🚽 Potty Training Readiness
🧠 Overview
Potty training isn’t a race — it’s a developmental milestone. Most children show signs of readiness between 18–30 months, though some start earlier or later. The key is to watch for cues and respond with patience, not pressure.
✅ What to Expect
- Early interest may start as young as 12–18 months
- Most kids are ready to begin training around 2–3 years old
- Daytime training usually comes before nighttime dryness
- Accidents are normal — potty learning takes time!
🪧 Common Signs of Readiness
- Stays dry for 2+ hours at a time
- Predictable bowel movements or urination patterns
- Expresses discomfort in dirty diapers
- Shows interest in others using the toilet
- Can follow simple instructions
- Can pull pants up and down
- Understands and uses basic words like “pee,” “poop,” or “potty”
No single sign guarantees readiness — look for a cluster of signs over time.
🧩 Tips for Parents
- Introduce potty concepts early, even before formal training
- Use books, toys, or songs about the potty to normalize it
- Let your child observe you or older siblings using the toilet (if comfortable)
- Offer praise, not pressure — celebrate attempts, not just success
- Avoid starting during major life changes (new sibling, moving, illness)
💡 Bonus: Equipment Tips
- Start with a small floor potty or toilet insert with a step stool
- Keep potty accessible and visible, not hidden away
- Use training pants or underwear to help them feel when they're wet
- Keep wipes and clean-up tools nearby — reduce cleanup stress
📚 Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. “Toilet Training Guidelines.”
- HealthyChildren.org. “Potty Training: When and How to Start”
- Mayo Clinic. “Toilet Training: How to Get the Job Done”