Potty Training: When to Start

Month 19

By now, you've probably changed thousands of dirty diapers. You're more than ready for your toddler to start potty training. But is she ready?

Going to the bathroom seems simple. But for a toddler, it takes a combination of coordinated skills she might not have yet.

Here's what your child needs to know before she can master the potty:

• How it feels when she needs to use the bathroom
• How to connect that feeling with the need to use a toilet
• How to make it to the bathroom without getting distracted along the way
• How to walk to the potty, take off their pants and sit down
• When to tell a parent or caregiver that they need to use the potty

Many kids may not be ready to start potty training until age 2 and a half or 3. But you can at least lay the foundations; remember, this is not a race but another milestone that varies with age.

Start talking about the body and the process of going to the bathroom. Have them sit on the potty so they are comfortable with it by the time they are ready to start training. It may also be helpful for them to watch a parent or other children use the toilet.

Get your child comfortable with the potty. Let her sit on the toilet, play with the toilet paper, read a story, or flush and watch the water circle around the bowl

Your Toddler's Development This Month

When your toddler throws a ball or fits a round peg into a hole, they're not just playing around. They're learning important skills that will help them develop and grow.

Playtime teaches kids:

• Physical skills like balance and coordination that will help them run, jump, and kick
• Fine motor skills, including how to grasp small objects and fit them together
• How to explore and use their imagination

Encourage these skills by making creative play a big part of your child's day.

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