1. Set realistic expectations
It is essential for caregivers to understand that potty training is not a competition or a race against time. Every child develops at their own pace and should be looked at individually.
Starting potty training before the child is ready can be counterproductive. Success depends more on the child’s readiness than on adult insistence. In practical terms, this means that pushing the process too early is unlikely to help. Instead, it may make potty training harder, longer, and more frustrating for everyone.
2. When should you start potty training?
There is no single “right” age to start potty training. However, evidence suggests that most children are ready sometime between 18 months and 3 years old.
The most important factor is not age, but readiness signs.
3. What are the signs of potty training readiness?
A child may be ready to start potty training when they:
- keep their diaper dry for longer periods, around 2 hours
- show discomfort when the diaper is dirty
- can communicate needs, verbally or non-verbally
- show interest in the bathroom or in adults’ toilet habits
- can sit down and stand up independently
- have somewhat predictable bowel movement patterns
The presence of several readiness signs is more important than just one isolated sign.
4. What are the most common potty training mistakes?
Some of the most common mistakes include:
- starting potty training before the child shows readiness signs
- forcing or pressuring the child
- physically or verbally punishing accidents
- creating unrealistic expectations
- comparing the child with other children
No two children are the same. These factors may increase resistance, anxiety, and difficulties during the potty training process.
5. What is the impact of early potty training?
Starting potty training before the child is developmentally ready may be associated with:
- more frequent accidents
- urinary or stool withholding
- constipation
- stress
- resistance to the process
Research suggests that early potty training does not necessarily speed up bladder and bowel control. In some cases, it may even delay it.
6. What about night-time potty training?
Night-time bladder control is physiological and involuntary. It depends on neurological maturation and often develops later than daytime control, usually by around 5 years old or sometimes later.
For this reason, night-time potty training should not be forced.
7. What should you do if there's a potty training regression?
Potty training regressions are common. They may happen due to:
- starting potty training too early
- changes in routine, such as daycare, a new sibling, or moving house
- emotional factors
- illness
When regression happens, caregivers should stay calm and consistent, give the child time, and positively reinforce progress.
Avoid punishment, so the process remains emotionally and physically safe.
8. Step-by-Step: How to Start Potty Training
If the child shows several signs of readiness, you can start gradually.
1.º Prepare the environment:
- explain the process in simple words
- choose a potty or toilet training seat
- encourage the child to sit without pressure
- show, by example, how it works
- include potty time in the daily routine
2.º Start the process:
- remove the diaper during the day, without pressure
- take the child to the bathroom regularly
- always keep a change of clothes nearby
- react naturally and with positive interaction
- celebrate progress and normalize accidents
- use books as support - suggested book: Can I Look in Your Diaper? by Guido Van Genechten.
3.º Stay consistent
- Keep the routine, but stay flexible.
- Avoid frequent interruptions and remember that peeing is usually easier than pooping.
- Give the child time. Potty training is a process, not a one-day achievement.
