Do boys take longer to potty train than girls?

Jill Irving

BabyCentre's health visitor.

Yes. Boys usually show less interest in potty training and may start the process later than girls. Boys also tend to have more accidents and complete potty training at a later age than girls.

We don't really know why this is. Perhaps girls are more interested in being clean and dry than boys are. Or maybe it's related to developmental milestones such as talking, which girls usually reach before boys. Also, boys tend to like being on the go all the time. So anything that prevents them from doing this, such as sitting on a potty, may be objected to.

Whatever the reason, be reassured that the age at which your child is potty trained isn't related to his intelligence.

Boys and girls who start later, at about three years, often grasp the whole thing more quickly. Potty training is more likely to be successful if you let your child set the pace and you recognise the signs that he's ready to start. These signs usually appear at between 18 months and three years. But it's not abnormal for a child to still be in nappies at three, so try not to worry.

However much you'd like your son to be out of nappies, potty training can't be hurried. If he isn't ready, then it's unlikely to succeed. Rest assured that your son will pass this milestone when he's ready. Don't worry and don't feel pressure to start just because your daughter was trained earlier. Try not to compare them, as every child is different.

Last reviewed: August 2012

Track your baby’s development

Trying to conceive?


Log in or sign up to post a comment!
Potty training can be so hard, I've also been there. But luckily I stumbled upon a website and tried a 3 day method I found there. That really worked great, wish I knew of that earlier. Can really recommend it to every parent that is struggling out there!
My boy started to seat for potty at 6 month and stoped use of diaper at night at 18 month it all matters how you trained them. but still sometimes he will wake in the morning wet bed.
My son and I used these helpful tips at first but even after using them and many other resources we still had a hard time training my grandson. I came across this site that showed my son and I how to potty train his son within three days and it was even guaranteed. . . There were some great techniques and helpful information there that I felt compelled to share with others. We've been trying to potty train his son for the last six weeks with no luck, Googling potty training was turning up outdated techniques and some of them we believe were even harmful. Until we came across this site, that a friend of mines told me about and within three days it worked. We followed the instructions and "eureka" we found a successful formula. I just felt that others might have been in the same place me and my son were last week. So I hope this helps and good luck with your training.... O' almost forgot here's the site:
Today actually I am very worried about this issue of 'Potty Training'. It is been a month now since I started to potty train my boy who is 31 months old. but he still refused to show interest. Once he is out of the washroom, he refuses to inform me if he needs the washroom and goes wet everywhere. i dont understand if this is normal!

Our site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Getting pregnant
For you
Meet other mums!