When Do You Start Potty Training Your Child?
Potty training can be an exciting, and stressful, stage of parenting. The possibility of being done with diapers is something all parents look forward to! But once you start the process, it can seem very daunting. Every child is different, and every child will handle potty training in their own way. We often hear the stories of kids who potty trained in less than a week. But for every one of those kids, there are plenty more who need more time. Knowing when the right time is for your child is the key to successful potty training. So when do you start potty training?
PREVIOUSLY: The Dangers of Potty Training Too Early
Every child develops in their own way, and will hit certain milestones at different times. If you’ve got more than one child, you’ve probably experienced this! Your first may have talked or walked a bit later, while your second or third child were babbling away and up and running at a younger age. The same applies to potty training. Some kids will show readiness at a much earlier age, while others may not be ready until they’re three or older.
So when do you start potty training? Your best bet is to wait for the signs from your child.
You’ll know when your child is ready when they start showing an interest in all things potty. They may start asking questions about the toilet and using the bathroom, or want to wear “big kid undies”. Or they may take a sudden interest in their potty seat, and want to sit on it in the bathroom (or other rooms of the house!).
PREVIOUSLY: What Age Can You Start Potty Training? Well, That Depends on Your Child
Their interest in potty training usually kicks in when they’re around 2-3 years old. And it really depends on their emotional and physical development. Girls tend to show interest earlier than boys, and are easier to potty train (although there are exceptions to this rule).
Before you start potty training, ask yourself a few questions.
Can your child sit on a potty seat or toilet and get back up without your help? Does your child tell when they need to go, or show obvious signs that they need to go? Is your child able to pull down their pants and undies without your help? And does your child keep their diaper dry for at least two hours at a time? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, your child may be ready to start potty training!
When do you start potty training? There is no right or wrong answer. It’s really all about when you and your child are ready to tackle this big milestone.
(Image: iStock / romrodinka)
