Potty Training Timeline

People say there are only two things you can count on: death and taxes. But parents know that potty training is the third inevitable in life. Sooner or later, your little one has to learn to use the toilet. While there are a variety of methods for potty training your little one, every method involves similar milestones and checkpoints. By knowing what to expect and how to approach training, you can make sure that the process is as frustration-free as possible.

  1. Watching for Readiness

    • The first milestone in the potty training timeline is waiting for and evaluating your child's readiness. If you start training before your little one is ready, you could both end up being frustrated by failure. Instead, watch for signs that your child is interested in the toilet, such as wanting to be in the bathroom with you, having consistent bowel movements, having longer periods with a dry diaper and developing communication skills to tell you when she's wet or dirty. The University of Michigan Health System notes that most kids are ready to train around 24 to 27 months, but that age isn't consistent for all toddlers.

    Introducing the Potty

    • The next checkpoint is getting your child ready to potty train. Helping your little one prep for the transition can help him feel more comfortable with using the potty. For instance, you could introduce a child-sized potty and keep it visible in the bathroom so your little one gets used to its presence. Or you could show your toddler his empty box of diapers and let him know that they're all gone, or go shopping for big-boy undies to prep him for the training period.

    Active Duty

    • The active training period varies widely from child to child. Some train more easily during a two- or three-day "potty vacation," where you stick around the house and stay close to the bathroom, while other parents find that their toddler becomes trained gradually over a period of weeks or months. Research your options when it comes to training, and remember that what worked for one family might not work for you. You may also have to try different methods before finding the one that really clicks with your toddler.

    Training Maintenance

    • Even if your little one takes to potty training easily, that doesn't mean it's smooth sailing forever. Your potty training timeline might look more like a roller coaster, with periods of success followed by the occasional accident. Or your little one might be a pro at home but struggle with public restrooms. Luckily, there's no "perfect" timeline for potty training and, by expecting some ups and downs, you'll be able to put the process into perspective.

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