Easy Potty Training for Girls

Girls are typically potty trained earlier than boys.

Toilet training a toddler is a frustrating, but rewarding, phase in the life of a child. Knowing when to start the toilet training process for girls, how to approach the process, setting a routine and when to be concerned can make the experience easier on child and adult.

Age

Physical and emotional readiness is key when toilet training a young girl. Most children are ready between 22 to 30 months of age, according to WebMD. Girls tend to be ready for potty training earlier than boys, although some take longer. The Mayo Clinic cautions that starting too early can make toilet training process take longer. Second children tend to be potty trained earlier than the first born sibling, the BabyCenter says. Children usually need help wiping after a bowel movement until 4 or 5 years of age and help in unfamiliar restrooms until they are 5 or 6 years old.

Routine

A few signs a girl is ready for potty training include her showing interest in the potty chair and wearing underwear, understanding and following basic instructions, her ability to ask simple questions and telling an adult through words or other expressions she needs to use the bathroom. After determining a young girl is physically and emotionally ready for potty training, sticking to a routine may help progress the process. If she has a new change, such as a new sibling or starting preschool, she may not be open to potty training, the Mayo Clinic states. Coordinate with the daycare providers or preschool teacher as to the potty training strategy and time line. The BabyCenter recommends avoiding periods when toddler resistance is higher and wait until she is open to new ideas.

Potty chair

Putting a toddle- size potty chair in the bathroom brings the toilet down to the toddler's level. The Mayo Clinic recommends buying a potty chair with a removable top that can be put on the toilet when she is ready. The BabyCenter says many toddlers fear falling into a full-sized toilet, and anxiety can complicate potty training. Persuade her to sit on the potty chair--with or without a diaper. Once she is ready to graduate to the full-size potty, provide her with a stool so she can get on and off the toilet with ease.

Method

Methods to help move along potty training include incentives. The Mayo Clinic recommends considering incentives, such as a sticker or star chart, and providing verbal praise. Let her decorate the potty chair with her name or stickers, use a favorite stuffed animal for demonstrations and make a special trip to the store and let her choose what underwear to buy.

Concerns

Accidents are normal. The Mayo Clinic says reminding her to slow down, offering reminders to use the potty, and being calm and prepared can help prevent and take care of wet pants. If a potty-trained child reverts or loses ground, especially after age 4, or there is concern about accidents, consult a doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, wetting accidents could be a sign of a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or overactive bladder. The BabyCenter recommends teaching her how wipe with toilet paper from front to back to prevent infection as well as using anatomically correct words to explain body parts. It isn't common, but some girls do get bladder infections around the time of potty training and should be check by doctor if it is a concern.

References

• MayoClinic: Potty Training: How to Get the Job Done
• BabyCenter: Successful Potty Training for Girls
• WebMD: Toilet Training