How to Toilet Train Your 1-3 Years Toddler?

Created by Sumitra Gopal Updated on Nov 05, 2019

If you are like most parents, we are sure you can't wait for your tiny tot to start using the loo - and do away with the diaper routine. But every milestone needs an effort from you and your child. And toilet training is definitely not the easiest! Most parents struggle with it. So that's why we got our Proparent blogger, Sumitra Gopal, to share 5 tried-tested ideas that helped her make a smooth transition as outlined here...
- How to identify your child's need to go to the toilet - each child has his/her own signal!
- How to deal with a false alarm and failed attempts (must-know!)
- How to encourage your child to use the loo (know the right things to say and do)
Toilet Training Ideas for Your Child
I could hardly wait for my children to stop using diapers. The task of toilet training seemed daunting to begin with, however with a little courage and by focusing on the ultimate reward - I gave it a start. Read on to find out how your child too can be diaper free easily. Here’s how I got my little one toilet trained, and I hope these pointers help you:
- Identify the Signs - Children usually make a particular facial expression, give out a muffled cry, or stop walking to push the poo into their diaper. Each child to his/her own! A bit of observation will tell you what your child’s signs are. Once you know what your cue is, rush them to the toilet seat!
- True or False - Sometimes it could be a false alarm. Children like to take you on an errand to the loo just because they like the attention they get from mommy! A couple of empty trips will train you.
- Be Persistent & Set Examples - Success comes with failure. Accidents are an integral part of potty training, so don't lose hope if you have subsequent failed attempts.
- Our little ones learn from us. So, I also taught my children that to become grown-up like mummy and daddy they had to learn a few things- like going for potty in the toilet just like us!
[Check Here - Potty Training Ideas, Potty Readiness Signs in 2 Year Boy]
- Reward & Recognition - Children like praises and rewards (in my case the reward was a hug, a kiss, a chance to sleep with me at night). Consequently, I also showed my disapproval towards my children when they had willing “accidents” repeatedly, just to get my attention.
- Prevention is better than cure–To help make it a habit, take your child to the toilet at regular intervals.I made it a point to take the children to the toilet every 30 mins at first and then every 1 hour. If we were stepping out, I took them to the toilet just before we got out of the house.
I hope these simple steps can help you toilet train your toddler and be diaper free!
Did you find Sumitra’s tips on toilet training toddlers useful? How did/do you potty train your little one? Do leave your comments…. We love hearing from you!
This content has been checked & validated by Doctors and Experts of the parentune Expert panel. Our panel consists of Neonatologist, Gynecologist, Peadiatrician, Nutritionist, Child Counselor, Education & Learning Expert, Physiotherapist, Learning disability Expert and Developmental Pead.












| Jul 27, 2017
My son 2yrs 10 mths old is always reluctant to sit for doing potty on potty seat, whether Indian or western style. For getting washed afterwards, he sits on Indian type seat,even if we make him sit there for long on pretext of washing. But for doing potty , he needs diaper or underwear, and is stubborn enough to do potty on toilet seat. Me and other family members have tried a lot. Last month, our insistence resulted in what?? He held his pressure and Din't get fresh for 3 days. On 4th day, he passed hard stools. Afterwards I didn't force him that much. Plz suggest me what to do??



| Jul 28, 2017
My son 2. 5yrs old tells me when ever he wants to go for potty but when it comes to pee he don't tell. Although I take him to loo every 1 hour but in school he don't tell anyone if he want to use toilet that result in wet clothes. How can I make him learn to start telling even when he wants to pee. Please help


| Jul 28, 2017
Above post is too helpful. As per my experience we have to take them wash room at some intervals like after every one hour that make the habit in kids .My daughter is 1. 9 now. Firstly I started from 1 year as I didn't used diapers in day time unless we are not outside. After that I didn't use to put at night and now not even outside. yeah sometimes she didn't told me but as the above post told experiences also failed... but trying and trying...







| Aug 03, 2017
very helpful blog! I'm working upon my skill of staying alert. .n differentiate between false n true alarm. my son finds it quiet amusing to fool me with his expressions since he gets to see his mumma literally running n an icing on the cake he gets to have a hand on the tap to play with water.













| Jan 20, 2018
madam... my question is not replied... I asked about the urination during night sleep... when they are awake... my kid is well in doing potty/pass in toilet only. only issue is while sleeping how we should teach them to wake up n do passing in toilet???

| Jan 20, 2018
madam... my question is not replied... I asked about the urination during night sleep... when they are awake... my kid is well in doing potty/pass in toilet only. only issue is while sleeping how we should teach them to wake up n do passing in toilet???

| Jan 20, 2018
madam... my question is not replied... I asked about the urination during night sleep... when they are awake... my kid is well in doing potty/pass in toilet only. only issue is while sleeping how we should teach them to wake up n do passing in toilet???






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