Is your preschooler ready for potty training? There's no magic age at which children are ready to start learning how to use the potty, but some develop the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months of age. Many parents don't start potty training until their children are 2 1/2 to 3 years old, when daytime bladder control has become more reliable. And some children aren't interested in potty training until they're closer to 3, or even 4.

Use the checklist below to measure your child's progress toward readiness, and keep in mind that starting before your child is truly ready doesn't mean you'll finish sooner – it's more likely that the process will just end up taking longer.


Physical signs

Urinates a fair amount at one time.


Has "dry" periods of at least three or four hours, which shows that her bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.

Behavioral signs


Can pull her pants up and down.

Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.



Demonstrates a desire for independence.

Takes pride in her accomplishments.

Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet.


Cognitive signs

Can follow simple instructions, like "go sit on the potty," and communicate needs, such as "I need to make peepee."

Understands the value of putting things where they belong.

Has words for urine and stool.
