When Do Babies Start Using Potty?

At the recent playdate, when the children were having a ball of a time, I could easily spot my nervous friend. While all the moms were laughing and sipping tea; she was on guard of her toddler with multiple tips to the toilet. My friend’s worrisome expression made me probe, only to be informed that her son has recently started using the Potty. An 18-month-old, without a diaper, in the middle of a party, calls for an anxious parent!

I, too, have been the victim of the scenario stated above. A serious concern that intrigued me after my baby’s first birthday was: When do babies start using potty? I was stressing out while inquiring pediatricians and friends, reading books, and comparing with other babies around. Only to find out much later that I was panicking way too early!

When Do Babies Start Using Potty?

Research states that most babies show signs of being Potty trained between 18 months to 24 months. However, parents should keep in mind that the concern of when babies start using potty varies from child to child. Some children may not be ready even till three years of age. Therefore, it is no surprise that some children will be Potty trained in preschool while few will remain in diapers.

It’s interesting to note that the time to use the Potty is not only age-dependent. Other factors like physical, developmental, and behavioral milestones are also responsible for figuring the right time. Environmental factors too play a key role in determining the right time to potty train. Transitions like the change of daycare or preschool, change of home, or a divorce can affect the timing to be Potty trained. It is recommended to hold off potty training until the child feels secure and the stressors calmed down.

Indicators to Tell if the Little One is Ready to Use a Potty

Ever been in a situation when your baby has a diaper explosion in the middle of a Picnic? How the parent dreads not introducing a little one to using potty way earlier. Going through these nerve-wracking experiences is a part of bitter-sweet parenting life.

I have listed various indicators to help you identify if it’s the right time to introduce your baby to the Potty.

• Communicate Needs Through Actions or Verbally

For many babies, body language will communicate that they are controlling the urge to pee or poop. For example, crossing legs, doing a pee dance, touching their diapers, or their lower body due to a full bladder. They prefer to hide in private corners, e.g., behind the curtain to pee and poop in diapers. The child will also try to start telling by pointing or verbally that they have a dirty diaper.

• Trying to Imitate

They want to imitate adults and siblings at home and peers in daycare when it’s a washroom break. Children will be interested and curious when one goes to the washroom. Maybe stand outside waiting, try to flush, pretend to sit on the commode, etc. They also want to wear the ”big kid” underwear like older children.

• A Dry Diaper

A dry diaper for a relatively long time period is a sign that they understand the concept of keeping themselves dry and clean. The window is usually 2 hours or more. Also, when the child wakes up after a nap and the diaper is all dry, it’s a strong indicator that the bladder can be controlled consciously now.

• Know-How to React to Encouragement and Praise

Potty training is dependent on motivation by parents and facilitators. When a child successfully communicates the need to go or follows all the steps, the appreciation received will encourage future behavior. Even if the child does not actually pee or poop in the Potty, praise the fact that he/she told you. Similarly, the child should be able to assess and realize the caregiver’s disapproval after an accident. These feelings determine future behaviour and understanding to use the Potty.

• Able to Dress up and Undress independently

The child should be able to pull their pants up and down independently. The process of undressing could be facilitated by ensuring that the child is dressed in easy-to-take-off clothing. At preschool I recall a 3-year-old was in the jumpsuit, and every time she had to rush to the toilet, she struggled to unzip herself. Over layering and inconvenient dressing, e.g., pants with belts, while potty training can be frustrating for children and result in accidents.

• Able to Follow Directions

The child is able to follow step-by-step directions. These include firstly, to identify the need to pee or poop, Able to find the toilet at the right time, Know when to pull down pants and underwear, Sitting, Wiping (through wipes, toilet paper of bidet), Flushing, Pull up pants and underwear and Wash hands. The child should be able to register when an adult reminds about any of the missed steps.

Other Indicators to Tell When Your Child Should Start Using a Potty Seat?

• A child can sit still patiently on the Potty for many minutes
• The child is able to walk and run to make it to the toilet on time to avoid accidents
• Willing to take the initiative by using words like ”I can do it
• The child pulls and tries to get rid of a wet or dirty diaper

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Use of Potty Seats

• How to Prepare Babies for Potty?

The struggle to potty train babies is real. However, with the right timing and patience, it can be countered smoothly.

Following are some tips and tricks to prepare your baby for the Potty, but most importantly, I have a request for parents! Accidents are inevitable: Parents, please don’t panic and be a victim of mom or dad guilt! Peeing in the pants and making a mess in the potty seats is all part of the game. However, through proper guidelines they can be countered.

• Introduce the Potty to the child in an attractive manner
• Read a book as the child sits patiently in the Potty
• Buy underwear of their favorite theme or color
• Try to empty a poopy diaper into the toilet to tell the child where the mess should go
• Do Girls Get Potty Trained Earlier than Boys?

Many might wonder if it’s a myth that boys have a hard time when it comes to starting to use the Potty as compared to girls. My experience says it might not always be accurate. It’s just that more often, girls are expressive and can communicate their needs.

My Verdict and Stance on “When Do Babies Start Using Potty Seats?”

I wish I knew about the dos and don’ts of starting to use the Potty at the time of my firstborn. The mere rush of many mothers like me is of little benefit, except that it leads to frustration and anxiety for the mom. The child too suffers as it might take longer to train, and the time could have been used elsewhere constructively. I hope the shared guidelines would benefit any parent stressing out about when do babies start using Potty?

So, when is the right time for your baby to use the Potty and tick off a milestone? Did you experience any other indicators than the ones I have shared? Do share in the comments section. After all, it takes a village to raise a child!