Taking good care of a toddler

Signs of readiness

• Stays dry for long periods.
• Can walk to the potty or toilet and sit on it.
• Can pull loose pants down.
• Can tell you when he needs to go.

Toileting Tips

• The best time of year to start placing a child on the potty is during the spring and summer when children need fewer layers of clothes.

• Empty her dirty diapers into the toilet or potty. This may help her understand what she is supposed to do.

• Start by saying it's time for her to use the toilet like mom or dad. Let her watch you use the toilet.

• Explain in simple terms what happens when she goes to the bathroom. Tell her what happens to her urine or bowel movement when it goes in the toilet.

• Teach the child the words pee and poo that everyone understands.

• This is a good time to replace overalls with pull-down pants.

• Take her to the toilet when she tells you she has to go. Keep your child company.

• Never force a child to use the toilet. You're only setting up a power struggle that can lead to more problems. Stay patient, don't get angry if she misses.

• Give it up if it isn't working, and try again a few weeks later.

Hygiene

• Trim nails short with small, blunt-tipped scissors or clippers.

• Give your child a step-stool in the bathroom so he can learn to wash his own hands after using the toilet.

• Teach him how to lather and rinse.

• Give him a facecloth and let him wash himself in the bathtub.