True toilet training means helping a child to recognize his own full bowel or bladder and then to do something about it-like telling his mother or going to the pot. He cannot begin to be trained until he can recognize his own 'need to go'. Here are the tips to train your baby.

Switch from nappies to underpants.

Bare his bottom occasionally so that he notices his body functions.

Watch him closely to pick up minute signals just before he needs to go sit on the potty.

Check his timings closely and encourage him to sit on the potty when he is due for a bowel movement.

Don't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do or the training sessions will be completely unproductive.

Make a 'sh...' sound or turn on the tap to encourage the flow of urine.

Remember, even if he reports after the event, it's a step in the right direction.

Be an enthusiastic audience but not so enthusiastic that your toddler gets suspicious and uncooperative.

Motivate him by explaining that sitting on potties is what older children do or by giving small rewards. Children like to imitate their parents, so can try explaining to him how mammy and papa sit at the potty.

Show him how to check himself for dryness regularly. Make a habit of asking him regularly but casually whether he needs to go "potty".

Be patient with relapses.