The best time to begin toilet training is when the child is ready to learn. Genuine readiness occurs between ages 18 and 30 months. Girls are usually trained faster than boys. Most children by around age 3 are competent, confident, and comfortable enough for successful toilet training. Many children, even when toilet trained, do not have nighttime bladder control until the age of four or five. Premature efforts to potty train can be counterproductive if a child resists. The price of "pushing", especially with improper methods, can cause a loss of the child's self-esteem, damage to the parent-child relationship, and chronic anxiety or distress.

It is important to be patient with the process. Expect accidents and do not punish or shame the child for them. Children often are caught up in what they are doing, forgetting to take potty breaks. Making the child feel bad when an accident happens adds stress and hinders progress.

Behavior is a better guide than age for readiness. Children will be ready at their own pace, not when the parents or day care centers want them to be. A child is ready for potty training when the following signs are clearly present:
* dry spells increase in length and number during the day, at nap time, or after sleeping all night,
* words are spoken to communicate the need to go to the bathroom,
* there is manual dexterity to unfasten and remove clothing, wipe himself, replace and fasten clothing, and wash hands,
* urinating and bowel movements can be delayed briefly,
* the child has watched others use the toilet, and
* the child wants to be changed when wet or dirty.

Try these potty training tips when the child shows readiness:
* always praise and hug the child for success on the potty AND for sitting quietly and cooperatively even when NOT successful,
* use a child-size potty chair or potty seat,
* provide a small footstool for the child to use when having bowel movements,
* keep a container of pop-up wipes in the bathroom to make hygiene easier for little hands,
* keep a spare potty seat in the car trunk to use as needed,
* start a boy sitting to minimize sprays and dribbles on the walls and floors,
* do not allow toys or playthings during potty times, and
* switch to cloth panties or pull up type diapers for daytime wear.

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