Potty training is a big developmental milestone—and no two children take the same path to get there. While some kids are ready as early as 18 months, most begin showing signs of readiness between 2 and 3 years of age. The key to success is a calm, positive approach that meets your child where they are.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BE READY
Rather than focusing on age alone, look for signs of physical, cognitive, and emotional readiness, such as:
- Staying dry for at least 2 hours at a time
- Showing interest in the toilet or wearing underwear
- Being able to follow simple directions
- Communicating when they need to go (or have gone)
- Wanting a wet or dirty diaper changed
Once your child shows signs of readiness:
- Choose your words: Use simple, consistent terms for pee, poop, and the potty.
- Create a routine: Offer regular potty breaks—especially after meals and before naps.
- Celebrate small wins: Use praise, stickers, or small rewards to reinforce success.
- Dress for success: Opt for easy-to-remove clothing and consider switching to training pants or cotton underwear during the day.
- Be patient: Accidents are normal. Stay calm and avoid punishment. Most children master daytime potty training before nighttime. It may take several months or longer for a child to consistently stay dry overnight.
- Consider having boys start by sitting down to avoid confusion and reduce mess during early training.
- Once they’re confident, introduce standing to pee—some kids enjoy practicing with fun targets like cereal pieces or toilet training urinals.
- Teaching them to point downward when sitting can help minimize spills.
- Teach girls to wipe front to back to prevent urinary tract infections.
- If using a potty seat, ensure it’s comfortable and stable—some girls find the big toilet intimidating at first.
- Wearing dresses or skirts can make quick bathroom trips easier during training.
Talk to your child’s doctor if potty training is causing significant stress, your child is over 4 and still not toilet trained, or if constipation, stool withholding, or regression occurs.
Sources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Toilet Training: Learning to the Use the Toilet. https://www.healthychildren.org
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Toilet Training: How to Get the Job Done. https://www.mayoclinic.org
- Blum, N.J., Taubman, B., & Nemeth, N. (2003). Relationship between age at initiation of toilet training and duration of training: A prospective stu d y. Pediatrics, 111(4), 810–814. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.111.4.81
