Toilet training your toddler doesn't have to be a challenge.

In fact some children train themselves when they are ready. Many others need an adult's help.

The important thing is to not start too early or put pressure on your child to be trained by a certain age or date. Toilet training works best when it is stress-free and moving at a pace your little one can handle. 

When is your toddler ready for toilet training?

Just like every developmental milestone, all babies and toddlers are different.

Most children won't be ready to start toilet training until they are at least two years old. Many will be closer to three.

Generally girls are ready earlier than boys.

Signs your toddler is ready

• He tells you when he is about to do (or has already done) a poo or pee
  
• He is uncomfortable wearing a wet or soiled nappy
  
• He pulls at his nappy
  
• He is interested in the toilet habits of others

How to prepare for toilet training

Help your child to recognise when she is doing a poo or pee. When you see the signs you can ask your toddler "are you doing a pee?" or "are you doing a poo?". You can actually start this as young as you want. Some parents do something similar as part of an early toilet training technique called Elimination Communication.

Start using toilet training words and teaching your child to understand and use them. Make sure they are words you are comfortable using (like pee, poo, wee, dry, wet).

Decide whether you're going to use a potty or a footstool to help you toddler reach your regular toilet. A potty is useful because it can be moved around the house. But it can be difficult if your toddler refuses to use a regular toilet when you are out.

Let your child watch you go to the toilet ... if this is something you are comfortable doing.

Make sure she is wearing clothes that are easy to take on and off. It is often easier to toilet train in summer because there are less clothes to remove.

Make sure you toilet/bathroom is safe. Remove chemicals and hazards from low cupboards and anywhere else your little one can reach.

How to start toilet training

Time it right. Don't start toilet training when there are likely to be distruptions or stresses in your child's life (a family holiday, moving house, starting childcare, adjusting to a new baby). Pick a time when you are able to devote a lot of time and attention to your toddler.

Take him to the toilet. When you think your child is about to do a poo or wee take them to the toilet. You might know that they always go when they wake up or they might tell you they are about go. Sit them on the toilet and wait ... talk to your child about what you are doing. Eventually he will start heading to the toilet himself.

Praise them for a job well done. Even if your toddler doesn't quite make it in time after telling you she has to go you should still praise her for what she has achieved.

Show them correct technique. Girls need to be taught to wipe front to back and boys need to be told to shake off any drops. Neither sex will be very good at wiping their bottom properly so you will have to do this for a while yet. Use a marker or a ping pong ball to help little boys aim correctly. Make sure you teach them to wash their hands afterwards.

Tips for successful toilet training

• Don't punish your child for accidents
  
• Don't set a time limit for toilet training your child
  
• Let your child pick out her own potty
  
• Go at an easy pace
  
• Praise each positive step, no matter how small

More useful links:

Find a shop selling toilet training products

Chat to forum members about issues you are having with toilet training