Potty training
Toilet training clicks for each child at different ages, so you need to watch for clues that your toddler is ready, then ease into the training casually.
Signs of readiness
Between 18 and 24 months, children often begin to show some interest in potty training. Some may not be ready, however, until they are 2 1/2 or older. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests looking for these signs that your child is ready:
- Your child stays dry at least two hours at a time during the day or is dry after naps.
- Bowel movements become regular and predictable.
- Facial expressions, posture, or words reveal that your child is about to urinate or have a bowel movement.
- Your child can follow simple instructions.
- Your child can walk to and from the bathroom and help undress herself.
- Your child seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers and wants to be changed.
- Your child asks to use the toilet or a potty chair.
- Your child asks to wear grown-up underwear.
By age 3 or 4, most children can control their bowel movements and daytime urination. Staying dry all night may take more time. By age 5, most children will be able to stay dry all night. Girls are more likely to be trained before boys.