Potty training is a significant milestone for both children and parents. In The Comprehensive Guide To Potty Training and in The Comprehensive Guide To Timing: Knowing When To Potty Train, we discussed the readiness factors parents should observe in children before initiating potty training efforts. While parents have the best intentions and want to ensure their child is reaching important milestones and not falling behind their peers, this can lead to an unhealthy obsession with age and starting potty training based on comparisons to other children or from the advice of relatives or friends.
Age should never be used to determine the right time to start potty training. This blog post will help you identify the signs that your child might not be ready for potty training, as well as the indicators that they are ready. Additionally, we'll cover realistic ages for potty training boys and girls, and address common concerns about potty training timelines.
What are the Signs that Your Child is Not Ready for Potty Training (PT)?
- Frequent Wet or Dirty Diapers: If your child is still frequently wetting or soiling their diapers, it indicates they may not have sufficient bladder or bowel control yet.[1][2][3]
- No Interest in the Toilet: A lack of interest in using the potty or toilet is a clear sign. Children often show curiosity by asking questions or wanting to watch others use the toilet.[1][2][3]
- Inability to Stay Dry for 1-2 Hours: If your child cannot stay dry for at least 1-2 hours at a time, they may not be ready for potty training.[1][4]
- Constipation Issues: Children experiencing constipation or irregular bowel movements might not be ready for potty training. Addressing these issues first is crucial.[1][5]
- Resistance to Using the Potty: If your child shows fear, anxiety, or outright resistance to sitting on the potty, they may need more time.[4][5]
- Inability to Remove Pants or Diapers: Being able to independently remove their pants or diapers is essential for successful potty training.[1][4]
See top of page for complete checklist of signs your child is nor ready to potty train.
What are the Signs that a Child is Ready for PT?
- Interest in the Toilet: Showing curiosity about the toilet, such as asking questions or wanting to watch others use it, indicates readiness.[2][4]
- Staying Dry for Longer Periods: If your child can stay dry for at least two hours, it suggests they have developed better bladder control.[3][4]
- Regular Bowel Movements: Having a predictable bowel movement pattern is a good sign.[4]
- Ability to Follow Simple Instructions: Understanding and following basic commands is crucial for potty training success.[1][4]
- Communication Skills: Being able to communicate the need to use the potty, either verbally or non-verbally, is essential.[4]
- Independence in Dressing: The ability to pull down and pull up their pants is necessary for independent toileting.[1][4]
Below is the entire checklist of signs that your child is ready to potty train along with the age range that each sign is likely to occur:
What is a Realistic Age for PT Boys and Girls?
The average age for potty training is around 27 months, but it can vary. Boys often start and complete potty training slightly later than girls. Generally, children are ready to begin potty training between 24-30 months.[1][2]
What Age Should a Child be Fully PT?
Most children are fully potty trained by the age of 3 to 4 years. However, this can vary widely, and some children may take longer without any cause for concern.[2][5]
Is it Normal for a 2-Year-Old, 3-Year-Old, 3½-Year-Old, and 4-Year-Old Not to be PT?
Yes, it is normal. Children develop at different rates, and some may not be fully potty trained until they are closer to 4 years old. Each child's readiness can vary significantly.[2][5]
What Age is Normal Not to be PT?
It is normal for children up to 3 years old, and sometimes even older, not to be fully potty trained. Many children are not ready until after their third birthday.[2][5]
What Age Should You Worry that a Child is Not PT?
If your child is not showing any signs of readiness by age 4 or is experiencing significant distress related to potty training, it may be worth consulting a pediatrician for guidance.[2][5]
What is Considered Late for PT?
Potty training is considered late if a child is not showing any signs of readiness by age 4. However, it's important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, and late potty training is not necessarily a cause for concern.[2][5]
Is Potty Training Age Related to Intelligence?
There is no direct correlation between the age a child is potty trained and their intelligence. Potty training readiness is more related to physical, developmental, and emotional factors rather than cognitive abilities. By understanding these signs and timelines, you can better gauge when your child is ready for potty training and approach the process with confidence and patience.[5]
Sources:
1. https://brightestbeginning.com/signs-your-child-is-not-ready-for-potty-training/
2 https://www.motherandbaby.com/toddler/potty-training/signs-your-child-is-not-ready-for-potty-training/
3 https://justchillbabysleep.co.uk/2023/09/20/signs-your-child-is-not-ready-for-potty-training/
4 https://www.emmamcpherson.com/signs-your-child-isnt-ready-to-potty-train/
5 https://www.romper.com/parenting/signs-your-toddler-isnt-ready-for-potty-training