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Using a potty is a new skill for your child to learn. It's best to take it slowly and go at your child's pace. Being patient with them will help them get it right, even if you sometimes feel frustrated.Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when they're physically ready and when they want to be dry and clean. Every child is different, so it's best not to compare your child with others.Bear in mind that most children can control their bowels before their bladder.by age 1, most babies have stopped doing poos at nightby age 2, some children will be dry during the day, but this is still quite earlyby age 3, 9 out of 10 children are dry most days - even then, all children have the odd accident, especially when they're excited, upset or absorbed in something elseby age 4, most children are reliably dry during the dayIt usually takes a little longer for children to learn to stay dry throughout the night. Although most learn this between the ages of 3 and 5, up to 1 in 5 children aged 5 sometimes wet the bed.When to start potty trainingRemember, you cannot force your child to use a potty. If they're not ready, you will not be able to make them use it. In time, they will want to use one - most children will not want to go to school in nappies any more than you would want them to.In the meantime, the best thing you can do is to encourage the behaviour you want.Most parents start thinking about potty training when their child is between 2 and 2 and a half, but there's no perfect time. Some people find it easier to start in the summer, when there are fewer clothes to take off and washed clothes dry more quickly.Try potty training when there are no great disruptions or changes to your child's or your family's routine. It's important to stay consistent, so you do not confuse your child.If you go out, take the potty with you, so your child understands that you'd like them to wee or poo in the potty every time they need to go. Check that any other people who look after your child can help with potty training in the same way as you.You can try to work out when your child is ready. There are a number of signs that your child is starting to develop bladder control: they know when they've got a wet or dirty nappythey get to know when they're peeing and may tell you they're doing itthe gap between wetting is at least an hour (if it's less, potty training may fail, and at the very least will be extremely hard work for you)they show they need to pee by fidgeting or going somewhere quiet or hiddenthey know when they need to pee and may say so in advancePotty training is usually fastest if your child is at the last stage before you start the training. If you start earlier, be prepared for a lot of accidents as your child learns.They also need to be able to sit on the potty and get up from it when they're done, and follow your instructions.Getting ready for potty trainingUsing a potty will be new to your child, so get them used to the idea gradually.Talk about your child's nappy changes as you do them, so they understand wee and poo and what a wet nappy means. If you always change their nappy in the bathroom when you're at home, they will learn that's the place where people go to the loo. Helping you flush the toilet and wash their hands is also a good idea.Leave a potty where your child can see it and explain what it's for. Children learn by watching and copying. If you've got an older child, your younger child may see them using it, which will be a great help. It helps to let your child see you using the toilet and explain what you're doing. Using your child's toys to show what the potty is for can also help.You could see if your child is happy to sit on the potty for a moment, just to get used to it, when you're changing their nappy, especially when you're getting them dressed for the day or ready for bed at night

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