The typical age to start potty training is between 18 months and 3 years, with many experts recommending beginning around 18 months to 2 years old when the child shows readiness signs
. Readiness signs include the child knowing when they are wet or dirty, staying dry for at least an hour, showing awareness of needing to pee or poo, and being able to sit on and get up from a potty
. Most children make significant progress by age 3, with about 40-60% fully trained by their third birthday, although some may take longer, up to 3.5 years or more
. Starting too early, before signs of readiness, can lead to more accidents and a longer training process
. In summary:
- Introduce potty sitting around 18 months to 2 years when the child shows signs of readiness.
- Signs include awareness of wetness, staying dry for longer periods, and ability to follow simple instructions.
- Many children complete training by age 3, but individual timing varies.
- Starting later often results in faster completion, but starting earlier is possible with patience.
Consistency, patience, and choosing a time without major family disruptions are key to successful potty training