If you’re the parent of a toddler, you're probably wondering when the right time is to start potty training. It's a common question that lots of parents ask themselves, and the answer varies depending on your child's age, temperament, and readiness.
In this post, we'll discuss the signs that indicate your child is ready for potty training and how long it typically takes to master this essential life skill. Whether you're a first-time parent or have gone potty trained a toddler before, this post will give you valuable insights and tips to make the experience as stress-free and successful as possible.
What age do you start potty training?
The answer to this question varies a lot because there’s no ‘perfect’ time to begin toilet training. Every child will become ready at their own pace, but many parents start training their toddler from around two or two and a half years old.
Children younger than 12 months old typically have no bladder or bowel control. Between 12 and 18 months they have very little control, and usually children can control their bowels before their bladder.
Most children won’t have full bowel and bladder control until around 24 to 30 months, and boys often start later than girls and it can take them longer to learn how to move on from nappies.
Don’t worry if your little one does start potty training a little later than their peers, this may just mean that they’ll learn this new life skill faster and have fewer ‘accidents’ along the way.
Signs your child is ready to start potty training
You can look out for the following signs to know if your toddler is ready to begin potty training. The more or these signs you spot, the quicker your little one should be able to learn how to use the potty.
Do they…
- know and tell you that they have a wet or dirty nappy?
- tell you that they’re having a wee and/or let you know they’re going to have a wee before it happens?
- fidget or hide when they need a wee?
Can they…
- go at least one hour without having a wet nappy?
- sit on the potty long enough to do a wee or poo and can follow your instructions?
- pull their pants up and down on their own?
How to prepare children for potty training
Potty training is an important milestone in a child's development and requires patience, persistence, and a lot of preparation. It's essential to prepare your child well in advance to ensure a successful and stress-free potty training experience.
