Tips For Potty Training Your Toddler

Key Takeaways

Most toddlers are ready between 18 months–3 years.

Boys usually take longer than girls.

Training pants and the right potty chair make it smoother.

Patience, consistency, and routine are non-negotiable.

Regression and accidents = completely normal.

Discover parent-tested potty training tips for toddlers.

Learn the best potty training age, schedule for 2-year-olds, tools, and products.

Explore top potty chairs, training pants, and real parent experiences.”

Quick Things to Know (before your coffee gets cold)

Most toddlers are ready somewhere between 18 months and 3 years.

Boys usually take a bit longer than girls.

A good potty chair and training pants make the journey smoother.

Patience + routine = your best friends.

Setbacks?

Totally normal, part of the process.

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The Confusion Nobody Warns You About

Potty training looks simple in theory. In reality?

It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes feels endless.

When my daughter first used her potty, we clapped like she’d won a gold medal.

The next morning three accidents before breakfast.

That’s the rollercoaster: two steps forward, one back.

And if you’ve found yourself typing at 2 AM:

“What’s the right age to start potty training?”

“Why so many accidents when I thought we were done?”

“Do I have to train for nights too?”

Trust me you’re not alone.

Every parent has asked these exact questions.

How Long Does It Really Take?

Here’s the honest answer: it depends.

My daughter was diaper-free in about 2 months.

My son? Took nearly 6 months.

Experts suggest 18–30 months, but kids aren’t robots. What matters more:

Readiness signs → longer dry spells, hiding to poop, showing interest in the toilet.

Personality → some kids love independence, others fight every change.

Routine → consistency speeds things up.

And yes, moms of boys brace yourselves. Boys potty training usually takes longer.

1. Begin when your child understands basic instructions

It is important for parents to have realistic expectations from their toddlers. If you’re looking for potty training tips, don’t begin if your child is unable to follow simple instructions. Instead, if you find your child follows you or other members into the bathroom, or has longer periods of dry diaper – you can treat them as cues to begin teaching him/her.

2. Frequently take your child to the bathroom

Help your child become familiar with the concept of using a toilet for pooping. Show him the potty seat you have for him, place him gently on it so that he knows it fits him and is comfortable. Ask him if he feels the urge to poop. Later, tell him to wash his hands – these are some best potty training tips to develop a routine and encourage your toddler to poop on the seat.

3. Be patient and consistent with your child

Ideally, when you begin potty training your child, you must take her every few hours to the washroom and place her on the pot seat to poop. It may take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks for your child to finally be able to control his bowel moments and poop on the seat. Do not punish your child for pooping in his bloomer during this training period, for it may shame him and delay him from being potty trained.

4. A fixed routine will help

There are certain times in the day when the chances of your child pooping are higher. These may be right after he wakes up in the morning, or after he has had his meals – take him to the toilet repeatedly during these times and slowly his mind will get attuned to this consistent routine for using the potty. An established routine is amongst the best potty training tips for toddlers.

5. Demonstrate frequently through books and live example

If you’re wondering potty training when to start, remember that you need to prepare your child first. Just like you’d prepare your toddler for anything new – like beginning school or independent sleeping, you also need to prepare your child for potty training through stories and examples. You can read baby books about using the toilet or you can point out other family members to your child when they use the bathroom. This will familiarize and normalize the concept of potty training to your child.

6. Encourage your child with rewards

On some days, you’ll find your child is pooping on the seat while he may forget to do so on other days. Appreciate him when he poops successfully on the seat with stickers, high-fives, a trip to the park – or appreciate him in front of other family members so that he is naturally encouraged to poop on the seat every time.

7. Do not use rompers and jumpsuits while you are potty training

Use pants with elastic waist bands that your child can easily pull down on his own, while you are potty training him, so that he can independently do so and feel good about himself.

8. Help in the area your child is struggling

Sometimes, despite prolonged training children may struggle with being potty trained. Try to get to the root cause of your child’s struggle – is the toilet environment unfamiliar to him? Is the potty seat big and uncomfortable – maybe you need a training seat.

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Choosing the Right Potty

Confession: my son once flipped his potty chair upside down and played it like a drum.

That’s when I realised the potty has to be functional and fun.

Options most parents try:

Toddler-sized chairs → low, safe, easy for beginners.

Toilet seat adapters → neat for parents, but can intimidate kids.

Travel potties → lifesavers on road trips.

Pro tip: Let your toddler choose the potty. Sometimes the deciding factor is literally “I want the blue one with the cartoon.”

Training Pants – Game Changer?

Short answer: yes.

When my daughter wore cloth training pants for the first time, she proudly announced:

“Mama, wet!” My laundry pile doubled, but awareness had kicked in. That’s half the battle.

Disposable training pants → easy for daycare, outings, travel.

Cloth training pants → eco-friendly, cheaper in the long run.

Tips That Actually Work (Tried & Tested)

Keep a rhythm → after meals, naps, before bed.

Celebrate wins → claps, stickers, silly dances. It feels silly, but it works.

Model behavior → kids love copying you.

Stay neutral with accidents → no shaming, just clean up.

Books or storytime near potty → makes sitting still less boring.

What never worked for me?

Threats. They only made things worse.

Things We Don’t Talk About Enough

Day vs. night → focus on daytime first. Night dryness can take months or even a year more.

Regression → totally normal after travel, illness, or a new sibling. My son refused the potty for a week after vacationthen went right back.

Boys vs. girls → boys often start sitting, then switch to standing later.

Comparisons are useless → your neighbor’s 18-month-old might be trained. Doesn’t mean your child should be.

Parent-Tested Products That Helped

1. Baby hug Potty Chair – Budget-friendly, sturdy, very easy to clean. Great starter option.

2. Fisher Price Learn-to-Flush – Lights and sounds keep toddlers curious. Pricier, but fun.

3. Chicco Training Pants – Reusable, soft, gentle for sensitive skin.

4. Baby born Potty Chair – Super comfy and stable. Takes a bit of space though.

5. Munchkin Travel Potty – Compact, folds easily, a must-have for outings.

6. R for Rabbit Tiny Toes Seat – Fits adult toilet, perfect for transition phase.

7. Mee Mee Potty Chair – Affordable, compact, easy to move.

8. Luv lap 2-in-1 Trainer – Grows with your child. Chair + seat combo.

9. Summer Infant My Size Potty – Looks like a real toilet. Ideal for toddlers who love copying adults.

10. Oxo Tot Potty Chair – Sleek design, very steady, easy to empty.

Each has pros and cons. What worked for us may not be your child’s favorite but these are trusted by many parents.

Real Parents Speak

“I dreaded potty training, but once we bought a fun chair, my son actually asked to use it. Two months laterno diapers.” – Nidhi, mom of 2-year-old

“Daycare accidents scared me most. A routine and training pants solved half my stress.” – Priya, mom of 2.5-year-old

“After a holiday my daughter refused the potty. I thought we were back to square one. A week later, she was fine.” – Ananya, mom of 3-year-old

“Night training? Took almost a year. Waterproof mattress protector saved our sanity.” – Karan, dad of twin boys

FAQs Parents Google at 2 AM

What’s the best age to start potty training?

Between 18–36 months. But watch readiness signs more than age.

How do I know my child is ready?

Dry spells, hiding to poop, curiosity about flushing, or telling you “pee came.”

What if my toddler is stubborn?

Patience is key. Try sticker charts, songs, or let them decorate their potty.

Do I need to train for nights too?

Not right away. Focus on daytime first night dryness usually comes later.

What if my child regresses?

Totally normal. Restart gently, don’t panic. Kids bounce back faster than you think.

The Ending Nobody Tells You

Potty training isn’t just about diapers.

It’s about your child learning independence and you learning a whole new level of patience.

Yes, you’ll mop floors.

Yes, you’ll sigh. Maybe even cry. But then comes that one proud moment:

your toddler beams, says “I did it!” and suddenly every accident, every sticker chart, every late-night sheet change feels worth it.

Author Bio

The One Friday Editorial Team brings years of experience in children's fashion and retail to deliver well-researched, trustworthy content. We carefully curate style tips, product insights, and practical advice to help parents make informed choices for their children's wardrobes. Dedicated to quality and authenticity, we ensure every post reflects One Friday's commitment to comfort, style, and the evolving needs of families.

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