Potty training is one of those big milestones that, as parents, we all know is coming. But let’s be honest—it’s a milestone that can feel a bit overwhelming. If you’re a care giver wondering when and how to start potty training your little one, you’re not alone. Many of us have faced the same questions: When is the right time to start? How do I prepare my child for success? And what exactly do I need to do to teach them?
Here’s the good news: While potty training might seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and timing, you can make this transition smoother for both you and your child.
When Should You Start Potty Training?
The timing of potty training is crucial. While every child is different, there are two key factors to consider before you dive in:
Signs of Readiness: Your child should show some signs that they are ready to start potty training. This could be anything from showing interest in the potty to telling you when they have a wet or dirty diaper.
Age: Your child should be at least 24 months old. Before this age, children typically don’t have consistent control over their pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for successful potty training.
Starting too early can lead to frustration for both you and your child. That’s why it’s important to focus on more than just age—you need to consider their readiness as well.
What Does Readiness Look Like?
Biological and developmental readiness go hand-in-hand when it comes to potty training. Here’s what to look for as your child approaches the 24-month mark:
- Independence: Around this age, children start craving a sense of autonomy. They want to do things by themselves, including using the potty.
- Imitation: Kids learn a lot by watching us. If your child is starting to imitate your actions, they may be ready to mimic the steps involved in using the toilet.
- Brain-Body Connection: By now, your child’s brain is more connected to their body, allowing them to recognize different sensations and understand what to do about them. For instance, they know that when they feel the urge to pee, it’s time to use the potty.
- Language Skills: Your child’s ability to string more words together helps them communicate their needs better, which is essential for potty training.
- Improved Coordination: You might notice your child is better at walking, climbing, and even pulling their pants up and down—skills that will come in handy during potty training.
- Following Multi-Step Directions: If your child can follow 2-3 step directions, it’s a good sign they’re emotionally and socially prepared for potty training.
Other Signs of Potty Training Readiness
In addition to the developmental milestones above, look for signs that your child is interested in the potty itself. Are they telling you when they’ve wet or dirtied their diaper? Are they staying dry for longer periods, like more than two hours? These are all indicators that your child is gaining bladder control and may be ready to start potty training.
Avoid the Temptation to Start Early
While some methods promise quick potty training results, starting too early can actually backfire. You might face ongoing challenges like nap time or nighttime wetting, or even issues with your child withholding poop. These challenges can make the potty training process longer and more stressful than it needs to be.
Setting Your Child Up for Success
The real key to potty training success lies in understanding what’s happening in your child’s body and mind. By waiting until they’re both biologically and developmentally ready, you can make the process smoother and more successful.
If you think your child is ready to start potty training and you’re looking for guidance, consider checking out our online class, Potty Training: The Stress-free Guide to Success. Taught by an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and pelvic floor expert, this class will walk you through every step of the process—from preparing your child (and yourself!) to tackling challenges like nighttime wetting and regression.
Potty training doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right timing and approach, you and your child can navigate this milestone with confidence and success.
If you have concerns or questions, our clinic is here to support you with resources and personalized strategies to help both you and your child thrive. Reach out to us today to learn more.