Potty Training 101: Tips, Timing & Tools for Success

Potty training is one of those big parenting milestones that can feel equal parts thrilling (goodbye, stinky diaper pail!) and daunting (how exactly do I do this?). It's a major developmental leap that teaches your child body awareness, independence, and self-care skills that will last a lifetime. Whether you’ve got a curious toddler who’s already showing signs of readiness or a little one who seems completely uninterested, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. And remember . . . every generation and parent has (eventually) figured this out. It will happen. You got this. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with potty training. We’ll share tips for creating a positive and supportive environment, handling common challenges like potty training regression, and even celebrating those small victories along the way. Remember, every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to potty training. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and confidence you need to help your child succeed at their own pace. So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger—we don’t judge!), and let’s get ready to ditch those diapers. What Is the Average Age to Start Potty Training? Most kiddos start showing signs of readiness for potty training somewhere between 18 to 30 months. But remember, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Some little ones might be eager early birds, while others might take longer. And that’s perfectly okay! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the average age at which neurotypical kids begin potty training is between 2 and 3 years old. This age range is when most children develop the necessary bladder and bowel muscle control, as well as the cognitive ability to understand and communicate their body's signals. Children with special needs are typically completely potty trained by age 5. In our experience, potty training is a topic on which well-meaning friends and family members often offer unsolicited opinions. It can be tempting to plan for potty training based on your kiddo’s age, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Pressuring a child before they are ready can backfire, leading to power struggles and a longer, more frustrating training process for everyone. Physical and emotional readiness are the keys to successful potty training. What Are the Signs Your Child is Ready to Start Potty Training? Your child might be ready to ditch the diapers if you notice these signs: Physical Signs: Stays Dry for Longer Periods (2+ Hours): If your toddler can stay dry for a couple of hours at a time, it means their bladder has matured, and they can hold it in for longer stretches. Regular and Predictable Bowel Movements: Predictable poop times are a great sign. If your kiddo’s bowels are on a schedule, it’s easier to anticipate those moments and guide them to the potty. Able to Pull Pants Up and Down: It’s easy to forget that toileting involves a series of physical tasks grownups take for granted. If your child can dress themselves, it’s more likely that potty training will be a success. Cognitive and Emotional Signs: Shows Interest in Others’ Bathroom Habits: If your child is suddenly fascinated by what happens in the bathroom (cue the endless questions and door barging), it’s a sign they’re curious and ready to learn. Expresses Discomfort with Dirty Diapers: When your kid starts pulling at their diaper, complaining, or outright refusing to sit in a soiled one, it means they’re becoming aware of their bodily functions—and that’s a great indication it’s time for potty training. Communicates When They Need to Go: Whether through words, facial expressions, or that unmistakable potty dance—if your toddler can tell you they need to go, they’re ready to start learning how to make it to the potty in time. This also includes the ability to follow simple, one-step directions like, "Let's go sit on the potty." Shows a Desire for Independence: If phrases like "I do it myself!" are common in your house, your child may be emotionally ready to take ownership of this new "big kid" skill. What Are the Signs Your Child Is Not Ready to Start Potty Training? Potty training is a big step, and sometimes, it can feel like everyone’s in a rush to get there. But just like with everything else, kids move at their own pace. Here are some signs that your little one might not be quite ready to start potty training yet: Frequent Wet Diapers: If your toddler cannot stay dry for at least an hour, their bladder isn’t quite mature enough for potty training. Resistance or Fear of the Potty: If the potty is more of a scary monster than an interesting new challenge, it’s best to wait. This can include being afraid of the loud flushing sound or feeling insecure on the big toilet. Is Going Through a Major Life Change: If your family is in the middle of moving, welcoming a new sibling, or starting a new daycare, it's best to wait until things have settled. Stability is your friend during potty training. Withholding: If you’ve begun potty training and your little one is withholding pee or poop until the point they’re uncomfortable or constipated, they’re not ready to potty train. How Long Will Potty Training Take? The million-dollar question: How long will potty training take? While some popular methods promise quick results in just a few days, most families find the entire journey—from the first introduction to reliable, independent daytime use—takes about three to six months. The average toddler learns the process in about six months. Girls typically learn faster than boys; firstborns take longer than younger siblings. And don’t forget, nighttime potty training can take longer than daytime training. Many kids stay dry during the day long before they manage to stay dry at night. This is a separate milestone that relies on physical development that can't be rushed. It’s normal, as is bed-wetting, and might take several months or even longer to achieve. How to Start Potty Training Potty training is an exciting milestone, and a little preparation can make the process less anxiety-inducing for everyone. Here’s how to set the stage for potty training success with a supportive, fun, and stress-free approach. Choose a Potty Training Method Several potty training methods exist; some might work better for your family than others. The most important thing isn't which method you choose, but that you choose one and apply it consistently. Changing your approach or flip-flopping on the rules (like taking away diapers and then bringing them back) can confuse your toddler and slow things down. The Child-Led Approach: This relaxed method focuses on following your child's cues. You introduce the potty and potty-themed books, let them see you use the toilet, and offer them the chance to sit on it. There's no pressure or schedule; you wait for them to show consistent interest before moving to underwear. The Parent-Led (Scheduled) Approach: This is a more structured method where you take your child to the potty at regular intervals throughout the day—for example, upon waking, after meals, and before leaving the house. This method helps create a predictable routine and can be effective for kids who don't always communicate their need to go. Rapid Potty Training (e.g., The 3-Day Method): This intensive method involves dedicating a full weekend to potty training. The child often goes bottomless at home, is given lots of fluids, and is taken to the potty every 15-20 minutes. It requires a lot of parental focus and clean-up but can be very effective for some children. Chairs vs. Seats Once you’ve decided that your child is demonstrating most (or all) signs of readiness, it’s time to gather your gear. When choosing a potty, you have two options: A standalone potty chair or a kid-size seat that fits on your regular toilet. Potty Chairs Potty chairs are basically toddler-sized mini toilets. They sit right on the ground, making them super easy for your kiddo to use, and their small size may feel less intimidating. They’re lightweight and portable, so you can move them to any room you need. Pros: Kid-Friendly Size: Potty chairs are small, portable, and just the right size for your little one. They’re the Goldilocks of potty options. Easy Access: Since they’re low to the ground, your child can sit down and get up easy peasy. Being able to put their feet flat on the floor can also help with pooping on the potty. Less Intimidating: For some kids, a potty chair is less intimidating than the big, sometimes noisy, adult toilet. Cons: Cleaning: Potty chairs need to be emptied and cleaned after each use, which we’re guessing you don’t really have time for. Space: They take up extra space in the bathroom, which can be an issue if you’re square-foot challenged. Extra Step: Once your kiddo masters their pint-sized potty, they’ll eventually have to transition to the standard toilet. For some toddlers, this is not an easy adjustment. Potty Seats Potty seats work like boosters for your regular toilet. Remember, if you choose a potty seat, you’ll also need a step stool. (Your toddler needs a sturdy surface to plant their feet and support proper bowel movements.) Pros: Big Kid Feel: Using a potty seat on the regular toilet can make your toddler feel like a big kid, which can be motivating. Less Cleaning: There’s no need to empty or clean a separate potty—just flush and go. Saves Space: Potty seats are small and don’t take up much space. Some even come with storage hooks, so they’re easy to tuck away. Cons: Height: Your child will need a step stool to climb up and reach the toilet, which can be an extra thing to manage. Fear Factor: Some kids find the toilet a bit daunting, especially if they’re worried about falling in or are startled by the flush. Other Essential Gear Training Pants: These can be disposable (like Pull-Ups) or reusable cloth trainers. They are less absorbent than diapers, allowing your child to feel the sensation of wetness, which helps with learning. Fun Underwear: Letting your child pick out underwear with their favorite characters can be a powerful motivator. Travel Potty: A portable potty or folding potty seat is a must-have for consistency when you're on the go. Potty Books and Videos: Reading fun stories about using the potty can normalize the process and get your child excited. Step-by-Step Guide to Start Potty Training Step 0: Talk About It! A week or two before you introduce the potty itself, start talking about it. Read books, watch a show about potty training, and let your child see you and other trusted family members using the toilet. Use positive and simple words like, "Mommy is going to the potty. Soon, you'll go to the potty, too!" Step 1: Let Your Child Sit on the Potty Fully Clothed Start by making the potty a familiar and non-threatening place, and do your best to exude low-key vibes. Let your kiddo sit on the potty fully clothed to get used to the idea without any pressure. Read a favorite book together or sing a silly song. The goal is to make the potty seem like a normal and fun part of their day. Step 2: Encourage Sitting on the Potty Without Clothes Once your toddler is comfortable sitting on the potty with clothes, it’s time to take it up a notch. Encourage them to sit on the potty without a diaper or pants. Make it extra fun by letting them fiddle on your phone or turn it into a game. Remember to keep the mood light and high-five them for trying. Try this during natural transition times, like before a bath or after waking up. Step 3: Move to Using the Potty for Peeing and Pooping Now that your child is comfortable sitting on the potty, it’s time to use it for its intended purpose. Encourage them to try peeing and pooping in the potty. You should watch for signs they need to go, like fidgeting or holding their tummy, and gently guide them to the potty. Celebrate every success, no matter how small. A little dance or a fist bump can go a long way! Step 4: Gradually Transition from the Potty Chair to the Toilet As your child gets the hang of using the potty chair, you can start transitioning to the big toilet. Use a potty seat that fits on top of the toilet, and make sure they have a step stool to reach it independently. The step stool also helps them plant their feet firmly, essential for feeling secure and for proper bowel movements. Continue to offer lots of praise and encouragement as they make this transition. Potty Training Tips for Boys Begin by teaching your little guy to sit down for both peeing and pooping. Sitting first simplifies the process and ensures they’re not trying to master too many skills simultaneously. Sitting helps them focus on what they need to do without worrying about aim or control. Once your son has the hang of pooping in the potty, you can introduce standing to pee. Learning how to aim properly into the toilet is the name of the game. We’ve found that using Cheerios or other flushable targets in the toilet can help. That said, prepare to mop your floor. A lot. Potty Training Tips for Girls The most important aspect of potty training for girls is learning to wipe correctly. Girls should always wipe from front to back to avoid bacterial and urinary tract infections. This motion helps prevent E. coli bacteria from the rectal area from being moved toward the urethra. Some kids may take a while to get the hang of it, so you may be on wiping duty until she has the dexterity to do it well by herself. Stick to the Routine Even When It Gets Challenging Consistency is critical during potty training. Set regular potty times, like after meals and before bed, and stick to them. Even if progress seems slow, maintaining a routine helps reinforce the habit. Keep encouraging your child and stay positive, even during setbacks. Potty training is a process, and every child progresses at their own pace. Be patient and avoid showing frustration if things don’t go perfectly. Remember, accidents are part of learning. Consistency and a positive attitude will help your child feel more confident and willing to keep trying. Don’t Forget to Teach Proper Hygiene! Help your kiddo develop good bathroom hygiene habits from the get-go. Hand-washing should be a routine part of the process from day one. After each potty visit, whether they went or not, make sure your child washes their hands. Using a fun, foaming hand soap can make this step more appealing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Make it fun by singing a favorite song, like “Happy Birthday” or the “ABC Song,” twice, ensuring the soap has enough time to work its germ-fighting magic. Potty Training Rewards Potty training can feel like a big deal—creating a positive environment can make all the difference. Every achievement, even the small ones, deserves praise. Don’t underestimate the power of your words. Simple phrases like “Great job!” or “I’m so proud of you!” can boost your child’s confidence. Praise the effort, not just the result. Saying, "You did a great job trying to get to the potty on time!" is powerful, even if an accident happened. For some kids, sticker charts and reward systems are seriously motivating (of course, for others—not so much). Here are some tangible rewards your toddler may respond to: Stickers Non-tangible rewards like a special "potty dance" or calling a grandparent to share the news Skittles or M&Ms Fruit snacks Small toys or trinkets Some parents like combining small, individual rewards and one big “fully potty trained” reward to keep their kids motivated. Here’s how to stay organized: Make a Chart: Create a chart or calendar with a set number of boxes. These can represent the number of successful potty attempts or days until your child is fully trained. Use Stickers: Place a sticker in one of the boxes each time your child successfully uses the potty. Celebrate Small Wins: Small rewards for individual successes can include extra playtime, a favorite treat, or a small toy. The Big Reward: Once all the boxes are filled with stickers, it’s time for the big reward! Celebrate their achievement with something extra special they’ve been looking forward to. Accidents will happen, and that’s totally normal. When they do, stay calm and reassure your child that it’s okay. Say something neutral like, "Pee goes in the potty. Let's get cleaned up." Cleaning up without fuss helps them understand that mistakes are just part of learning. Avoid showing frustration or disappointment—it can create anxiety and slow down progress. Nighttime Potty Training Nighttime potty training is a whole different ball game from daytime training, because it's less about willpower and more about physical development. Start by waiting for signs of readiness. One of the biggest indicators is waking up with a dry diaper, showing they’re capable of holding it through the night. This happens when their body starts producing an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that slows urine production overnight, and when their brain is mature enough to wake them when their bladder is full. This process cannot be rushed. Once your little one is ready to toss the overnight diaper, a few practical tips can help the transition (and save you loads of laundry): Limit Fluids Before Bedtime: Cutting back on drinks in the evening can help prevent nighttime accidents. Encourage your child to have their last big drink of the day with dinner, and just a small sip if they’re thirsty before bed. Use Waterproof Mattress Covers: Accidents are going to happen, and that’s okay! Waterproof mattress covers are a lifesaver. Layer them for easy middle-of-the-night changes: waterproof cover, fitted sheet, another waterproof cover, and another fitted sheet. Keep a Potty Nearby for Nighttime Use: Having a potty close to the bed can make nighttime trips easier for your child. Whether it’s a potty chair in their room or a bathroom nearby with a potty seat, easy access is key. A nightlight can also help them navigate their way without fully waking up. Common Potty Training Hurdles Even the smoothest potty training journey has bumps. Here's how to handle common challenges: Potty Training Regression: It's common for a potty-trained child to suddenly start having accidents. This is often triggered by stress or a major change, like a new sibling, starting school, or family tension. The key is to stay calm, avoid punishment, and go back to basics for a few days with more frequent reminders and praise. Refusing to Poop on the Potty: This is one of the most common hurdles. Many kids will pee on the potty but ask for a diaper to poop. This can be due to a fear of "letting go" or because of constipation, which makes pooping painful. Ensure their feet are flat on a stool to help with positioning, offer privacy, and if you suspect constipation, talk to your pediatrician. Fear of the Toilet: If the flushing sound is scary, let your child be the one to flush it. In public restrooms, you can place a sticky note over the automatic sensor to prevent it from flushing while they're sitting. Accidents at Daycare or School: Talk to your child's teachers to ensure you're on the same team. Send extra changes of clothes and use the same language and routine at school and at home for consistency. When to Seek Help Potty training can be a rollercoaster, and sometimes you might need a little extra support. Here’s when to consider seeking help: Your Child is Over 3.5 or 4 and Still Resisting: If your kiddo shows no interest in potty training by age 3 or 4, it might be time to seek some guidance. While every child is different, a pediatrician can help rule out any underlying physical, developmental, or emotional reasons. Regression with Other Symptoms: If your toddler was doing great and suddenly starts having frequent accidents again, especially when paired with pain during urination, a fever, or a sudden increase in thirst, it’s worth paying attention. This could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another medical issue. Chronic Withholding or Constipation: If your child is actively holding their stool for days and potty training is causing significant constipation, it's crucial to address it with a doctor to prevent long-term issues. Your pediatrician is a great resource for advice and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out—it’s what they’re there for! Finding What’s Right for You Potty training is a partnership between you and your child. By staying patient, positive, and prepared, you can empower them to master this important new skill with confidence. Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you feel empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or info@albeebaby.com.