The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Toilet Training

by Mark L. Wolraich, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The Toilet-Training Book Your Pediatrician Recommends

How will I know when my child is ready? How can I handle bedwetting and other accidents? What's the best way to make this a positive experience for both of us?

Helping your child through the toilet-training process may be one of your greatest challenges as a parent. And when it comes to this important developmental stage, every child is unique. If you've been confused by conflicting information from friends, relatives--even other books--here is expert advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the organization representing the nation's finest pediatricians.

Gathering invaluable input and suggestions from a wide range of parents on their experiences with toilet training their children, this revised and updated edition answers parents' most frequently asked questions and concerns including:

- Finding the right developmental moment to start toilet training your child
- Handling the inevitable accidents in positive ways
- Dealing with bedwetting, resistance, and constipation
- Choosing the techniques that will work best for your child
- Addressing the challenges children with special needs face
- Tailoring your training for boys, girls, even twins
- Determining if medication is needed--and the latest on prescription options

The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Toilet Training is an essential resource for parents who want the best advice for themselves and the best experience for their children.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Adult

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle, open approach to potty training from the AAP which I trust. The book is organized into sections based on specific questions or obstacles which makes it easy to find what fits your situation. The book is also encouraging and realistic for most kids and parents.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book that claims to be a guide for toilet training I felt like there were very little strategies talked about in this book. I think in part my issue with this book is based in the fact I've read one other book that very clearly laid out a strategy for potty training so the lack of solid "hey try this.. or this.. or this" in this book bothered me. It almost felt like this book was just "Oh hey- you're toilet training- know this stuff... maybe". However, I will say there was more information about possible medical issues behind potty training challenges than the other book I read-- so that redeemed it enough to bring it up to 2 stars. But still not one I'd recommend.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very realistic approach to toilet training. Anyone that has young children should read this book---I wish I would have read it with my other two! The basic attitude of the book is to be as positive as possible and that most kids are physically ready around age 2-3 and emotionally ready at different ages.

[Tegan Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this mainly to get more information on the toilet training process. I found this book very informative on the signs of readiness on whether your child would be ready to start training, average timelines for training and possible setbacks based on age and cognitive development. It provided some information on how meds can affect training and some information on children with special needs. I feel that this book is a great way to get a base knowledge on how to start training and what to expect of the process while supporting your child with positivity throughout this development stage. If you are looking for a more specialized plan, and tips then this book is likely not for you. It does however give you some basic strategies on getting started and what might motivate your child. It also states that each child learns differently and what may work for one, may not work for another. It’s a learning process for both the parent and child.

[Angela Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very helpful, it gives a good overview of developmental and emotional issues related to potty training. It doesn't give a concrete one size fits all method to potty training and I like that because it emphasizes how the process is different for every child and family. I also appreciated that it emphasized the importance of how parents respond to the potty training process and how important it is to remain levelheaded and not instill any feelings of shame or fear, especially due to accidents or bedwetting.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was deeply saddened to discover there is no silver bullet to potty training. Truly, a tragedy. But this did give me a lot of ideas. I went from feeling like I’d been thrown in the deep end to… well, not exactly treading water, but maybe bouncing on my tiptoes. At the very least, I’m ready to face my toddler.

I like to end my reviews with who I think this book is written for/who would enjoy it. Pretty self explanatory on this one.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for different techniques to be laid out, step by step what to do, but what I got was the platitude what works for one family may or may not work for another. Anything I else I might have gleaned from the book (info about bed wetting, etc) I had already gained from various Internet mom forums. I think I need to seek out the book about a three day technique?

[Maryam Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no resource on child development I trust more then the AAP ❤️ As a parent of a potty training toddler, the most valuable aspect of the book for me has been leveraging positive parenting while guiding a child through the potty training process.

[Teesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips. Gentle, gradual education method vs. potty training boot camp. More of an overview of readiness and potty education stages, less practical tips for a quick potty training session. Caveat - I skimmed this so may have missed important aspects.

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn’t appalling advice like some of the other guides I’ve read but there wasn’t any advice I actually used. No good tips/tricks, no actual advice in this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, basic information.

[Julie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, nothing I didn’t already know

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creo que es bastante bueno para los padres y tiene buenos tips no sólo para padres.

[Justine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacks any sort of algorithm/playbook/plan.

[Sarah Wrightsman · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading two very specific books on potty training, this one just wasn't that helpful!

[Dr. Colin Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guide provides straightforward, expert‑led advice on potty‑training readiness, handling accidents, and adapting to children’s individual needs.

[Bill Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a dad I admit I’m lost on potty training. So any book that helps me move thru this maze is a godsend.

[Mrs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers a whole gamut of topics that relate or affect potty training. Picked up a lot of good pointers, especially the answer to the most basic question of them all, "How does one parent begin?" I've never been disappointed with any book published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, just because for me, more is better. This book covers everything a new parent might wonder about -- chronic bedwetting, guidelines for special needs children, bladder complications, urinary tract infections etc.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, this book is changing the way I think about potty training. And I am sure my son appreciates it. (Although others around me may not!)

Mostly, I appreciated that this was more of a "do what feels right to you" book instead of a "you're a lousy mom cause your kid is 3 and still in diapers" kind of book.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some good info. A lot of it was common sense, but some ideas and aspects were new to me. Plus, it doesn't hurt to reinforce common sense or what you think you may know about this topic- always good to know if you are on the right path. We'll see if it helps when we begin in a few months, he's not ready yet!

[Lalani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the approach to this book. Very 'you-can-do-this'. My favorite was how it addressed the usual dread parents feel toward potty training, and that this can be an unique opportunity to discover how your child learns best and can set the stage for a great parent-child relationship.

Very general ideas, I will want to read a few more books on specific approaches before starting.

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always love books by the American Academy of Pediatrics! Gave great advice and tips on what to expect through this often stressful process. A must read for all parents entering the potty training stage!

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a systematic, step-by-step guide for how to potty train, this isn't it. The book has a lot of good pointers that supplement whatever system you're using, how to troubleshoot post-training accidents or regressions, but doesn't tell you how to do the actual training.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely promotes waiting till the kids makes the move...almost to much of it being in the kid's hands IMO. But there were still some good points. Easy to read. Good section on bedwetting.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basics are here, but don't expect to find any amazing breakthrough ideas. I'm beginning to think that's because they don't exist.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, practical, positive recommendations for potty training. Now I'm crossing my fingers that it works!

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, but mostly common sense. I still think it's good to review before starting potty training as a way of reassuring yourself. It also lists a lot of other resources for more information.

[Hayley Brentmar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new that I hadn't read about (or heard about) already. This one's going right back to the library.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really just skimmed it, but it had some good tips.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine. I didn't really have any feelings about it, so I don't have anything else to say.