Potty training is a major developmental milestone for children that comes with its fair share of triumphs and trials. Most children are potty trained by age three, but this can be specific to your child’s development. However, because not all children are ready to begin potty training at the same age, it can be confusing for parents to know when to start potty training.

There are several signs of readiness that parents can look out for when looking to start potty training. This includes your child:

• Can walk to and sit on a toilet.
• Can pull down and pull up their pants.
• Can stay dry for up to two hours.
• Can understand and follow basic directions.
• Can communicate when they need to use the restroom.
• Goes to another room to relieve themselves while in diapers.
• Seems interested in using the toilet or wearing “big kid” underwear

If your child can complete most of these tasks, they might be ready to begin potty training. Most children start to show these signs by the time they are between the ages of 18 and 24 months old, though some might not be ready until later than this range. It is important to remember that there is no rush! It may take longer to train your child if you start the process too early.

Once you’ve determined your child is ready to begin potty training, there are a few key tips to help ease the transition from diapers to toilets.

Talk about the Toilet

It’s important to first start by having conversations with your child about using the toilet. One way to do this is by reading children’s books about using the toilet to your toddler. Children’s books on potty training offer an easy communication and learning experience for your child, so be sure to ask them if they have any questions and answer them clearly.

When talking about using the toilet with your child, it is also important to use decisive and consistent vocabulary around bodily fluids and the human anatomy. Using consistent language will help your child more clearly understand the concept of using the toilet and lead to less confusion surrounding their need to use the bathroom.

Gather the Gear

Potty training accessories can benefit you and your child throughout the potty training process. For example, potty chairs provide access to a toilet that is floor-level and child-sized, making it easier for your child to use. Potty chairs are also movable, allowing you to place the chair in a bathroom or in one of the spaces around the house where your child may frequent. If you decide not to use a potty chair, small toilet step stools are another common potty-training tool. Step stools allow your child to quickly access an adult-sized toilet while also propping their feet up to enable easier bowel movements.

Schedule Success

Making room for routine is essential to helping your child adapt to using a toilet. Consider having your child sit on the toilet every few hours to get them familiar with the process. Setting specific times throughout the day to have your child sit on the toilet, whether they need to use it or not, is also common practice. When they wake up in the morning, before leaving the house, and before naps or bedtime are a few good times to have your child try to use the toilet. Sitting on the toilet at specific times can be greatly effective, but if your child tells you they do not need to go, try sitting with them and reading a book or playing a game to allow enough time to pass before they decide to get off.

Praise Practice and Progress

Potty training can be stressful for both you and your child. It’s important to remember never to punish your child for wetting or soiling their pants. Instead, offer gentle praise and encouragement whenever your child uses or practices using the toilet. Praise for trying to use the toilet reinforces your child’s motivation to adapt and can make the process easier for both you and them.

Ditch the Diapers

As your child progresses with potty training, introduce training pants or underwear to support that progress. After a couple of weeks of successfully potty training during the day, it may be time to switch out the diapers for some “big kid” underwear. Even if your child consistently uses the toilet during the day, it is common for them to still need diapers or pull-ups during naptime or bedtime. Bed-wetting is commonplace for most children between the ages of four and six and should be addressed after your child has grasped potty training. If you have any further questions about potty training or child development in general, reach out to your Atrius Health provider for more information.