Ready, set, go!

Plan potty training for when you or a caregiver can devote the time and energy to it. It's ideal to do potty training on a daily basis for at least three months. And keep in mind that your child will wet or soil diapers by accident along the way. Stay calm when accidents happen. Don't get angry or punish your child.

When it's time to start potty training do practice runs to the potty chair.

Practice runs are when you lead your child to the bathroom and seat your child on the potty chair with diaper off. Do a practice run when your child shows signs of needing to pass urine or stool. Your child might make a certain face, hold the genital area or pull at the pants. Pacing, squatting, grunting or dancing in place also can be clues of needing to use the potty.

Help your child become familiar with these signals. For instance, you could say, "I know that means you need to use the potty." Then act fast. Stop what your child is doing and take your child to the bathroom. Praise your child for telling you about the need to go, rather than praising the actual urination or passing of stool. Keep your child in loose clothing that's easy to pull down or up.

You also can schedule potty breaks if needed.

If your child doesn't show signs of needing to use the bathroom, do practice runs every two hours. Also schedule practice runs first thing in the morning and right after naps.

Make potty breaks comfortable. Limit the time on the potty chair to five minutes. Let your child get up during this time if your child wants to. Even if your child simply sits there without passing urine or stool, offer praise for trying. Be sure not to flush the toilet while your child sits on the potty chair. Your child might get scared.

Also keep in mind that for boys, it's often best to master urination sitting down. Move to standing up after training to pass stool is complete.

After a month or two of practice runs, your child may start using the bathroom without your prompting. Once that happens a few times, you can do fewer practice runs. Over time, lead your child to the bathroom only when your child ignores a clear signal of needing to use the toilet.

Once your child no longer needs regular practice runs, you can explain hygiene and ditch the diapers.