Potty training is a major developmental milestone, meaning it can be a very stressful time for parents. By understanding the average timeline, what to look for in readiness, and what to expect as a whole, though, this process can become much smoother and quite a bit less painful. However, don't get overly concerned with the numbers or statistics. They are supplied to give parents a general timeline and for reference. They should not be looked at as goals or guidelines as each child is different and will have their own potty training experience. Take a deep breath: there's no relationship between potty training age and intelligence, aptitude or future achievement.
What is the average potty training age for girls?
In The Comprehensive Guide To Potty Training, we learned that the average age that children in the US are potty trained is currently 36.5 months of age, with girls potty trained at 35 months and boys a few months later at 39 months. According to Abigail Klemsz, M.D., a pediatrician at Riley Children's Health, 40% to 60% of children are potty trained by 36 months of age.
Is it normal for a 3 year old or a 4 year old not to be potty trained?
Of course there are always outliers with every statistic and potty training is no different. So it is normal for a 3 year old and in some cases even a 4 year old not to be potty trained. There are late bloomers and parents don't need to panic if a child falls into this category. 98 % of 4 year olds are potty trained.
What percent of 3 year olds are not potty trained?What percent of 4 year olds are not potty trained?
On the website Tampabay.com, pediatrician and mother, Karen Enberg provides the following numbers: About 4 percent of children are potty trained at age 2; about 22 percent by 2.5 years; 40 to 60 percent at age 3; and 88 percent by 3.5 years. And 2 percent are still figuring it out at age 4.
What is the average age that a child (girl or boy) is fully potty trained?
Girls are fully potty trained by 45 months of age and boys are fully trained at 49 months. On average, children are fully potty trained for nighttime about 10 months after they master daytime training. Nighttime potty training requires higher levels of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), which helps manage water and salt levels in the body and controls urine excretion. Once the amount of ADH produced in a child's brain is high enough to keep the child dry during the daytime, it takes on average 10 months for higher levels of ADH to be available for night time dryness.
What is the average potty training age around the world?
In more than half of the world, children are potty trained by the age of one. This is more common in underdeveloped regions where access to sanitation, waste treatment systems, and disposable diapers is limited. The mothers use a method known as Elimination Communication or Infant Potty Training. This involves the mother recognizing their baby’s signals and positioning them over a container to catch urine and feces. However, Infant Potty Training is a misnomer as this method is about the mother managing waste rather than the infant being truly potty trained. True potty training that is carried out by the child without parental assistance does not occur until after 12 months of age at the very earliest and more likely after 18 months of age.
What is the youngest that a baby can be potty trained?
Although some proud mothers may take exception, it is rare for children under one year of age to be potty trained. Children are unable to control their bladder or bowels under 12 months of age. They have little control between 12 and 18 months and full control usually develops between 24 to 48 months. Therefore, while some infants may respond to cues from their parents, genuine potty training before 18 months is unlikely.
Does the US potty train later than other countries?
Despite some misconceptions, children in the U.S. are not potty trained significantly later than those in other developed nations. The average potty training age in all developed countries is around 36 months. While over half of the world potty trains by one year of age, it's misleading to indicate American children are behind their counter parts from around the world. The global average is influenced by the early potty training practices of large numbers of children from poorer regions, driven by necessity rather than choice.
What is the best age to potty train a child? What is the potty training readiness signs checklist?
The best time to start potty training is not based on age but on readiness signs. Look for indicators such as the ability to walk, sit, pull pants up and down, follow simple instructions, and show interest in using the potty. These skills form the foundation for successful potty training. The 21 potty training readiness sign checklist is shown below.
How does a parent know when their daughter is ready to start potty training?
After a child masters the skills and abilities on the potty training readiness signs checklist, they are ready to begin the process of potty training. Potty training requires children to combine several smaller milestones like walking, following directions and sitting in proper sequence, while learning to recognize and control the sensations of the bladder and bowels.
What are the signs that a child (girl or boy) is not ready to start potty training?
If your child cannot communicate their need to use the potty, follow simple directions, or shows no interest in the potty, it may be too early to start potty training. Waiting until they master the smaller skills will lead to better results. Here are the signs indicating a child is not ready to start potty training:
By recognizing the potty training readiness signs and following your pediatricians advice, you can make potty training a positive experience for both you and your child. Remember, every child is different, and patience and encouragement are key. Good luck on your potty training journey!