Potty training is one of the biggest parenting milestonesβand one of the most nerve-wracking. Whether your toddler is showing signs of readiness or you’re just tired of diapers, starting the potty training process can feel overwhelming.
The good news? You donβt need to follow any one-size-fits-all method. With the right tools and a little consistency, potty training can be smoother (and even kind of fun).
In this post, weβll walk you through:
- When to start potty training
- Signs your child is ready
- Tips for getting started
- How to stay consistent with our free printable tracker
- What to do when things donβt go as planned
π§ When Should You Start Potty Training?
Most children are ready for potty training between 18 months and 3 years, but every child is different. Thereβs no perfect ageβlook for signs of readiness instead.
β Signs Your Child Might Be Ready
- They can stay dry for 2+ hours at a time
- Theyβre interested in the bathroom or what you’re doing in there
- They can follow simple instructions
- They tell you when theyβre wet or dirty
- They ask for their diaper to be changed
- They can pull their pants down and back up
If youβre seeing two or more of these signs, it might be time to give it a try.
π§΄ Getting Started: Keep It Simple
Here are our favorite tips to ease into the process:
- Let them choose their potty seat
A child-sized seat or potty chair thatβs βtheirsβ can make all the difference. - Talk about it (a lot)
Use books, dolls, or just casual conversation to normalize using the potty. - Start slow, but be consistent
Start with sitting on the potty at key times: after waking up, before/after naps, and after meals. - Celebrate every success
A high five, happy dance, or sticker goes a long way. - Expect accidents
Itβs normal. Stay calm, clean up, and move on. This is about progress, not perfection.
π Stay Consistent with a Free Potty Training Tracker
Consistency is keyβbut keeping track in your head? Impossible.
Thatβs why we made a free printable potty training tracker to help you stay on top of each day. Itβs beautifully designed in soft pastel tones and gives you space to log each potty attempt for every day of the week.
π¨οΈ π Click here to download your free Potty Training Tracker
Use it to:
- Track every attempt (even when they donβt go)
- Spot patterns (like after lunch success)
- Stay motivated with visible progress
Hang it on your fridge or bathroom door, and let your child get involved by helping fill it out.
π§ββοΈ When Things Don’t Go According to Plan…
They probably wonβt. Regression, resistance, and accidents are all part of the process.
Hereβs what helps:
- Donβt punish or shame
- Take a break and try again in a week
- Stay calm and consistent
- Focus on building routine, not just results
Remember, youβre not behind. Youβre doing exactly what your child needsβbeing present, supportive, and patient.
π¬ Final Thoughts
Potty training doesnβt have to be a power struggle. With a little planning, a sense of humor, and the right tools, you can help your child make the transition from diapers to big kid underpants with confidence.
And rememberβyou donβt have to do it alone.
π Download the Potty Training Tracker to start tracking your journey today.
You’ve got this, parent πͺ
Made with love by ParentVillage.blog






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