Parenting Life Guide

Published: September 3, 2026

Potty Training: When and How to Get Started

Potty training tends to go more smoothly once a child has reached a certain level of physical and emotional readiness. Based on AAP guidance, here’s an overview of readiness signs and how to approach the process.

Signs of Readiness

Being able to walk, dress and undress with help, and follow simple instructions are considered readiness markers. Showing discomfort with a wet or soiled diaper, or imitating and showing interest in toilet use, are also seen as signs a child may be getting ready.

When to Start

Starting before age 2 isn’t recommended, and the physical and cognitive skills needed tend to develop somewhere between 18 and 30 months. AAP-referenced data suggests that by around 36 months, about 98% of children can manage daytime bladder and bowel control on their own, with training typically taking about 3 months on average.

How to Approach Training

Introducing a child-sized potty into the bathroom ahead of time and practicing sitting on it at regular intervals can help. Encouraging successes with praise while moving at the child’s own pace, rather than rushing, tends to work better.

Handling Accidents

Accidents during training are considered a normal part of the process, so responding calmly by changing clothes and encouraging the next attempt tends to help more than scolding. If accidents happen often, taking a short break before trying again is also an option.

Caregiving Tip

Letting your child pick out their own training underwear or potty seat can give them a sense of ownership that supports motivation.

When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician

If daytime accidents are still frequent past age 4, or your child shows significant pain or bleeding during bowel movements, or repeated constipation, checking in with a pediatric provider may be helpful. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.