When to Potty Train?

 
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When should we start potty training? This is the hardest question to answer because there really is such an age range. That can feel very frustrating! It is “normal” to potty train between 18 months- 3 years of age. That is a very large gap. So when do you begin? How do you know when to start? Below are some signs to look out for and a few tips from me. 

First, please know that every child is different. Potty training is not something you want to rush. I do not believe you will miss a window. Why? Because potty training will happen. They will learn. They will not go off to college in diapers. Potty training is behavior intervention and if you have a good plan and are consistent, you will see results. I often hear, “my friend potty trained her daughter at 18 months but my little girl doesn’t care about the toilet at all, am I going to miss my chance?” NO! Truly. It is so hard to not compare. It is so hard to not fear you are missing the ideal time. Have faith that the ideal time to potty train is the time when they are ready and you are ready. Some kids show every sign under the sun of being ready (my second) and some show very little (my first). Both were successfully potty trained. 

Part of the pressure to potty train early has to do with research. Newer research has shown that younger potty training has benefits and can be very successful. Under 2 years of age, they really want to please you, and this can make the experience more successful (per newer research). While this might be true, it doesn’t mean it is always true. So many factors go into when is a good time, not just for them, but for us as caregivers as well. For example, my youngest was showing all of the signs about 4 months before we actually potty trained. We as a family were not ready to do it yet and be consistent. So we waited until the entire system was ready and we were successful. Follow your gut on timing. Make sure you set everyone up for success and start when you want to. 

I personally think the sweet spot to potty train is around 2.5 years. I personally feel like they can communicate (somewhat) and understand the process better. They also are motivated to be a “big girl” or “big boy” and craving more independence. I have had clients be successful under 2 years and over 3 as well. It really is that different for everyone. Below are some signs to watch out for. Remember, they do not need to be showing all of these to start but at least some of them. If they are showing all of them and you are ready, go for it! Please note I would not recommend potty training right before a new baby or right after. Buffer around 2 months before or after brining home a sibling to start any big change. When ready, have a plan, be consistent and take deep breaths! You got this!! 

Potty Training Signs: 

  • Age Range: 18 months- 3 years

  • Can walk and sit independently 

  • Can follow simple directions and commands

  • Shows interest in toilet and going to the bathroom

  • Can communicate when they need to go or have gone

  • Tells you before or after they have gone 

  • Wants to be changed immediately after going the bathroom in diaper 

  • Less diaper changes throughout the day (can hold pee for 1-2 hours)

  • Dry at nap or night time sleep 

  • Interest in toilet/ when others use the bathroom 

 
Chelsea Kunde