When you're about to begin potty training your child, you will first need to make sure that the timing is right. Is he already exhibiting signs that he is emotionally ready to potty train? This doesn't always come at an early age. Some children are pre-schoolers before they're really ready to begin. By waiting until the time is right, you'll be making the process a lot easier for you and your child.

Once you begin potty training, you will need some potty training pants. If buying your training pants online from Blue Penguin, you can even help your child choose from the pictures online. These training pants, made of 100 percent waterproofed cotton jersey, come in three sizes: 2T (20-28 lbs.), 3T (28-36 lbs.) and 4T (36-42 lbs.). To order, go to "Extras" and look at the "Toddler" section along the left side for Potty Training Pants.

Looking with your child at the pretty potty training pants Blue Penguin offers will help to get him thinking about potty training, and to feel that it is an exciting time for him. When you get your potty home, put it in the room where your child spends the most time, and where you can easily supervise. It shouldn't be so hard to reach that he has no chance of successfully using it.

Talking to your child about potty training pants and letting him help choose them is a great way of introducing the subject and keeping your child focused during the training period. It will also help to reinforce the bond between you, so that he feels he has critical support from you. Remember to remind him about young friends who are already successfully potty trained: introducing an element of competition is a great way to get your child to use the potty.

Daytime Routines

If you think you are ready to begin the following tips on daytime routines may help:

First, be sure you encourage frequent use of the bathroom. You can't force your child to "produce," but you can encourage familiarity with the process. Bring your child to the potty and have her sit for just a few minutes every so often. If you can time these "sittings" around the times your child might normally have a bowel movement or need to urinate, so much the better. Unlike you, your child has very little control over these bodily functions, so keep in mind that THAT is what you are helping him learn!

Second, do not expect perfect results, especially at first. If nothing happens, try again later. Don't force the issue if your child balks when you suggest she try again. Such balking may indicate the child isn't ready or it may just be fear of the new experience. Be gentle and sensitive to your child's experience.

Third, have your child put on and take of his own underwear or training pants when getting dressed. Even if you dress him, have him help with that part of the process.

Fourth, if necessary relocate the potty. While it's fine to put it in the room where your child is comfortable, some children prefer starting right off with the potty in the bathroom, near the "grown up" potty. You might want to consider investing in two potties, one for the playroom and one for the bathroom. Be sure, though, that you prevent the door from closing or locking. To to this you may want to use some kind of wedge or put something like a rag or towel over the door to keep it from closing.

Fifth, know that your child will learn from your example. Kids find the bathroom and the activities that take place there very interesting! It can be helpful to let them watch you and other family members so that they see use of the toilet is part of a natural function of the body. Knowing that use of the toilet is a thing that "grown ups" do will make them want to do it, too.

NOTE: If your child is a boy, have him use the toilet seated before you have him stand. This will minimize mistakes and will be easier for him at first. It will also make for less clean-up time on the part of the parents!

Above all remember that potty training is a very personal and private activity. Be sure to be respectful of your child's needs for dignity and privacy. At the same time, you should expect some fooling around and it is important to know your child. For many children, when asked if they need to use the potty the answer will be "no" even if they are desparate to go! Potty training will work best if you are relaxed and supportive, if you can understand what a big step this is for your toddler, and if you can make it a time to help your toddler feel good about growing up.