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How to Potty Train Your 15 Month Daughter

by Andrea Buckner Schoenherr
  • Overview

    Potty training is an important milestone for both your daughter and yourself. The age when girls are ready and able to potty train varies, as does the length of time it takes to master using the potty. While 15 months tends to be on the young side--the common window is between 18 to 24 months--your daughter may show signs of readiness. Be patient and encourage your daughter as she masters yet another milestone.
 
  • Step 1

    Help your daughter pick out "big girl" underwear she likes, and use these to encourage her to stay dry for several days, at which point she'll earn her reward.
  • Step 2

    Model for her how to sit, wipe properly (it is very important for girls to wipe front to back to prevent infections), pull up underwear, flush the toilet and correctly wash hands.
  • Step 3

    Make her comfortable with using the potty. Encourage her to look at toddler books that encourage potty training. Your daughter may also enjoy a potty training doll or helping a stuffed animal use the potty. Or sing a special potty song to help focus your little girl's attention.
  • Step 4

    Give your daughter several opportunities throughout the day to sit on the potty. If she has predictable times for bowel movements and urination, schedule the potty breaks accordingly. Relax during this time. Consider reading her potty training book or other special books reserved for potty time.
  • Step 5

    Watch for signs that your daughter is ready to have a bowel movement or urinate, and quickly get her to her potty.
  • Step 6

    Provide your daughter with lots of praise when she attempts to use the toilet correctly. Use a visual sign of praise like a potty training chart with stickers added for each attempt or successful use of the potty.
  • Step 7

    Be consistent with your routine.
  • 4
  • Potty training toilet or seat Books for toddlers "Big girl" underwear Reward chart and stickers
  • Potty training toilet or seat
  • Books for toddlers
  • "Big girl" underwear
  • Reward chart and stickers
  • Identify signs of readiness: showing an interest in using the toilet before training begins; an ability to stay dry for three to four hour stretches; waking from naps dry on most occasions; pulling her pants up and down; sitting on the training toilet; and communicating when she is having a bowel movement. If your daughter resists potty training, wait (several months for a 15 month old) and try again. Accept accidents as part of the process. Stay calm and positive. Consider using toilet paper specially designed for toddlers that helps them not overuse and clog the toilet.
  • Identify signs of readiness: showing an interest in using the toilet before training begins; an ability to stay dry for three to four hour stretches; waking from naps dry on most occasions; pulling her pants up and down; sitting on the training toilet; and communicating when she is having a bowel movement. If your daughter resists potty training, wait (several months for a 15 month old) and try again.
  • Accept accidents as part of the process. Stay calm and positive.
  • Consider using toilet paper specially designed for toddlers that helps them not overuse and clog the toilet.
  • Do not attempt to train your child before she shows signs of readiness. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may make the process even more difficult and drawn out. Supervise your daughter while she is in the restroom.
  • Do not attempt to train your child before she shows signs of readiness. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may make the process even more difficult and drawn out.
  • Supervise your daughter while she is in the restroom.

References & Resources