Toilet training is a major milestone for toddlers—and their parents. While it marks a step towards independence for your little one, it can feel overwhelming for parents juggling accidents, timing, and preparation. 

The good news? 

With the right approach and essentials, you can make this process smoother, more comfortable, and even enjoyable for both of you.

When Is The Best Age To Start Toilet Training?

The best time to start toilet training depends on your child’s readiness rather than their age. 

Most toddlers are ready between 2 and 3 years, but every child is different and develops at their own pace.

Signs Your Child Is Ready To Start Toilet Training:

• Longer dry periods: Your toddler stays dry for at least two hours or wakes up from naps with a dry diaper.

• Interest in the potty: They express curiosity about the toilet or try to mimic adults.

• Clear communication: They tell you when they need to go or are aware of having just gone.

Is Potty Training Easier for Girls or Boys?

While boys are often said to take a little longer to train, it isn’t so much about gender as it is about individual readiness.

Some schools of thought believe it may be due to differences in when boys develop the ability to recognize bodily cues or even variations in temperament. 

The main thing is to focus on your own child’s unique pace and readiness - whether they’re a boy or a girl, consistency and patience are what matter most.

Is it harder to potty train, poop or pee?

During potty training, it's common for children to master urinating (pee) before they’re able to consistently have bowel movements (poop) in the toilet.

This is because controlling the muscles for urination tends to be easier for young children than learning to control the muscles needed for bowel movements. 

It’s a gradual process, and with time, they’ll get the hang of both.

How To Prepare

Timing is everything. 

Plan to start during a calm period in your family’s routine—avoid traveling, big life changes, or times when you’re short on patience. 

In an ideal world, it would be during a period when you can be at or close to home for the majority of the day for at least three or four days. 

Preparation is key to making toilet training successful and stress-free. Here’s a checklist of toilet training essentials:

• Potty or training seat: To make it more exciting for your little one you could choose a special one together, like a Paw Patrol potty seat.

• Toddler toilet step: Helps them feel confident and independent when using the toilet

• Training pants: Disposable options like the Joonya Pull-Up Diapers are great for transitioning from diapers.

• Mattress protectors: Essential for nighttime toilet training and bedwetting.

• Toilet training books: Stories like “Potty” by Leslie Patricelli can encourage your child.

• Rewards system: Use stickers or a toilet training chart to celebrate small victories.

Should You Use A Potty Or The Toilet For Training? 

The choice between a potty and a toilet depends on what motivates your toddler. If they’re excited about using the “big” toilet like you do, starting directly on the toilet can encourage their sense of independence—and save you from transitioning from a potty chair later on. 

However, a potty can be a great option for toddlers who feel more secure starting small. 

Ultimately, go with what makes your child comfortable and confident!

7 Tips for Toilet Training Success

Once you’re ready to start, keep these expert-backed tips in mind:

1. Start with fluids in the morning
   Offer plenty of fluids early in the day to give your toddler more opportunities to practice using the toilet.

2. Introduce the potty early
   Let your child explore the potty before starting training. Talk about how it works and why we use it.

3. Encourage regular bathroom trips
   Take your child to the potty every 1–2 hours, even if they don’t feel the need to go.

4. Dress for success
   Use clothes that are easy to remove, like elastic-waist pants or dresses.

5. Be patient and positive
   Celebrate successes with praise or small rewards, but don’t punish accidents—they’re a normal part of the process.

6. Teach hygiene early
   Show your child how to wipe properly, wash their hands with soap, and flush. Make hygiene part of the routine.

7. Plan for nighttime training
   Start by using training pants or a mattress protector. Gradually phase these out as your child learns to stay dry overnight.

Teach Them About Good Hygiene

Good hygiene habits go hand-in-hand with toilet training. Teach your child to:

• Wipe properly: Front to back for girls, and thoroughly for boys.

• Wash hands: Use warm water and soap after every bathroom visit.

• Flush the toilet: Encourage them to flush to complete the routine.

Common Toilet Training Challenges:

Accidents are inevitable during toilet training. “Stay calm and reassure your child,” says Claire Fair. “If they sense frustration, it can create anxiety around using the toilet.”

• Resistance to using the potty: Try making it fun with a special potty seat or a rewards chart.

• Holding it in: Encourage frequent bathroom visits and ensure they’re drinking enough fluids.

• Nighttime bedwetting: Use training pants or mattress protectors and wait until your child shows signs of nighttime readiness.

Planning for the Unexpected

Toilet training doesn’t always happen in a controlled environment. When you’re out and about, pack essentials like a portable potty, wipes, and a change of clothes. 

For nighttime, start slow with training pants and gradually transition to underwear when your child consistently wakes up dry.

Remember, every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach!