Toilet Training

Information on this page was originally developed by a team that created a website for families focused on "raising deaf kids" (see About Us). The content may have been edited or update.

When Should Your Child Start Potty Training?

There is no one set time to start potty training. This depends on your child:

Some start when they are 18 months old.
Some start when they are 2, 3, or even 4 years old.

Being deaf or hard of hearing does not mean that your child will start later:

If your child can communicate and shows that she is ready, she will learn to use the potty at a usual age.
If your child is more than 4 years old, it is time to start training!

Is Your Child Ready To Use The Potty?
Most children show that they are ready for potty training between 18 months to three years of age. Look for signs like:

She does not want to wear a dirty diaper
She chooses a certain place to poop
She stays dry for two hours
She makes faces, noises, or moves in a funny way when she needs to go
She asks questions about the bathroom
She knows how to put her pants on and off
She wants to wear underwear
She wants to sit on the toilet
She wants to copy you in the bathroom or flush the toilet for you
She sits still on her own for a few minutes
She knows how to follow simple directions
She stays dry overnight.

For more information see: Toilet Training Readiness (boystownpediatrics.org)

Subsections:

Get Ready for Toilet Training

Toilet Training ideas

Toilet training practice

How to help your child use the potty