For most toddlers, the process begins some time between the second and third birthday. But a rare few start even earlier and many more don’t start until they are three. In general, girls tend to gain control over bladder and bowel movements sooner than boys. But regardless of when they start using the potty, few children master this skill until close to their third birthday. Even early starters tend to have at least occasional accidents until age three. And late starters tend to have fewer accidents, perhaps because they’re more mature physically by the time they begin. So why be in a hurry to get your child on the potty? The key to determining when your child is ready for toilet training is your toddler’s self-awareness. Your child has to know when she is going to relieve her bladder or bowels before it happens. Toilet training will fail if your child becomes aware of the need to go to the toilet only after the pee or poop is running down her leg. Watch for these signs that your toddler might be ready:
Your child’s diaper is often still dry a couple of hours after it was changed. Your child shows that she understands simple requests or instructions. Your child demonstrates the ability to mimic adult behavior. Your child has the verbal ability to let you know when she needs to go to the bathroom. Your child shows a marked dislike for wet or soiled diapers. Your child offers a tip-off when she’s about to have a bowel movement. It may be a facial expression; she might stand straight up, as still as a statue; or she might head for a particular location.
