Haven't started yet

You haven't started potty training your child yet. But you're thinking about it. Maybe you're wondering when you can start, how to prepare, and what's involved.

A learning process

Potty training is something children learn with a little help from others. Just like learning to walk and talk. For your child, potty training means learning to sense what’s happening in their body and understanding what the toilet is for. Most children can start taking the first steps toward potty training between 1.5 and 2 years of age. This means your child will start showing interest in peeing, pooping, and the toilet. And they’ll realize that big kids and grown-ups don’t wear diapers anymore!

What should you look out for in your child?

Before taking the first step toward potty training, it’s helpful if your child can do and understand a few things. The age at which a child is able to do this varies from child to child. It depends on physical development, motor skills, and language or comprehension (also known as mental development).

Child under 2 years of age

Did you know that you can often start as early as 1.5 to 2 years old? Age isn’t the most important factor when starting potty training. It’s mainly about what your child can already do, understands, and shows. If you pay close attention to your child, you can start at the right time. Then, potty training usually goes better, easier, and faster.

Child between 2 and 3.5 years old

Starting at age 2, almost all children can begin potty training. Most children find it fun and interesting. They want to be big. Starting early has its advantages. And you’ll be ready for elementary school well in advance. For children 3 years old or older, potty training can go faster because they often understand more and can communicate better. But sometimes they’re so used to wearing a diaper that they’d rather keep playing. Then they can be hard to motivate. But physically and mentally, children are ready for it.  

Child, almost 4 years old

Is your child almost 4 and not quite potty-trained during the day yet? Or haven’t you started at all? Then it’s really time to get started. But don’t rush it—go through all the steps. Follow your child’s lead and keep things positive. Did you know that by the time your child starts first grade, they need to be able to use the restroom completely on their own? That means more than just getting to the restroom on time. It also includes putting on and taking off pants or leggings, wiping themselves, washing their hands, and returning to the classroom. Check out “Child Almost Ready for School” for more tips on how to handle stress and time pressure during this period.

Night falls later

Many parents think you also need to practice nighttime potty training. Did you know that for most children, nighttime potty training happens naturally within a few months of becoming potty trained during the day? It can also take longer, which is normal. But (unfortunately) you can’t practice nighttime potty training. Your child’s body and brain need to practice and learn to work together during the day: the bladder is full, hold it a little longer, and get to the bathroom in time. And at night: hey, wake up, the bladder is full! So keep the diaper on during the afternoon nap or at night. First, focus on becoming potty trained during the day. That’s a milestone in itself!