Toilet Training & Bladder Control

Toilet training of children usually occurs between two and four years of age. Every child is different, but toilet training is only successful once the child has learned to control her bladder.

Bladder Control-Infants

As newborns, babies have no control over their bladders. Urinating and defecating in infants is a reflex that is controlled by the nervous system. Between two and three years old the brain develops the ability to sense when the bladder is full.

Bladder Control-Toddlers

After developing the ability to sense bladder fullness the child then learns to consciously control the bladder to stop the flow of urine. For daytime control, most children master this by three years old, but nighttime control requires an unconscious ability to constrict the bladder muscles that is often not learned until the age of five.

Readiness Signs

Toilet training during the day is generally successful once the child can both sense bladder fullness and control the flow. Signs of readiness include the child feeling uncomfortable in dirty diapers, being able to undress himself, being able to stay dry for at least two hours a day and asking to use the toilet.

Toilet Training

When toilet training your child consistency is key. Pick a certain vocabulary, and use the same words to talk about going to the bathroom on the toilet. Avoid shaming the child by using negative words. Watch your child for signs that she needs to use the bathroom and set up a routine and take the child to the toilet at set times.

Accidents

Bladder control is a process and daytime control may not be achieved until 30 months of age or older. It is important to remember that accidents will happen and are just part of the process of toilet training.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Toilet Training
• Seek Wellness: How the Bladder and Kidneys Work