Canadian researchers from the University of Alberta analysed a body of published research into approaches to potty training.
One Canadian study of 4,332 children in 2006 found a higher incidence of incontinence and urinary tract infections among children who were potty trained later than 18-months-old. Their findings also indicated that children who had been rewarded and punished during toilet training were more likely to have had symptoms of incontinence or infections, whereas children encouraged by their parents experienced no symptoms.
Another piece of research by the University of Bristol found that potty training children after two-years-old was associated with a higher risk of daytime wetting.
The American Academy of Paediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society advises parents start potty training their children at 18 months of age and suggests that the child must be interested in the process.
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