Toilet training children: When to start and how to train

摘要

Toilet training is felt to be a natural process that occurs with development, yet very little scientific information is available for the physicians who care for children. In reality, toilet training is a complex process that can be affected by anatomic, physiologic and behavioural conditions. Accepted norms of toilet training relate more to cultural differences than scientific evidence. Despite this, parents continue to approach their family physicians and pediatricians for advice about toilet training. This article summarizes the most common methods of toilet training and provides an overview of the literature in an attempt to help physicians provide advice to their patients