Potty training is a big milestone, but how do you know when your child is ready? Recognising the signs your child is ready for potty training & tips on getting started can make the process smoother for both you and your little one. Every child is different, and starting at the right time can help prevent frustration and setbacks. From showing interest in the toilet to staying dry for longer periods, there are key signs that indicate your child is ready to begin. With the right approach, patience, and encouragement, potty training can be a positive experience. Written by Dr Maraschin, expert paediatrician.
Eating food and going to the toilet are two very basic human activities but starting potty training your child can be as stressful as introducing solids.
What’s essential to potty training is sticking to four important principals, namely readiness, time, diet and consistency.
When should you start potty training your child?
Not all children potty train at a specific age. As with other milestones there is a range of normal and your child may fall anywhere along that range. Generally, the range is between 18 months and 3 years, with the average being around 27 months.
The other thing to keep in mind when you want to start potty training is that your child will most likely potty train for pee sometime before he or she is ready to poo in a potty – a poo is quite a step forward and does often take a little longer to master.
Finally, it does take longer to be dry at night. Most children are dry at night between the age of 4 or 5 years old.
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The 4 important principles to remember when potty or toilet training your child:
Readiness
There are a number of signs that show when your child is ready to start potty training – watching out for these signs will make it easier to decide if you and your child are ready to toilet train. These include:
- Starts telling you he wants to pee or poo or that it has already happened.
- Often the child will stand up in the bath and pee. They’ll become aware of this function and communicate what they’re doing.
- Pulling at a dirty nappy or asking for it to be taken off.
- Hiding to pee or poo. For example, going behind a curtain.
- Having dry nappies for longer than normal during the day.
- Waking from naps with a dry nappy.
- Is interested in what you are doing on the toilet.
- Expresses a desire to use a potty or toilet.
- Is able to follow instructions.
- Has the ability to pull down his or her pants.
Time
We live at a very fast pace with loads of demands and, unfortunately, potty training takes time. The old idea of sitting on the loo with a magazine or your favourite book has huge merit – if you are under work pressure then now is not the time for potty training your child.
You as the parent or caregiver need to be focused on the child to be able to anticipate their need to use the potty or toilet.
You need time to sit with your child in the bathroom while he or she tries for the umpteenth time to make a pee or poo. Finally, you need to have the patience to change the 4th set of underwear should an accident happen.
The child also needs time. He may sit on the potty or toilet for quite a while without doing anything. That’s ok. No one can perform under pressure. In fact, the anus won’t let you perform under pressure.
To pass a stool comfortably, any individual needs to be relaxed and have at least 10 minutes of toilet time. Going forward a child should be allowed at least 10 minutes after each meal to sit on the toilet to maintain healthy bowel habits.
Diet
I cannot stress this factor enough: a healthy diet, which includes at least 5 servings of fruit and 5 of vegetables a day, wholegrains and adequate water will ensure that the stool is soft, sausage shaped and easy to pass. If your child is constipated then the stool will be hard and may cause discomfort and pain so they won’t happily sit on a potty.
Before embarking on training please ensure that your child is having at least one stool a day without discomfort.
Consistency
Once you have decided to begin potty training, consistency is the name of the game. It’s really important to stick to your plan and not to begin training and then revert back to nappies. For the child to get used to sitting on the potty or toilet and understanding that it’s part of the routine, you have to persist until there’s success.
Potty or toilet training is a bit like sleep training. You have to push through the upsets and setbacks in order to get the result you are looking for. This means that all caretakers need to involved – your child cannot sit on the potty at home and then be allowed nappies at school or with Granny.
The potty or toilet seat must become a feature wherever the child goes and the same routine must apply in all settings.
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BabyYumYum Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Potty Training 101: Signs Your Child Is Ready & Top Tips
How do I know if my child is emotionally ready for potty training?
Emotional readiness is just as important as physical readiness. Your child may show frustration with wet or dirty nappies, express an interest in using the toilet, or seek independence in daily tasks. If they resist strongly or become distressed, it may be best to wait a little longer before starting.
Should I use a potty or go straight to the toilet?
This depends on your child’s comfort level. A potty may feel less intimidating as it’s child-sized and easy to access, while a toilet seat insert helps them transition directly to using the toilet. Some children may prefer a combination of both.
What should I do if my child refuses to use the potty?
Stay patient and positive. Try making the potty experience fun by letting them pick out their own potty, using books, songs, or rewards to encourage them. Never force them—if they consistently resist, take a break and try again in a few weeks.
How do I handle potty training when we are outside the home?
Carry a portable potty or a toilet seat cover for public restrooms. Keep extra underwear and wipes in your bag in case of accidents. Maintain the same routine and reminders while out, so your child learns to use the toilet in different settings.
What if my child is potty trained during the day but still has accidents at night?
Night-time training often takes longer than daytime training. Most children are dry at night by 4 or 5 years old, but it varies. Encourage bathroom use before bed, limit fluids in the evening, and use a waterproof mattress protector. Avoid pressure—night-time dryness happens when the body is developmentally ready.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your child’s potty training progress, consult a paediatrician or child development specialist.
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