so. Additionally, fewer girls wet the bed, and again, nobody really knows why.

If you watch for the signs that your child is ready to be toilet trained, it won't matter whether you have a boy or a girl. The main signs are:

• She can wait several hours before urinating, and, when she pees, she empties her bladder instead of urinating only a small amount at a time, which is typical of younger children.

• She knows the words that your family uses in connection with toileting, such as "pee" and "poop."

• She can get on and off of the toilet or the potty chair by herself and can raise and lower her pants unassisted.

• She generally understands and goes along with your verbal instructions. If your child typically won't follow most of your instructions, you should work on that for now and wait to start toilet training.

— by Dr.Edward R. Christophersen, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training Readiness Checklist (12 to 24 mo.)

It probably seems like just yesterday that you changed your toddler's first diaper, and now you're wondering if it's time to start toilet training. There's no magic age at which children are ready to start learning how to use the potty, but some develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months of age. Many parents don't start potty training until their children are 2 1/2 to 3 years old, when daytime bladder control has become more reliable. And some children aren't interested in potty training until they're closer to 3, or even 4.

Use the checklist below to measure your toddler's progress toward readiness, and keep in mind that starting before your child is truly ready doesn't mean you'll finish sooner — it's more likely that the process will just end up taking longer.

You don't have to wait until you've checked off every item to start training. Just look for a general trend toward independenceand an understanding of what it means to go to the bathroom like a grown-up.

Physical signs

Is coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily.

Urinates a fair amount at one time.

Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.

Has "dry" periods of at least three or four hours, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.

Behavioral signs

Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.

Can pull his pants up and down.

Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.

Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear.

Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.

Demonstrates a desire for independence.

Takes pride in his accomplishments.

Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet.

Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one.

Cognitive signs

Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy."

Understands the value of putting things where they belong.

Has words for urine and stool.

Understands the physical signals that mean he has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until he has time to get to the potty.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

When Should We Switch From Diapers To Training Pants?

When should we make the switch from diapers to training pants? To underwear?
When she is truly using the toilet independently (which is what the term toilet training should mean), your child is able to dress and undress on her own. The main reason to switch from diapers to training pants is because your child can't remove her diaper by herself. So keep her in diapers until you can see signs (such as straining, grunting, or holding her genitals) that she is about to go.

Don't switch to underwear until she's toilet trained. Because underwear really can't hold or absorb children's waste, switching a child to underwear as a way to coerce her into being toilet trained is often a mistake.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Toilet Training : Successful Toilet Training For Boys (12 to 24 mo.)

You'll miss many things once your baby grows up, but changing dirty diapers probably won't be one of them. Still, it doesn't pay to be in a hurry: Teaching your son how to use the potty will require time and patience on your part, and a reasonable degree of cooperation and motivation on your son's.

The key to toilet training success is starting only when your son is truly able to do so. While some kids can start as young as 18 months, others may not be prepared to learn until well into their fourth year. As you may already have discovered, boys tend to stay in diapers longer than girls, and second (or subsequent) children often learn faster than firstborns. There's no point in trying to get a head start; studies show that when parents begin potty training too soon, the process simply takes longer to complete. In other words, you arrive at your destination at the same time, no matter when you start. So the first thing to do is use our checklist to see whether your son is primed for potty training.

Once you've determined that your son is ready, focus on timing. Make sure your child's routine is well established; if he's just started at preschool or has a new sibling, he may be less receptive to change, or feel too overwhelmed to tackle this new challenge. Wait until he seems open to new ideas so you can potty train successfully. To train, follow these steps:

Let him watch and learn
Toddlers learn by imitation, and watching you use the bathroom is a natural first step. He may notice that Daddy uses the potty differently from Mommy, which opens up a great opportunity for you to explain the basic mechanics of how boys use the bathroom. When talking about body parts, it's important to be anatomically precise. Teaching him to call his penis a "pee-pee" when every other body part has a more adult-sounding name may imply that his genitals are embarrassing.

Buy the right equipment
Most experts advise buying a child-sized potty, which your toddler can claim for his own and which will also feel more secure to him than a full-size toilet. (Many toddlers fear falling into the toilet, and their anxiety can interfere with toilet training.) If you prefer to buy an adapter seat for your regular toilet, make sure it feels comfy and secure and attaches firmly. If you go this route, you'll also need to provide your son with a stool, since it's important that he be able to maneuver his way on and off the potty easily any time he needs to go and to stabilize himself with his feet to push during bowel movements.

When buying a potty-chair for your son, look for one without a urine guard (or one you can remove). While they may protect your bathroom from a little stray pee, more often they tend to bump into and scrape a boy's penis when he sits down on the potty, potentially causing him to associate going to the bathroom with pain. Yikes!

You may also want to pick up a few picture books or videos for your son, which can make it easier for him to grasp all this new information. Everyone Poops, by Taro Gomi, is a perennial favorite, as is Uh, Oh! Gotta Go! and Once Upon a Potty, which even comes in a version with a doll and a miniature potty.

Help your child get comfortable with the potty
This early in the process, your child needs to get used to the idea of using the potty. Start by letting him know that the potty-chair is his very own; you can personalize it by writing his name on it or letting him decorate it with stickers. Then have him try sitting on it with his clothes on. After he's practiced this way for a week or so, you can suggest he try it with his pants down. If he seems at all resistant, avoid any temptation to pressure him. That will only set up a power struggle that could derail the entire process.

If your child has a favorite doll or stuffed animal, try using it for potty demonstrations. Most children enjoy watching their favorite toy go through the motions, and may learn more this way than from you telling them what to do. Some parents even construct a makeshift toilet for the doll or stuffed animal; while your child is perched on his chair, his favorite toy can be sitting on its own potty.

Motivate with cool underwear
Get your son focused on the benefits of being potty trained by taking him on a special errand: buying underwear. Let him know that he gets to choose whatever kind he wants (superhero briefs or boxers, or ones emblazoned with other nifty designs). Talk up the outing ahead of time so he gets excited about being old enough to use the potty and wear "real" underwear just like his dad's or older brother's.

Set up a training schedule
Getting your toddler out of diapers will depend on your daily schedule and whether your son is in daycare or preschool. If he is, you'll want to coordinate your strategy with his daycare provider or teacher.

You'll have to decide whether to use the back-and-forth method of switching between diapers and underpants or the cold-turkey method of going to underwear full-time. While disposable training pants are convenient, many experts and parents find it's best to transition right into underwear or old-fashioned cotton training pants, both of which allow your son to feel immediately when he's wet. That, of course, will make it more likely that you'll be cleaning up some accidents. You'll have to decide what's best for you and your son; his pediatrician may recommend one or the other. For a while, at least, you'll want to continue using diapers or disposable pants at night and on long trips out and about. And your daycare provider or preschool teacher will have her own opinion on when to switch to underpants at school.

Teach him to sit first, then stand
Since bowel movements and urine often come at the same time, it makes sense initially to have your son sit for both poop and pee so he learns that both belong in the potty. Also that way he won't get distracted by the fun of spraying and learning to aim when you need him to concentrate on just mastering the basic procedure.

Once your son is comfortable going to the bathroom sitting down, he can try the standing position (but there's no reason to rush this; he can sit as long as he likes). This is where having a readily available male role model is key. Make sure your son can follow Dad, an uncle, or a good family friend to the bathroom to watch him pee. When your son seems to get the idea, let him give it a try. If he seems reluctant, try floating a few pieces of O-shaped cereal or other small, flushable objects in the toilet bowl for target practice, and expect to clean up a few messes as your son perfects his aim. If you're not squeamish about him peeing in the yard, you can paint or tape a target on a tree.

Set aside some naked time
Nothing helps your toddler figure out when he needs to go like letting him spend some time bottomless. Put the potty in an accessible area while he plays, and encourage him to sit on it at regular intervals. (But of course if he's going to play naked, you'll have to steel yourself not to get upset when the floor gets wet. Putting plastic over the carpets can help with this.) Watch for signs that he has to go (clutching himself or jumping up and down in place) and use these cues to suggest it's potty time. You can do this on several consecutive days, in the evenings when the family is all together, or just on weekends. The more time your child spends out of diapers, the faster he'll learn.

Celebrate triumphs
He will undoubtedly have a few accidents, but eventually your son will enjoy the accomplishment of getting something in the potty. Celebrate this moment with fanfare. Reinforce the idea that he's reached a significant milestone by rewarding him with a "big kid" privilege such as watching a new video or getting an extra bedtime story. But try not to make a big deal out of every trip to the potty, or else your child will start to feel nervous and self-conscious under the glare of all that attention.

If at first he doesn't succeed, try, try again
As with any other skill, the more he uses the potty, the better he'll be at it. But there are some things you can do to make it easier for him. Dress your child in loose-fitting clothes that he can easily take off himself, or buy underpants a size too big. If he still has trouble with the concept, don't overreact or punish. Nothing can disrupt toilet training faster than making a child feel bad for having an accident. Keep in mind that even children who have used the toilet successfully for months occasionally have accidents when they are engrossed in an activity. If you feel frustrated, remind yourself that scolding your child for wetting his pants might mean months of diapers ahead.

Raise the fun factor
If you approach potty training with a little panache, your child will be more likely to stay motivated throughout the entire process. Drip some blue food coloring into the toilet and your child will be amazed at how he can turn the water green. Put several favorite books in the magazine rack next to the toilet so he can read them whenever he has to go — or better yet, read to him. Maybe he'd like to cut out paper shapes and use them for target practice.

If your child starts to lose interest but is well into toilet training, you may want to consider offering rewards. One popular method is to use stickers and a calendar to keep track of his successes. Every time he goes to the potty, he gets a sticker that he can then paste onto the page. Watching the sticker bounty accumulate will keep him inspired. If the stickers themselves aren't enough of a thrill, you can offer an additional reward such as a treat from the candy aisle at the supermarket or a wished-for toy when he amasses enough stickers or stays dry for a certain number of days in a row.

Move into night mode
Once your son stays dry all day, you can start formulating a game plan for nights. Wait until he's securely toilet trained, then start checking his diapers in the mornings and after naps to see if they're dry. Many children start staying dry during their afternoon naps within six months of learning to use the toilet. Nighttime training is trickier, because it depends on your son's body being able to hold the urine for an extended period of time and on how deeply he sleeps. If he wants to try sleeping without diapers, go ahead and let him. Should a few nights of this experiment show he's not ready, put him back in diapers in a non-judgmental way. Tell him that his body is not quite ready for this next step, and reassure him that he'll soon be big enough to try again. If your child stays dry three out of five nights, make your "all-underwear, all-the-time" policy official. Support his attempts to stay dry by restricting how much he drinks after 5 p.m. and getting him up for a final bathroom trip before you go to bed. But if your child takes longer to stay dry at night, don't worry; nighttime accidents are considered normal up to at least the age of 7.

Ditch the diapers
By the time your child's ready to say good-bye to diapers altogether, he's accomplished a lot. Acknowledge this and reinforce his pride in his achievement by letting him give away leftover diapers to a family with younger kids or send them away with the diaper delivery service one last time. Or assist him in choreographing a joyful jig around the house and call it the "No more diapers" dance. The entire family can form a conga line and head to the potty when nature calls.

source from http://www.babycenter.com