• Knowledgebase: Stooling and Constipation questions

    Questions about stooling and constipation.

    3. Toilet Training: How do you begin? - Top

    Even before you plan to begin toilet teaching, let your child accompany you or an older sibling to the bathroom, and let her flush the toilet, so she learns to feel comfortable with the routine.

    Place a potty chair (a scaled-down, freestanding version of an adult toilet) in your child's living and play environment, and encourage her to sit on it fully clothed for as long as she likes. Over time try removing her clothing and diaper so she becomes accustomed to sitting unclothed on the potty seat.

    Choose appropriate and positive terms to describe body parts, urine, and bowel movements. "Pee" and "poop," for example, are fine, as are "urinate"and "have a BM (bowel movement)."

    One of the best opportunities for toilet teaching is when your child signals--either physically or verbally--that he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement. "This is a good time to say to him, `It seems that you're pooping (or peeing)--would you like to do it on your potty seat?'" says Dr. Hagan.

    Ask calmly, in a regular tone of voice. If the child says yes, lead him quickly to the potty seat or toilet, and help him remove his clothing. Let him sit on the seat for as long as he likes (for boys, sitting to urinate should come before standing), but don't force him to remain there until he actually urinates or has a bowel movement.

    If the child succeeds in urinating or defecating into the toilet, praise him calmly, but don't overdo it. Show enthusiasm the first few times, then be matter-of-fact about the process.

    For a thorough cleanup, it's best to help your child with wiping (always front to back, especially for girls, to help prevent infections). Premoistened baby wipes are gentle to use after a bowel movement.

    On the other hand, if nothing happens when the child is seated on the potty, of if he urinates or defecates in his diaper before you reach the bathroom, simply say, "That's OK, maybe you can pee (or poop) on the potty seat next time."

    (by Maria Buhl Preller) - Updated: March 8, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP