Toilet training readiness checklist
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It probably seems like just yesterday that you changed your baby's first diaper, but before you know it she'll be ready to start toilet training. While there's no magic age at which a child is ready to start using the potty, most toddlers will develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months of age. Use the checklist below to keep track of your toddler's progress toward readiness.

You don't have to wait until you've checked off every item to start training; rather, look for a general trend toward independence and an understanding of what it means to go to the bathroom like a grown-up.

Your child may be ready to start toilet training if she:

• Has regular, soft, formed bowel movements
• Can pull her pants up and down
• Imitates others' bathroom habits (likes to watch you go to the bathroom, wants to wear underwear, etc.)
• Makes a physical demonstration when she's having a bowel movement (grunting, squatting, telling you, etc.)
• Has words for stool and urine
• Can follow simple instructions ("Go get the toy," etc.)
• Understands the physical signals that mean she has to go and can tell you before it happens
• Dislikes the feeling of being in a dirty diaper
• Has "dry" periods of at least three or four hours (this shows her bladder muscles are developed enough to hold her urine in and store it)
• Isn't negative about everything
• Understands the value of putting things where they belong
• Demonstrates a desire for independence
• Can walk and sit down

More information on toilet Training