EMpower Toilet Training & Pelvic Floor Therapy Guide

Welcome to EMpower PT! We are so happy to guide you through your child’s toilet training journey and provide education on your child’s pelvic floor.

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Welcome to EMpower PT! We are so happy to guide you through your child’s toilet training journey and provide education on your child’s pelvic floor.

According to current research, most children are ready to begin toilet training after 18 months old, with the process typically completed between 24 and 36 months of age (Choby & George, 2023). However, we are aware that every child develops at their own pace, and toilet training can be influenced by a variety of factors—physiological, neurological, and physical. That’s why we’re here to provide guidance and support - helping you approach toilet training in a way that’s practical, encouraging, and easy to understand!

The goal of pediatric pelvic floor therapy is to strengthen the mind-body connection through targeted, play-based interventions that enhance breath control, body awareness (interoception), and confidence around toileting.

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Toileting Expectations by Age

The First Year (Hermann, 2021)

• Newborn: expect 4 soft bowel movements daily
• First 3 months - breast milk: expect 3 soft bowel movements daily
• First 3 months - formula: expect 2-3 soft bowel movements daily
• 6 Months - 1 year: expect two bowel movements daily

Preschool Age (CHOP, 2025)

• Typical urinary frequency: 4–8 times per day
• By around four years of age, most children have one to two formed bowel movements daily

1–3 Years (Hermann, 2021)

• Typical urinary frequency: 4–8 times per day
• Expected bowel pattern: 1–2 bowel movements per day

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What You’ll Need:

Identify 3 consecutive days to dedicate to toilet training

• Booster Seat or Potty:
  • Squatty Potty - Portable - Step+Seat
• Big Kid Underwear! We recommend sizing up so your kiddo can easily pull undies up and down.
  • Moon and Back
  • JoYo Roy
  • Hudson Baby
• Bed or Couch Cover
• Bathroom Toys: Encourage deep breathing and interoceptive awareness through sensory play
  • Organ toys - Timer - Bubbles - Windmill - Party Blowers - Crazy Straws - Fidget Toys
• Bathroom Books:
  • The Poop Train
  • Where do you Poop?
  • Singing Potty Book
  • It Hurts When I Poop