Hello H. A:
There are no hard and fast rules. Just depends on a family's perception and child’s readiness. Right here in Chicago there are some groups who potty train their child from six months and are done doing so very fast. Sounds unbelievable, but it is a fact
When parents are busy working, you have to wait for the right time of the child by seeing child’s readiness and time on hand. Also if child goes to a child care provider, her input is also very important.
In case SHM, it mostly depends on the readiness of the child. Every child develops differently but still you have to see some of the following readiness point.
1. Ability to control bladder. A newborn goes pee in every 10 – 15 minutes. Very soon he starts changing it to after formula, and then longer gaps depending on the progress of the bladder.
At the time of the potty training if his bladder is controlling pee for 2 hours that is the best time.
Remember, do not be to late looking for the two hours. Even one hour works in some cases.
2. Bowel moment : the best time is when it is once a day and specially at the same time everyday. Morning is the best time.
3. Awareness of the bodily function is very important. Child should know how grown ups go and he/she will do the same in the potty
4. Sign of discomfort, when a child goes pee or pooh. Child starts feels discomfort, it is time to learn going potty .
5. When child can start taking directions, and is able to do as told. Because potty training needs a lot of directions for him. It a child’s FIRST COMPLEX LEARNING THAT INVOLVES PRACTICE REMEMBERING AND LEARNING.
6. When a child wants to use big people underwear especially with the favorite charter pictures. This is a very good way to get a child get interested to learn potty training.
7. When child has discovered bathroom its use and is always interested in going there.
8. When a child touches his diaper or tells he just went, by some signs or gestures.
9. When your child is dry after a nap, his bladder control is good and he can easily be potty trained.
10. Emotional readiness is very important. It is a combination of physical emotional and mental readiness that has to work together.
These are the most important signs that make you feel that your child is ready for potty training.
However, when you are ready, start a program and talk to child about potty training, tell the child how mommy and daddy go to the wash room and that “you are going to do the same”
After talking to him few times and making sure that your child knows he has to learn this. Plan one week or three days and train your child.
You will be well on your way to a child potty trained in 3-5 days, not 100%, but most of it.
F. A