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

No rush – every child is unique

Most children are ready sometime between 18 months and 3 years old, but the most important thing is to listen to your child’s individual signals. Starting too early can make training unnecessarily difficult and cause setbacks. Let your child take their time, this often gives the best results in the long run.

Signs your child is ready for potty training:

• Stays dry for longer periods, for example after naps.
• Shows interest in toilet visits, follows you, wants to flush or sit on the potty.
• Dislikes wet nappies and wants to be changed right away after wetting or soiling.
• Can pull their trousers on and off by themselves, or tries to.
• Shows clear body signals before needing to pee or poo, such as standing still, holding themselves, or walking away.
• Understands simple instructions like “sit on the potty.”

Does your child show several of these signs? Then it’s a good time to start!

Create a safe and positive start

When you see your child is ready, choose a calm period in your daily routine to begin potty training. Avoid major changes like moving house or going on holiday. Children need security and routine to feel confident trying something new.

Make potty training fun — buy a potty together, read a book about stopping nappies, or let your child choose underwear they look forward to wearing. Avoid pressure and never scold for accidents. It’s all part of the learning process!

Use a potty schedule – make the routine clear

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

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