What age does a child learn to wipe their bottom?

Question

This is horrible, but I seriously can't remember the time my son learned to wipe his butt. I know it was in the 3-5 range, but that was so long ago. I am watching my nephew and he is potty trained, but will yell: "I'm finished, wipe my butt" when he is done lol. What age can I look forward to butt-wipe free weekends with him?

Answer 1

My stepson was two, when he was potty trained. It really doesnt take that much coordination to wipe some paper on their butt, so they can pick it up at a pretty young age. While my husband was potty training him (we werent married then), that was part of the step by step for him, was at the end he wipes his butt, my husband showed him how, and after a few times he got it. Now hes four and has no trouble with it. In my opinion, if a child is old enough to say "I'm finished, wipe my butt", they are old enough to wipe their own butt.

Answer 2

I can't remember with my daughter. My son is almost three and he is VERY independent and he wants to do himself. (obviously he does a really bad job, so I have to take over.) I remember she was young though, probably about three.



Since most toilet paper for children is John Wayne toilet paper (it's rough, tough, and don't take crap off anybody) I like the kadoo wipes. It's much cleaner and easier for kids to use. I need to get some now that I think about it. Since my son insists that I "go away" or "get out" when he uses the bathroom (he likes his privacy) I'd feel more secure without coming to the bathroom completely TP'd again.

Answer 3

I start letting my kids wipe their butt at 4. Before that they just don't do it right. I figure I'd rather do it myself than spray shout in every pair of their undies.

Answer 4

I remember my first do-it-yourself butt wipe, I was so proud. I celebrated and everything, then I had to go to work.