Sitting on the Potty or Toilet

Safety

Clean and sanitize the potty after each use as licensing requires, in a sink not used for hand washing or food; some states do not allow potty chairs in child care and require child-height toilets or adapter seats.
Stay with the child the whole time they are on the potty or toilet.
Keep toilet lids down and bathroom doors latched when not in use to prevent drowning risk for toddlers.

Where US guidance differs

The AAP says signs of toilet readiness may appear from about 18 months, that many US children start training around 24 months and stay dry during the day by 30–36 months, and that children should not be pushed before they are ready. Montessori sources (Montanaro 1991; Davies 2019) start toilet awareness at 12–18 months by changing diapers in the bathroom and offering short sits. This work presents the potty as an offer that follows the child's signs and that the child can decline, not a deadline, and uses no pressure, rewards (stickers, sweets), or punishment, which both approaches agree on.

Presentation

1
Offer a sit at the same times each day: on waking, before and after meals, before going outside, and at each diaper change. Say: 'Would you like to sit on the potty?'
2
If the child says no or walks away, accept it and offer again at the next time. Do not insist.
3
If the child comes, walk to the bathroom together. Help them push their pants and diaper down; later they do this themselves.
4
Invite the child to sit. Sit or kneel nearby at their level. Stay calm and quiet; the child staying seated for a short time is the point of interest.
5
When the child stands up, the sit is over. Say what happened in plain words: 'Urine went in the potty' or 'Nothing came this time.' Do not praise, reward, or show disappointment.
6
Wipe the child front to back, then show them how to take a small piece of paper and wipe.
7
Empty the potty into the toilet and invite the child to flush, or let them flush the toilet. Help them pull up their pants.
8
Wash hands together at the sink.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

The child tells or shows the adult they need the potty
The child walks to the bathroom by themselves
The child pushes their own pants down and pulls them up
The child wipes themselves with the adult checking

Control of error

The child sees and hears urine or stool in the potty; a wet diaper or pants afterward shows the moment passed.

Ready to move on when the child…

Sits on the potty when offered, for a short time, without distress
Sometimes urinates in the potty
Shows or says when they need to go before it happens
Washes hands after using the potty