Potty training is a big milestone, but every child reaches it at their own pace. While many kids start showing signs of readiness between 18 and 24 months, others may not be ready until closer to 3 years old, and that’s completely normal! Rather than focusing on age or comparing to other children, the key is to watch for signs of readiness in your child.

Understanding Readiness: It’s Not About Intelligence or Willpower

Your child's ability to start potty training depends on their physical, developmental, and behavioral progress. It’s not a matter of intelligence or personality. It’s about when their body and mind are prepared.

Physical Readiness: The Body’s Natural Development

For potty training to be successful, your child needs to have developed voluntary control over their pelvic muscles. This ability matures naturally over time, usually beginning around 18 months.

Signs of Physical Readiness:

✔ Recognizing the need to pee or poop
✔ Holding it long enough to get to the toilet
✔ Staying dry for longer periods (usually between 24 and 36 months)

Since these skills depend on neurological development, every child reaches them on their own schedule.

Developmental Readiness: Motor & Communication Skills Matter

Beyond physical growth, your child also needs certain motor, language, and social skills to successfully use the potty. They may be ready if they can:

✔ Walk to the potty and sit down independently
✔ Pull their pants down and back up
✔ Stay dry for at least two hours
✔ Follow simple two-step instructions (“Pick up the toy and put it in the box”)
✔ Tell you when they need to go potty

Behavioral Readiness: Showing Interest & Independence

Your child's behavior can also give you clues about whether they’re ready to start potty training. Look for these signs:

✔ Copying adults or older siblings using the toilet
✔ Showing an interest in keeping their diaper dry
✔ Understanding that poop and pee belong in the toilet
✔ Demonstrating independence, like saying “no” to things
✔ Willingness to cooperate rather than engage in power struggles

If your child is curious about the potty and wants to try it, that’s a great indication that they might be ready!

Parent Readiness: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Potty training is a team effort, and your own readiness as a parent is just as important. Expect some mess, patience, and consistency. The best approach is to follow your child’s lead rather than rushing the process.

💡 Tips for Parents:

• Stay patient, accidents will happen!
• Never punish or criticize mistakes, as this can slow progress.
• Choose a time when you or another caregiver can be consistent.

When to Seek Guidance

If potty training isn’t progressing, you might want to talk to your child’s healthcare provider if:

🚩 Your child is 2.5 years old and has no interest in potty training
🚩 By age 3, they are still not potty trained during the day
🚩 They refuse to sit on the potty
🚩 They hold in stool, leading to constipation

💬 Is your little one starting potty training? Share your experience in the comments below!