A common question many parents have is how and when to potty train. Most children complete potty training by age 3. It usually takes 6 months to complete potty training. It is important to be sure the child is ready to potty train.

Below are some ways to assess readiness:

  • Physiologic readiness- usually occurs between 12-18 months of age
  • Developmental readiness- the child should be able to get to the toilet on their own, sit down, pull their pants up and down, and be able to communicate to you that they need to go.
  • Emotional readiness- should show some interest in potty training and be agreeable to trying.

Some ways to ensure success include:

  • Be consistent
  • Offer frequent positive reinforcements/encouragement. Do not punish.
  • Treat constipation if present
  • If the child is not making progress, training should be discontinued for two to three months
  • Nighttime and nap training should wait until the child is consistently dry during the day

If your child isn’t making progress, stop the potty training process and try again in another two or three months.