When and How to Start Potty Training: Expert Tips for First Time Parents

The Diaper Free Journey Begins

Heather Taylor
10 min read

Potty Training

Potty training is a big step toward independence for both you and your little one! While it might feel daunting, this milestone can be a rewarding journey filled with small victories, funny moments, and plenty of learning. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you’ll turn potty training into a positive experience that builds your child’s confidence and sets them up for success.

What is Potty Training?

Potty training guides a young child from nappies to independent toilet use (Tinsley). It’s about helping children recognize when they need to go and feel comfortable using a potty chair or toilet. This process involves understanding your child’s potty training readiness, setting up consistent routines, and, most importantly, staying patient through setbacks. Potty training is a big step toward independence, and with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your child!.

When Do Kids Start Potty Training?

Knowing when to start potty training depends on your child’s physical, developmental, and behavioral readiness. Can they stay dry for up to two hours? Do they seem aware of their bodily signals? Most children develop the ability to control their sphincter muscles between 12 and 18 months (NHS), but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to begin just yet.

For a smoother potty training experience, look for signs that your child is prepared. They should be able to follow basic instructions, communicate when they need to go, and show interest in the potty process (AAP). It’s perfectly fine to wait until they’re showing these clear signals—many parents even start after their child turns three. Remember, readiness is key, so take your cues from your little one!

Readiness Checklist

[Inset Readiness Quiz – Capture Email and then send to quiz

To assess your child’s potty training readiness, consider the following questions:

  • Can your child walk to the toilet and sit independently?
  • Can they pull down and pull up their pants?
  • Can they stay dry for up to two hours?
  • Can they communicate when they need to go?
  • Are they interested in the toilet or “big-kid” underwear?
  •  

If you answered “yes” to most, your child may be ready to begin potty training.

Additional Readiness Signs

Besides age, here are specific signals that may indicate readiness:

  • Pausing or stopping an activity for a few seconds
  • Grabbing at their diaper or nappy
  • Squatting or grunting
  •  

Watch for these cues to determine when it’s time to start potty training.

Potty Training Essentials and Preparation

To set your child up for potty training success, gathering the right tools and accessories can make a big difference. Here’s a list of essentials to have on hand:

  • Potty Chair or Seat: Choose a child-friendly potty chair or seat that’s easy to reach and comfortable. Consider foldable potty seats for trips to keep things consistent.
  •  
  • Training Pants: These help bridge the gap between nappies and underwear, allowing your child to feel when they’re wet while offering you some peace of mind.
  •  
  • Fun Underwear: Let your child pick out fun, character-themed underwear to boost their excitement.
  •  
  • Potty Watch: A timer watch can remind your child to try using the potty regularly, promoting consistency and independence.
  •  
  • Step Stool and Toilet Seat for Later: When they’re ready, a step stool and toddler-size seat for the regular toilet make the transition easier.
  •  

With these tools and a supportive approach, you’ll be well-prepared for potty training success!

Potty and Toilet Training Essentials

For a smooth transition, consider both a potty chair and a toddler-sized toilet seat for a smooth transition.

Start with a potty chair, then gradually introduce the regular toilet as your child gains confidence.

Exploring Potty Equipment Options

There are two main potty options to consider:

  • Standalone Potty Chair: A small, portable potty designed for toddlers, often with a removable bowl for easy emptying.
  •  
  • Toddler Toilet Seat: A smaller seat that fits over the regular toilet seat, which may help your child feel more secure.Using a stool can help your child feel grounded, especially for bowel movements.

Using Training Pants: Pros and Cons

Training pants can be a helpful step between nappies and underwear:

  • Pros: Training pants make outings easier, and some parents prefer using them at night to prevent accidents.
  • Cons: For some children, training pants can feel like nappies, potentially slowing progress.Consult with your child’s doctor if you’re unsure about using training pants as a transition.

Starting Steps for Potty Training

Here’s a step-by-step approach for preparing and starting potty training:

  1. Choose Your Words: Use friendly, neutral words for potty-related activities (avoid negative terms like “dirty”).
  2. Set Up the Potty: Place the potty chair in a familiar spot, and let your child sit on it (with clothes on at first) to get comfortable.
  3. Schedule Potty Breaks: Encourage your child to try the potty every two hours, first thing in the morning, and after naps.

Potty Training Program

Creating a potty training plan can help make the process smoother. Consider your child’s readiness, set a consistent schedule, and track their progress. Structuring your approach provides a clear pathway for both you and your child. Once you have a program in place, you can follow this guide to adjust your approach by age and development.

When to Pause or Delay Potty Training

Potty training can sometimes require pausing, especially during significant life changes that may temporarily impact your child’s readiness.

  • Common Reasons to Delay: Major transitions, such as moving homes, starting preschool, or the arrival of a new sibling, can temporarily disrupt progress. During these times, your child may experience more accidents or resistance.
  • Tips for Pausing: If you need to pause, reassure your child that they can try again when they’re ready. Avoid pressuring them to use the potty during this period, and keep it light and supportive.

Additional Situational Considerations

Consider delaying potty training during significant changes like moving, transitioning beds, or illness. These situations can temporarily impact readiness, so watch for signs to determine the best time to start.

Potty Training by Age Group

Potty training varies greatly depending on your child’s age and development. Here’s what to expect and focus on at different stages:

  • Baby Potty Training: This early start often involves the Elimination Communication (EC) method, where parents learn to recognize and respond to a baby’s cues—like the “pee face” or “poop face”—to help them use the potty. At this stage, it’s about familiarizing your baby with the potty environment rather than expecting consistent use.
  • Toddler Potty Training: By this age, toddlers are often ready for more structured potty training. Key readiness signs include staying dry for a couple of hours, showing interest in the toilet, and following simple instructions. This stage includes setting routines, using rewards, and providing consistent practice to help your toddler make the transition from nappies to independent potty use.
  • Nighttime Dryness: Achieving nighttime potty training and dryness can take a little longer (NHS). Many parents introduce training pants or mattress covers as their child works toward staying dry through the night. This is a gradual process, and it’s perfectly normal for children to reach this milestone at their own pace.
  • Potty Training for 3-Year-Old Girls: For older toddlers, specifically 3-year-old girls, encourage independence and hygiene. Teach them to wipe front to back to avoid infections and remind them to wash hands after each trip to the potty. Praise them for taking initiative, which can build confidence in using public restrooms or at daycare.

Understanding the unique needs and developmental milestones at each age can make potty training smoother and more successful. Remember to stay flexible and patient—your child will get there in their own time!

How to Potty Train a Two-Year-Old Boy

Boys may need extra time adjusting to the potty process. Focus on making the environment comfortable, encouraging patience, and helping them start by sitting before standing to pee.

Toilet Training 3-Year-Olds

Three-year-olds may need more autonomy. Encourage self-guided trips to the potty and make the process fun with rewards for staying dry and using the potty without reminders.

Gender-Specific Potty Training

Boys and girls may approach potty training a bit differently, so adjusting approaches based on your child’s gender can be helpful.

  • Ways to Potty Train a Boy: Start by having boys sit down for both peeing and pooping to keep it simple. Once they’re comfortable with using the potty, you can introduce standing to pee. Make it fun by using “targets” in the toilet, like floating cereal, to encourage aim and engagement.
  • Potty Training Girls: With girls, focus on hygiene by teaching them to wipe front to back. Choosing a comfortable potty chair can also make the experience feel safer and less intimidating, encouraging consistent use.

Next, let’s look at different methods and techniques to help your child reach success in potty training.

Potty Training Methods and Techniques

Add our one and remove ones selected by Client

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to potty training. The best method depends on your child’s personality and your family’s preferences. Here are some popular approaches to consider:

  • Oh Crap! Potty Training: Created by Jamie Glowacki, this method is ideal for children around 20-30 months old. It starts with a pants-free phase, helping the child recognize when they need to go. Parents guide them to the potty consistently and avoid reverting to nappies during the day. Success is celebrated with praise rather than rewards, fostering the child’s gradual independence in using the potty.
  • The Three-Day Method: For those ready to dive in, this intensive approach involves dedicating three days to focus exclusively on potty training. Parents closely monitor the child and take them to the potty frequently throughout each day. It’s a good fit for families who can commit uninterrupted time to jumpstart the process.
  • The Child-Led Method (Brazelton Method): This gentle, flexible method allows the child to take the lead. There’s no pressure or strict timelines—parents follow the child’s signs of readiness and let the process unfold at their own pace. It’s great for families who prefer a relaxed approach.
  • The Reward System: Using positive reinforcement like stickers, treats, or small rewards, this method motivates children who respond well to incentives. Each successful potty trip earns a reward, making the process fun and encouraging consistent progress.
  • Elimination Communication (EC): This early-start method is ideal for younger babies. Parents watch for cues that the baby needs to go and offer the potty accordingly. It’s about building early awareness and familiarity with the potty, rather than expecting full independence right away.

Methods of Toilet Training

Each of these techniques provides different benefits. Consider a method that aligns with your family’s lifestyle, such as the reward system for children who respond well to incentives.

Potty Training Process

Each stage of potty training brings your child one step closer to independence. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  • Potty Training Timing: Frequency and Duration: Knowing how often and how long to sit on the potty can set realistic expectations. Aim for potty breaks every 1-2 hours and, initially, sit for 5-10 minutes. Adjust as your child becomes familiar with their body’s signals, and remember that routines should remain flexible based on your child’s progress.
  • Scheduling Practice Runs: For routine practice, take your child to the potty at regular intervals, such as every two hours, first thing in the morning, and after naps. This builds consistent potty habits.
  • Diaper Training: For some families, using nappies or diapers as a transitional tool for nap and nighttime can help manage expectations. Consider using training pants or nappies for sleep times or during travel to avoid setbacks while continuing daytime potty practice.

Daily Routine for Potty Success

Create a routine by having your child sit on the potty at key times: upon waking, after naps, and around an hour after drinking liquids. This routine reinforces good habits and builds potty-time familiarity.

Use the Body’s Natural Timing

Encourage your child to use the potty 15-30 minutes after meals to make use of the gastro-colic reflex, where eating stimulates the need for a bowel movement.

With patience and encouragement, you’ll help your child move smoothly from one stage to the next on their way to complete potty independence!

Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

Potty training challenges are common, and here are some tips for addressing specific issues:

  • Poop Training Tips: Poop training can sometimes present unique challenges. Help your child get comfortable by scheduling potty time after meals, reading a fun book together, or discussing any fears they may have about pooping in the potty. Offering rewards and patience can encourage them to make this transition.
  • Handling Resistance: If your child resists potty training, avoid forcing the issue. Consider stepping back to a child-led approach or add fun elements like a reward chart.
  • Avoid Power Struggles: If your child resists, avoid pushing them. Step back, encourage them gently, and reintroduce the process when they seem more receptive. Pushing can create a negative association with potty training.
  • Accident Management: Accidents will happen—stay calm and avoid frustration or punishment. Encourage your child to try again and reassure them that accidents are part of learning.
  • Persistent Nighttime Wetting: Nighttime dryness may take longer. If wetting continues beyond age five, consult a healthcare provider, as this may be development-related.
  • Dealing with Frequent Accidents: If accidents happen often, gently remind your child and use positive reinforcement. Help them stay focused by limiting distractions during potty time.

Handling Stress-Related Setbacks

Setbacks are common during stressful periods, like a new sibling’s arrival or starting daycare. If setbacks become frequent, reassure your child and take a step back if necessary. Progress typically resumes once the stressor has passed.

Potty Training Resources and Guides

Potty training can feel overwhelming, but additional resources can help. Here’s an overview of what to expect at each stage and where to find more information:

  • What to Expect: As your child starts potty training, expect initial successes followed by occasional setbacks. Children often master daytime dryness first, with nighttime dryness developing later. Encourage patience and celebrate each step, keeping in mind that progress varies.
  • Recommended Reading and Links: For in-depth reading, visit reputable sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mayo Clinic, and the NHS. Explore additional resources on potty training methods, common challenges, and developmental readiness.

When to Consult a Doctor

If your child is over age 4 and still struggling with potty training, or if regressions are frequent, consider discussing these concerns with your doctor. Some children benefit from additional support to address potty training challenges.

Managing Bowel Control and Constipation in Potty Training

Bowel control can be an added challenge during potty training. Some children may experience constipation, which can hinder their progress. To help manage this:

  • Encourage Fiber-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to support regular bowel movements.
  • Ensure Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and make bowel movements easier.
  • Create a Routine: Encourage regular potty breaks after meals to support bowel control.
  • Provide Positive Reinforcement: Praise attempts at using the potty for bowel movements to build confidence.

Addressing bowel control gently and proactively can make potty training smoother and more comfortable for your child.

 

 

 

Citations

 

 

 

Have You Read These Yet?