Is My Child Ready for Potty Training?
Is My Child Ready for Potty Training?
Potty training is a big milestone for toddlers, and one that often feels just as daunting for parents as it does for little ones. Knowing when to start is the most important step, but it can be tricky to figure out the right time. Many parents ask: “How do I know if my child is ready? When is the right time?”
The truth is that readiness isn’t about age alone. Most children are ready somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, but the exact timing depends on their development, temperament, and even daily routines. The answer isn’t as simple as waiting for your child to suddenly become “ready.” In fact, many of the so-called “signs of readiness” aren’t backed by research. What matters most is your child’s developmental capabilities, not a mythical checklist. At The Healthy Child Co., we recommend focusing on gradual learning, preparation, and confidence-building not rushing to ditch nappies overnight. In this blog I give my advice on potty training.
Why “Signs of Readiness” Are a Myth
For decades, parents have been told to look out for signs like hiding to poo, pulling at a nappy, or saying they don’t like being wet. While these behaviours can be interesting to notice, research shows they’re not reliable indicators of when to start especially as nappies have changed so much in recent years. Waiting too long can actually delay progress and even affect bladder and bowel health.
Instead of waiting for signs, think of potty training as a gradual skill-building process. Experts now suggest that preparation can begin from around 18 months.
Developmental Capabilities to Look For
Instead of readiness “signs,” look at your child’s developmental stage. Most children start developing the skills for potty training between 18–30 months, though it varies. Key areas include:
Physical ability / Motor Skills: Can your child walk steadily, sit down and stand up, and help with clothing? By around 2 years old, many children can walk to the potty and manage simple clothing with support. Staying dry for at least 1–2 hours at a time, or waking from naps with a dry nappy. This shows the bladder muscles are developing enough to hold urine.
Body awareness: Do they notice when their nappy is wet or dirty? With modern nappies this needs testing with added inserts. There might be non verbal indications that they are uncomfortable and show discomfort. Do they recognise the sensation of needing to wee or poo? When they need to wee or poo, either with words, or non verbal gestures, or facial expressions such as holding their genitals.
Communication: Can they use words, gestures, or expressions to let you know? Even simple phrases like “wee” or “potty” are helpful.
Understanding: Do they show curiosity about what others are doing, e.g., wanting to copy older siblings using the toilet. Do they copy routines, like flushing or washing hands? By 2 years, many children begin connecting the urge to go with using the potty. They might also show willing or independence such as saying “I want to do it myself!”
The Three Stages of Potty Training
In my three-step potty training success guide, I focus on:
Preparation – Start around 18 months by moving nappy changes into the bathroom, role modelling toilet use, and helping your child build body awareness. Simple steps like nappy-free time or naming body parts lay the groundwork.
Practice – With skills introduced, encourage your child to try sitting on the potty at set times (e.g., morning, bedtime). Pull-ups can be used while your child builds confidence. Remember: avoid asking “Do you need the toilet?” (toddlers often say no!) instead use gentle prompts like “You know where the toilet is if you need it.”
Proficiency – When your child is consistently telling you they need to go, and using the potty most of the time, you can trial pants. Expect accidents, stay calm, and reinforce routines like handwashing and toilet time after meals.
This gradual approach mirrors how children learn any other skill: through exposure, encouragement, and practice over time.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Potty training is most successful when it’s:
Responsive – Tune into your child’s cues and support them rather than forcing.
Playful – Books, songs, and pretend play help reduce pressure and increase curiosity.
Positive – Avoid shaming or punishment. Instead, celebrate small steps and help your child feel proud.
Consistent – Use the same routines, language, and expectations each day to create lasting habits.
Remember, the average time to potty train is around 10 months, so patience is key.
When to seek support
Most children will get there in their own time, but you might seek advice from your health visitor, GP, or ERIC (the UK bladder and bowel charity) if:
Your child is over 4 years old and not yet potty trained.
They are experiencing constipation, pain, or distress around toileting.
You feel overwhelmed and would benefit from professional guidance.
Final thoughts
Potty training isn’t about waiting for a magical sign of readiness, it’s about helping your child gradually build the skills, confidence, and awareness they need. By starting preparation early, keeping the process playful, and focusing on developmental capabilities, you’ll set your child up for success. Every child’s journey is unique, but with patience and consistency, this milestone can become a positive step towards independence.
If you’d like more evidence-based guidance, check out our courses or, for personalised support, our 1:1 coaching.
Need More Support?
We cover topics like potty training. If you’d like guidance that’s evidence-based and parent-friendly, check out our courses or for more personal support our 1:1 coaching.
References
ERIC – The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity. https://eric.org.uk
Bladder & Bowel UK. Guide to Potty and Toilet Training.
NHS. (2024). Toilet training. https://www.nhs.uk/
Vermandel, A., Weyler, J., De Wachter, S., & Van Kampen, M. (2008). Toilet training in healthy children: When to start and how to achieve success. European Journal of Pediatrics, 167(4), 375–382.
Blum, N. J., Taubman, B., & Nemeth, N. (2003). Relationship between age at initiation of toilet training and duration of training: A prospective study. Pediatrics, 111(4), 810–814.
Kiddoo, D. (2012). Toilet training children: When to start and how to train. Paediatrics & Child Health, 17(6), 333–338.
Brazelton, T. B. (1962). A child-oriented approach to toilet training. Pediatrics, 29(1), 121–128.
Joinson, C., Heron, J., von Gontard, A., Butler, U., Golding, J., & Emond, A. (2009). A prospective study of age at initiation of toilet training and subsequent daytime bladder control in school-age children. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 30(5), 385–393.