Typical Age for Toilet Training in Children
Most children achieve toilet training between 24-36 months of age, with girls typically completing toilet training earlier than boys. 1, 2
Normal Developmental Timeline
- Readiness signs typically appear between 18-30 months 1
- Median ages for key milestones 2:
- Showing interest in using the potty: 24 months (girls), 26 months (boys)
- Staying dry for 2 hours: 26 months (girls), 29 months (boys)
- Indicating need to use bathroom: 26 months (girls), 29 months (boys)
- Daytime dryness: 32.5 months (girls), 35 months (boys)
Gender Differences
Girls consistently achieve toilet training skills earlier than boys, with a difference of approximately 2-3 months for most milestones 2. This gender difference is consistent across various studies and populations.
Range of Normal
The interquartile range for toilet training skills varies considerably:
- 6.9 to 11.4 months in girls
- 7.5 to 14.6 months in boys 2
This wide range indicates that what's considered "normal" can span up to a year, highlighting the importance of recognizing individual developmental trajectories.
Readiness Markers
Parents should look for these specific signs of readiness 1:
- Ability to walk and remove clothing independently
- Following simple instructions
- Expressive language skills
- Awareness of full bladder/rectum
- Showing dissatisfaction with soiled diapers
- Imitating toileting behavior
- Expressing desire to use the toilet
- Demonstrating bladder/bowel control (staying dry through naps)
Special Populations
Children with developmental conditions typically achieve toilet training later:
- Down syndrome: Average completion at 6.6 years (range 3-14 years) 3
- Begin training around 3.4 years
- Tell caregivers about toileting needs around 4.8 years
- Stop using daytime diapers around 5 years
- Stop using nighttime diapers around 5.9 years
Common Challenges and Pitfalls
- Starting too early (before physiological readiness)
- Inconsistent approach
- Negative reinforcement or punishment
- Ignoring readiness cues
- Toilet training during major life transitions
Second Peak of UTIs During Toilet Training
Interestingly, there is a second peak of urinary tract infections (UTIs) between ages 2-4 years during toilet training 4. This highlights the importance of proper hygiene education during this developmental period.
Nighttime Continence
Nighttime continence typically develops later than daytime control:
- Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is common until age 5
- Affects 5-10% of 7-year-old children 5
- Considered a normal developmental variant before age 5
Alternative Approaches
While conventional toilet training typically begins after 18 months, some parents practice assisted infant toilet training beginning shortly after birth 6. This approach emphasizes infant-caregiver communication for gradual acquisition of bowel and bladder control, though it is not the mainstream approach recommended by most pediatric organizations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning toilet training when the child shows signs of readiness (typically not before age 2), using positive reinforcement, and avoiding punishment or shame 5.