Potty training is one of those milestones where following the child's readiness signs — rather than a calendar or social pressure — produces the best outcomes. Children who are trained too early take longer overall and have more accidents than children who start when developmentally ready.
Physical readiness signs: the child stays dry for 2 hours at a time during the day, has predictable bowel movements, and shows awareness of when they are urinating or defecating (stopping play, going somewhere private, telling you after).
Cognitive and emotional readiness signs: the child can follow two-step instructions, shows interest in the toilet, can understand simple explanations, and shows some desire for independence and control.
The average age of readiness is between 22 and 30 months, though the full range of typical is 18 months to 3 years. Boys tend to be ready slightly later than girls. Starting before these signs are present typically extends, not shortens, the process.
Once you start, consistency between home and daycare is critical. Mismatched approaches — diapers at home, underwear at daycare, or vice versa — significantly delay training. All caregivers should be aligned before starting.
Potty training regression — returning to accidents after successful training — is common and almost always triggered by a change: a new sibling, a move, a change in caregiver, or even reintroduction of diapers at sleep times. It is temporary and responds well to the same patient, low-pressure approach that worked initially.