Potty training is different for every child, and while some are ready very quickly, others need a little longer to build confidence and dexterity. The reality is that every little one grows and learns at their own pace, so averages are an indication rather than a deadline.

By What Age Should My Child Be Potty Trained?

As parents, we often focus on milestones and think that there is an age by which all children should be daytime potty trained or remain dry during the night. The good news is that, when timed well, with heaps of positive reinforcement and encouragement, potty training doesn’t have to be super stressful.

To achieve a smooth transition to using the potty, you can look for cues that your child is ready and able to switch to potty-training pants. Some children start potty training well but experience a setback, which is totally normal—you can reset and try again whenever the time feels right.

One of the best signs is physical movement and activity, which may mean your child will benefit from comfortable training pants with enough absorbency to prevent leaks. When a child is completely ready, they might pick up potty training in just a few days, whereas others may take longer.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Successful Potty Training?

As babies become more curious about the world and find their feet, you need potty-training pants that can keep up while allowing your child to try pulling on and off to learn this movement.

The first step is to ensure their potty-training pants are comfortable, suitable for even the most sensitive skin, and provide sufficient absorbency to keep your little ones’ skin dry. Coterie’s The Pant is engineered for this exact purpose—toddlers can pull it on like a training pant, and parents can take it off like a diaper. It also holds up to 17 oz of liquid* to help keep leaks at bay.

*based on testing of size 5

Another useful step is to talk to your daycare or nanny about any potty-training plans to ensure your approach is consistent and that all caregivers are on board.

Potty training can be a big next step. You can work together without any stress or upsets by putting in place a gradual plan customized to your child’s age, development, and ability to communicate their need to use the bathroom.

The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Potty Training

We mentioned positivity, which can significantly impact your child's experiences. Rather than dwelling on accidents, concentrating on their successes is a great idea. You could try:

• Helping your child verbalize when they need to use the bathroom, offering praise and encouragement every time they let you know (even if there isn't enough time to get there!)
• Small rewards, such as stickers, to celebrate each win

Choosing potty-training pants that can still function as a diaper gives children reassurance through this process. This is a major progression for little ones, so breaking down potty training into smaller steps and using positive encouragement can pave the way for a smooth transition where your child feels supported at each step.