When to Start Potty Training

Do you know the best time to start potty training?

Probably not. When it comes to raising our toddlers, this is one of the most common questions first time parents, and even parenting veterans struggle with. Don’t worry, the truth is, the answer is different for every child. You should be wary of anyone who tells you there is one specific age when all children should be potty trained.

To understand when to start potty training, you should first know the most obvious signs of readiness. These are physical, mental and emotional milestones toddlers must reach before they can learn to use the potty independently. Some of these signs of readiness include:

• Being curious about bodily functions and what other family members are doing in the bathroom. Children might also be curious about seeing family pets using the litterbox or doing their business outside.
• Expressing an interest in using the potty. You should know though that just because they express an interest, it doesn’t mean they’ll take right to it.
• Being able to walk well and sit upright without assistance.
• Is able to understand simple commands and carry them out, e.g. put the toy in the basket or walk to the door.
• Can communicate their needs, either through spoken words or signs such as Baby Signs.
• Is not going through an especially turbulent stage of development. It’s common for toddlers to experience brief periods of extreme negativity and tantrums as they go through the stages of development and adjust to their increasing independence and mobility. These are generally intense, but short-lived, which is why it’s best to avoid starting potty training during these times.

It’s also important to consider the family environment when it comes to making a decision on when to start potty training. While no time will ever be fully perfect and you will almost certainly have to somehow fit in everyday life around a toilet training toddler, there are certain times when you should hold off on potty training such as:

• Just before or right after the birth of a new sibling.
• One parent is away for an extended period of time because of work or illness.
• A divorce or separation.
• A remarriage or new partner moving in.
• A move to a new home.
• A serious illness or injury in the family.
• A death in the family or circle of friends.
• A change in school or daycare.

Let your child adjust to these changes before you start the potty training process and give yourself a chance to get your bearings before adding something else to your plate, especially something so significant.

When to start potty training is a highly individual question that can only be answered after observing the child for the signs of readiness and taking the family’s current situation into account.