When To Start Potty Training + Signs Your Child Is Ready

Many parents find that the most effective strategy is to wait until their child demonstrates readiness and shows cues that they’re interested and not bow to pressure from friends or family because your child is a certain age.

Signs a Child Is Ready to Potty Train

Potty training shouldn’t have strict time limits. It takes a complex skill set for the brain to develop. You know your children best. Learning to use the potty may be more straightforward and rapid after your kid starts to communicate using words.

Behavioral signs your child is ready for potty training

Verbal cue

Your child may be capable of saying they’re ready to start potty training. He might say, “I peed” or “I pooped” after soiling his diaper. This communication is an excellent sign that it may be time to start potty training. 

1

They respond well to positive reinforcement

Occasionally children are delighted when bowel movements occur (“I am pooping!”). A common potty training technique is to give rewards like saying they are becoming a big-girl or big-boy.

2

How Long Does Potty Training Take?

Despite programs promising potty training in three days, it can take longer than expected. Generally, it takes about 3-5 months.

Infant Potty Training: 0-12 Month

The potty training age in some countries starts in early infancy or even at birth. This approach to potty training requires parents to be very in tune with their infants and the cues they exhibit before they pee or poop.

Older Infants and Young Toddlers (12-18 Months)

It’s not impossible to toilet train a child as young as a year old. This age is the perfect time to introduce your toddler to the training process and potty time. 

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