London - As any parent will testify, potty-training a toddler demands time and patience. But many are putting it off too long - risking the health and wellbeing of their child, according to a report.
Researchers claim toddlers should be taught to use the potty at 18 months - not two or older as is normally the case.
Those who aren’t trained early are more likely to wet themselves when they start school or develop painful bladder infections.
Experts say children who only start learning when they are two or older do not have enough time to master controlling their bladder before they go to school.
In addition, many nappy wearers do not learn how to properly empty their bladders so are prone to suffering painful infections caused by retained urine.
Teachers have recently complained some children are sent to school in nappies because their parents haven’t trained them.
Researchers from Canada’s University of Alberta reviewed several studies and concluded children who stay in nappies too long are more likely to suffer incontinence and bladder infections.
One of the reports looked at, by Bristol University, showed children who had been potty trained after the age of two were one and a half times more likely to have persistent “accidents” at school.
Boys tend to take longer potty training than girls as they have to master how to empty their bladders while standing. Parents are often advised to let their child choose their own potty so they are enthusiastic about learning how to go to the toilet. - Daily Mail