Toilet habits and continence in children: an opportunity sampling in search of normal parameters

An opportunity sampling of 1,192 children regarding parameters of toilet training and elimination status was obtained by interview and questionnaire. Toilet training ages ranged from 0.75 to 5 years, with a mean of 2.4 +/- 0.6 years (standard deviation). Voiding frequency was inversely related to age; most children between 3 and 12 years old urinated 5 to 6 times per day. Influences of gender, urinary infections and parental recall were investigated. Nocturnal and diurnal enuresis was reported in 18% and 10% of our sample, respectively. Bowel movements per week ranged from 1 to 21, with a mean of 6.8 +/- 2.5.