Toilet Training Girls
While the basic mechanics of teaching girls how to use the toilet are the same as boys, toilet training girls is slightly different from potty training boys. The most significant difference is the fact that girls learn how to use the toilet much quicker than boys. Generally speaking, girls tend to be ahead of boys when it comes to potty training by six months. In fact, various studies have found that, on average, 70% of girls were day-trained by age three while only 51% of boys were day-trained. However, no one is really sure why girls are so much easier to train than boys.
One very reasonable theory is the simple fact that, in the majority of potty training instances, children are taught how to use a toilet by their mother. And since mothers and daughters use the toilet in the same way, it stands to reason that girls can catch on quicker than boys. Another theory points out that girls also develop their ability to speak faster than boys. Therefore, they can verbally assert their independence rather than refusing to do things, like potty train. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that girls are easier to potty train than boys.
Advice for Potty Training Girls
Aside from teaching your daughter how to use a toilet, you also need to
teach her the proper way to wipe. Wiping from front to back is the way
to go because it minimizes her exposure to bacteria, thereby helping to
prevent infections. Although it is not very common, girls are more likely
to get a bladder infection when they are toilet training than boys. If
your daughter complains that it hurts when she urinates, feels an urgent
need to frequently go to the toilet, and complains of abdominal pain,
call her pediatrician.
There are many useful potty training tips that will may toilet training girls easier. For example, dress her in loose clothing. Dresses and skirts make it easy for her to access the potty quicker.
Girls who are exposed to a male family member using the toilet may wonder
why she can't go potty like her daddy or brother. While logic makes
it clear to adults why a girl can't pee standing up, logic is not
a strong point with a toddler. If your daughter is insistent, then let
her try peeing standing up. It will be messy for you at times, but eventually
she'll understand why she can't pee like a boy. Then again,
maybe she'll learn a new trick.
For more information on potty training and your child check out our potty training videos.
