“Potty-training” or “toilet-training” refers to teaching your child to recognize their body’s urges to urinate or have a bowel movement and use a potty or toilet appropriately. There is no specific age when your child is ready for potty-training but most children begin to be able to control their bowel and bladder between the ages of two to three years. The average age of toilet training is 27 months.

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Your child will let you know when he’s ready for potty-training. Look out for the following signs he may be ready:

• They can tell you when they needs to go to the potty and asks for diaper changes
• They can control the muscles used for going to the potty (including by having stretches of more than two hours during the day when their diaper is dry, or is dry after naps or overnight sleep.)
• Shows discomfort when the diaper is soiled
• Shows interest in the bathroom or toilet

There are many approaches to potty training. Parents should be consistent with their approach and understand that there will likely be some challenges. Every child learns at their own pace.