Potty Training Boys

Is He Ready?

How do you know if your baby boy is ready to begin potty training? You'll want to watch for signs of readiness. These signs may include some of the following:

1. He is curious about his bodily functions and likes to talk about them.
2. He wants to watch you use the potty.
3. He immediately comes to you after he's soiled his diaper.
4. He can stay dry all night and for several hours during the day.
5. He is fascinated with "big boy underwear".

If your little boy shows any of these signs, he may be ready to begin potty training. Potty training occurs on the average at around two and a half years of age. Some children begin potty training as early as eighteen months, while others may wait until they are three years or more.

How Do You Begin Potty Training Boys?

How do you being potty training boys?

It is important for your little boy to watch how daddy pees in the toilet, if possible. Once he watches someone else do this, he will have a more complete idea of what is expected. Since he is too small to use the toilet, however, you'll need to purchase a potty for him to use.

Encourage him to go with you into the bathroom. He may like to sit on his potty while you are on the commode. You can even bring him some of his favorite books to look at. The key is to make this a positive and pleasant experience that he will enjoy.

Once he begins to recognize the feeling of soiling his diaper, encourage him to tell you when this is happening. Some parents prefer pull-up diapers, while others go straight to underwear. If you let your little boy help you pick out underwear in his favorite characters, he may be so excited about wearing them, that he embraces the art of using the potty wholeheartedly!

Should He Stand or Sit?

Again, this is an individual preference. If your child is able to stand up to use the potty, you might want to skip the sitting down part and immediately begin with standing. There are several things you can do to encourage your little boy to use the potty standing up.

1. Place some food coloring in the water. When the urine hits the water, the water will change colors, delighting your little boy.
2. Buy some floating, disposable animal targets. Your little one will love trying to aim at the targets.
3. Make your own targets. Draw some animal pictures or smiley faces on some toilet paper sheets, and let your son aim at these.

If he isn't tall enough to stand, you can purchase a cute stool for him to use. However, some parents like to begin teaching their little boy to sit down first. This may lessen the confusion between peeing and pooping. Help your little one aim himself into the potty. Be sure you show him how to wash up afterwards.

Don't Force Him to Perform!

Finally, it is important that you don't pressure your child to perform in the bathroom. Keep giving him positive reinforcement. Be consistent, too. If you know you are going to be gone for a week's vacation, wait until you get back before you begin potty training. If you are moving to a new home or changing daycare providers for your child, wait until things have settled back down into a routine before beginning the potty training process. You want your little boy to be as comfortable as possible, and with patience and consistency, he will be potty trained in no time!