What is the average age kids are potty trained

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Many parents of toddlers wonder when to start potty training their child. While most children indicate they are ready to start toilet training between 18 months and 3 years, age isn't the sole determining factor for potty training readiness. Like drinking from a cup or using a spoon, using the potty is a skill that must be learned.

It is best accomplished when your child's emotional and physical development is at a certain point. Starting potty training before your child is ready can backfire and lead to frustration for everyone involved. This can ultimately result in potty training taking longer to complete.

Every child is different, but these are common indications of potty training readiness that you can keep an eye out for so that you'll know when your child is ready. Firstly, your child needs to show an interest and desire to learn to use the potty. Some ways they may do this:. You can spur this interest along by reading children's books and watching videos about using the potty, and talking about it as you go about your daily parenting life.

Modeling healthy toileting habits encourages your child to work toward this behavior as well. However, pushing the topic too much could be counterproductive. The month to 3-year readiness range is big, and where your child will fall depends on a variety of largely uncontrollable factors.

Looking closely for signs of interest can help you find the best time to start for your child. In fact, studies show a strong relationship between a child's physical readiness for potty training and their ability to routinely keep their diaper dry during naps. Note that the super absorbent diapers many children wear may make it more challenging to tell if they are truly dry, so you may need to check closely.

If a child isn't really aware of what they are doing, they are unable to control the process of doing it. This applies to peeing and pooping as much as anything else. Look for your child's own awareness of going to the bathroom, instead of using your own ability to notice their "tells" like a red face or making a certain expression.

Pretty clear signs that your child recognizes when they need to go or are in the process of going:. Your child's independence can also be displayed as an interest in trying new things. Social awareness plays a role here as well. For example, being aware of toileting behaviors of others like an older sibling or friend can prompt them to want to model those habits. If your child is going through changes or stressors, like a transition to a new home, a divorce, or having a new baby in the house, you may want to hold off on potty training until your child is feeling more secure.

To potty train, your child must be able to easily pull their pants up and down. They may not have had any reason to do so in the past, but this skill is usually easy to learn.

For all children readiness is a big factor in potty training success. Some boys may be ready as early as months but many others are close to or past 3 years old before they are ready to try the big boy underwear. Some of the signs that he is ready include that he is able to pull down and up his own pants and underwear, that he can stay dry for at least two hours in a row, and that he expresses interest in using the potty and can communicate with you when he has a wet or dirty diaper.

This might be a great father and son activity, especially since it can be helpful for your son to get some bathroom coaching from another male. In terms of role model, it might be helpful for him to watch his dad go to the bathroom and to see him both standing and sitting on the potty, so he knows the process for both ways.

One common suggestion for potty training boys is to start them out by sitting on the potty for both pee and poop. Danielle Daure notes:. Parents often rush this and there is no need. Also, young boys sometimes think they only need to urinate but once seated they realize they also need to have a bowel movement. If they are already seated this is easily facilitated.

Young children get easily distracted and can be resistant to abandoning play for a bathroom break. Let them know that after the bathroom break, they can return to playing.

The most important thing to remember with potty training is that children are individuals. While there are average timelines for when to start and when you might finish the process, your child may be ready sooner or later than the norm.

Accidents can be frustrating, but punishment or scolding during or following an accident may lead to regressions and make training take longer overall. Having the right products can make potty training easier for parents and children. But what products do you actually need? Here are seven must-haves…. When it comes to potty training twins, parents of multiples face double the challenge.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Readiness signs Share on Pinterest. Is your child ready? Do girls learn to use the potty earlier than boys?