Potty training is the process of teaching a toddler to use the toilet instead of diapers. Most children show readiness signs between 18-36 months, though the average age of completion is around 27-33 months.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Watch for readiness signs — Your child can stay dry for 2+ hours, shows awareness of wet/dirty diapers (tugging, telling you), can follow simple instructions, shows interest in the toilet, can pull...
- Choose your approach:
- Gradual/child-led (AAP recommended): introduce the potty over weeks/months at the child's pace
- 3-day intensive: dedicated weekend of bare-bottom or underwear-only training with frequent potty visits
- "Oh Crap" method: commando (no pants) phase, then pants without underwear, then full clothes
- Scheduled/timed: place child on potty at regular intervals (every 30-60 minutes)
- Get the right equipment — A child-sized potty chair (on the floor) or a toilet seat adapter with a step stool; let your child help choose it; have one on each floor if possible
- Introduce the potty without pressure — Let your child sit on the potty fully clothed, then with diaper off; read books about potty training together; demonstrate or explain what the potty is for
- Establish a potty routine — Offer the potty at natural transition times: after waking up, after meals, before bath, before bed, and when the child shows signs of needing to go
- Celebrate successes without over-reacting — Use praise, stickers, or a simple reward chart for successful potty use; avoid excessive celebration that creates performance pressure
Common Mistakes
- Starting before the child is ready
- Punishing accidents
- Comparing to other children
- Inconsistency between caregivers
- Going back to diapers after starting underwear
Pro Tips
- Let your child pick their underwear
- Portable potty for outings
- Constipation is the hidden saboteur
- Boys can start sitting
- Timing matters