When to Start Potty Training
Parents often wonder:
“When should I potty train my child?”
“How do I know when my child is ready for potty training?”
“What potty training signs should I be seeing before starting?”
While there isn’t one specific age or tell-tale sign, there are potty readiness signs to consider when deciding on the ideal time to begin potty training your child!
How do you know when your child is ready to potty train?
Most kids don’t end up saying, “Hey mom, I’m ready to start going pee and poop in the potty.” So, how do you know when is a good time to begin teaching your child to use the toilet?
There are different indicators of potty training readiness to consider, including:
Developmental signs & skills
Physiological signs & skills
Behavior-related signs & skills
Potty training readiness signs & skills
While certain potty readiness signs & skills can make parts of potty training easier, they are not all required before getting started. Meaning, you don’t need to check off every potty readiness sign on a list to begin potty training.
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Your child is interested in using the potty, wearing underwear, being a big kid, and/or doing things independently.
Interest before beginning is great because you already have some “buy-in” from your little boy or girl (or twins 😀)! However, not showing interest doesn’t mean you can’t have success with potty training. You may have to help spark their interest while you begin the potty training process.
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My child can pull their pants/underwear up and down.
This skill can certainly help when it comes to independence with the toileting routine, but you don’t have to let it get in the way of beginning your potty training journey. If your child is still working on this skill, it’s perfectly okay to give them a hand.
The ideal age to potty train
It’s common for children between the ages of 18-24 months to begin showing some potty readiness signs. However, if you're not ready or your child doesn’t seem ready yet, don't feel tied to getting started during that time frame.
Children can absolutely have potty training success if they begin after 2 years old. In fact, some toddlers may not be ready for potty training that early - and, that’s perfectly okay!
Some parents feel more comfortable waiting until their little one is 3 or 4 years old when more readiness signs & skills have shown up.
You may also have other factors to consider, such as potty requirements at your child’s daycare or school and other big life changes or events to plan around.
A child can be potty trained after 4 years old, too!
There are pros and cons to beginning potty training at different ages and stages in development.
There is no perfect age for potty training.
At the end of the day, it is your decision when and how to potty train!
If your little one has been showing potty training readiness signs for a bit and you haven’t started potty training yet, you are NOT too late!
Your child will have the most success when you begin potty training when everyone is ready.
How do I know if I’m prepared to potty train?
It is just as important to make sure you feel prepared to potty train.
Parents often feel nervous heading into potty training. And, understandably so! As a first-time mom or a seasoned mom, it’s likely that nobody ever taught YOU how to teach your child this big new skill.
The best way for you to ditch the diapers AND the nerves is to…
Head into potty training with a plan that is:
Realistic to incorporate into your life
Simple to follow
Reasonable to stick with
You’ll also want to pick a time to start potty training when you feel confident you can commit to the plan.
Some things to consider when picking a potty training start date:
Can you clear your schedule and focus on potty training for 3 days?
Are there other people available to help with other responsibilities during potty training, like caring for other children?
Do you have any big life changes or events happening in the near future, such as a new baby or a transition to a new school?
