One stereotype about guys that happens to be true is that we like numbers. We’re not always good with feelings and emotions, but we’re happy with any cold, hard facts we can get our hands on. This is true for a potty training schedule. There are a lot of “experts” out there, but
it can be hard to get any real data that you can use. These are the kinds of numbers you need to make potty training easier, but they are hard to find. Fortunately, we’ve put together a definitive guide to five numbers to know before you start potty training your kid.
When Should the Potty Training Schedule Start?
Most children’s potty training schedule starts between
24 to 30 months old. Incidentally, this is much later than your parents or grandparents probably did it, as kids used to potty train at 18 months back in the seventies. That’s one reason your parents think this should be happening quicker!
When Is Too Late to Potty Training?
Okay, so we’ve given you a potty training schedule that goes for half of a year. The natural follow-up question is, “when is it too late to start?” Obviously, it’s never too late for them to learn, but research suggests that a whopping 98% of kids are potty-trained by the time they are
three years old. As long as you aren’t past that point, you’re not truly running “late.”
How Long Does Potty Training Take?
As a dad, you’ve probably figured out that unpleasant things seem to last longer when your kid is involved. That’s why the most popular potty training question is, “how long does it take?” Some research shows that the majority of children finish potty training within
seven days. Keep in mind that this potty training schedule involves the parents focus on the training and very little else so you may need to dip into those sick days!
What About Wetting the Bed?
You may know (or simply remember) that the act of wetting the bed is very different from wetting your diapers. That is, children may continue wetting the bed for long after they have been reliably potty trained. Naturally, you’ll want to know when this is likely to stop. Some research suggests that 90% of kids stop wetting the bed by the time they are
six years old. While that’s something to look forward to, it does mean there may be years of bumpy (or should we say slippery?) roads after potty training.
How Often Do I Train My Kid?
Okay, so you know the potty training schedule is about a week or so to potty train your child. A natural question, then, is how often you should take them to the potty for each day during that period. The absolute minimum (obviously) is once a day, but many parents do this
three times a day (say, once after each major meal). If you want to play it completely safe, though, you can set alarms on your phone and simply take your child at regular intervals (such as every thirty minutes or every hour).
Additional Potty Training Resources:
Potty Training Timeline What Age to Start Potty Training Your Child
