When is it time for potty training? How to know if your child is ready

No rush — every child is different

Most kids are ready sometime between 18 months and 3 years old, but the most important thing is to pay attention to your child’s signals. Starting too soon can make training harder and lead to setbacks. Let your child take their time — this usually leads to better results in the long run.

Signs your child is ready for potty training:

• Stays dry longer, for example after naps.
• Shows interest in using the toilet, follows you, wants to flush or sit on the potty.
• Dislikes wet diapers and wants to be changed right away after peeing or pooping.
• Can pull their pants on and off by themselves, or tries to.
• Shows clear body signals before needing to pee or poop, like standing still, holding themselves, or walking away.
• Understands simple instructions like “sit on the potty.”

If your child shows several of these signs, it’s a good time to start!

Create a safe and positive start

When you see your child is ready, pick a calm time in your daily routine to begin potty training. Avoid big changes like moving or vacations. Kids need security and routine to feel confident trying something new.

Make potty training fun — buy a potty together, read a book about stopping diapers, or let your child pick underwear they’re excited to wear. Don’t pressure or scold for accidents. It’s part of learning!

Use a potty schedule — make the routine clear

Setting routines helps your child understand when it’s time to use the potty. A potty schedule makes it clear and more fun.

• Print or draw a schedule with times (e.g., morning, after breakfast, after rest, before bedtime).
• Let your child check off, put stickers on, or draw a sun each time they try.
• Praise every effort — even if no pee or poop happens each time.