Development of Bladder Control in Toddlers

A big milestone for both toddler and parent is when diapers are no longer necessary because the toddler is toilet trained. During this critical growth time, a toddler experiences both physical and emotional development growth phases. A toddler's development of bladder control is just one of the many important components on the journey to diaper-free living.

Bladder Development

• Bladder control for a toddler takes time. The urethra and nerve pathways that enable bladder control have to mature in order to function and send signals to the brain. In addition, the toddler needs to be able to constrict and relax sphincter muscles, have an understanding of what is desired or expected when eliminating waste and be willing to learn.

Stages

• Typically a toddler will begin anus muscle development with regular, daily bowel movements. Next, bowel control capabilities begin and then daytime bladder control develops. Usually the last stage of bladder muscle development is bladder control during nighttime. These developmental stages are as unique as the toddler and can develop simultaneously or over several months. It is not unusual for a toddler to have control over one function, such as bladder control, but no control over another function, such as bowel movements.

Necessities

• A toddler needs to mature in several ways before she will be able to use the bathroom. First, the toddler needs to physically develop and be able to control muscles around the bladder and the anus. Next, the toddler needs to understand internal messages regarding urine or bowel fullness and the need to eliminate body waste. A distinct developmental change is the toddler's understanding of the need to eliminate bodily waste before urination or a bowel movement. The connection between the feeling and what follows is a key component in toddler development. Finally, the toddler needs to understand what is required for correct toilet training-- where does the bodily waste go and how should the toddler wipe. If the toddler possesses all of these elements, toilet training usually occurs quickly and the transition from diapers to toilet use is smooth.

Tips

• It can be an exciting time when a toddler begins to gain control of bladder and bowel muscles. A relaxed approach to toilet training typically provides the best results. It is important that parents and caregivers provide consistent expectations and direction regarding toilet use routines.

Emotions

• A toddler is constantly learning how to be independent. This emotional process occurs simultaneously as the body begins to develop controlling bladder muscles. During this sensitive time of development, if a toddler is pushed too hard--possibly by an eager parent wanting a toddler to be toilet trained--undesired results can occur. Pressure should not be placed on the toddler regarding toilet use. Toilet training should be approached in a matter-of-fact style. Mistakes will be made during toilet training and the toddler should not be shunned or pressured into feeling that she did something wrong. Parents able to provide a toddler with a sense of achievement without pressure will usually experience positive, productive results.

First Signs

• Bladder control development in toddlers is not age specific and is unique to the individual. A toddler's internal muscles and messaging will occur when they are developed and ready to function. When sensations are associated with bladder or bowel fullness, a toddler may begin to communicate by making a particular sound, using a word such as potty or providing a body gesture such as moving to a corner of a room. Bowel training and recognition may come first as it usually occurs only one to two times per day and provides noticeable warning to the toddler. Keep in mind that restrictive or difficult to remove clothing on a toddler can interfere with proper toilet use.

Medical Issues

• Accidents will occur for every toddler during this developmental time. However, a toddler experiencing chronic wetting or soiling mistakes over long periods of time may have a medical condition. Consult a physician regarding any body development or toilet use issues.