Potty Training 101: When to Start and What You Really Need

Potty training is one of those milestones that tends to sneak up on you. One day, diapers are part of everyday life, and the next you’re wondering if it might be time – and if you and your bub are really ready for it.

If you’re feeling unsure or quietly second-guessing yourself, you’re not alone. We’ve been there too. Potty training comes with a lot of opinions, but not always a lot of reassurance.

Here’s what we want you to know from the start: there’s no perfect timeline. This guide is here to walk you through when to start, signs your little one might be ready, and what you really need to support the transition, without pressure, expectations, or comparison.

If you’ve ever searched “when to start potty training,” you’ve probably seen a wide range of answers. Most children show readiness somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, but age alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

What matters more is your toddler’s developmental readiness, physically, emotionally, and socially. Some kids are eager to try early on, while others need more time. Some will start strong, pause, and come back to it later.

All of that is normal.

If you’re feeling behind, you’re not. Potty training isn’t a race, and starting later doesn’t mean you’ve missed anything. Some days will feel easy. Others will feel like a step backward. Both are part of learning for your child and for you. It may not feel like it in the moment, but potty training is one of those milestones that always works itself out. Your child will learn, even if it takes longer than you expected.

Instead of focusing on age or timelines, it can be more helpful to look for small, everyday cues that show your child may be ready to begin. These signs often appear gradually and not all at once.

Some common signs of bub is ready for potty training include:

• Staying dry for longer stretches
• Showing interest in the bathroom or wanting to “try”
• Communicating when their diaper is wet or dirty
• Following simple instructions
• Wanting more independence (“I do it myself” moments)

And if your little one isn’t showing many of these yet, that’s okay too. Every child reaches readiness at their own pace.

You don’t need a lot to start potty training. In fact, many parents find that fewer, more thoughtful essentials help the process feel calmer and more manageable.

A Waterproof Pad for Everyday Accidents 

During potty training, accidents don’t just happen in the bathroom. They can happen on beds during night training, on the couch during a quiet moment, or anywhere your child feels comfortable at home.

A soft, waterproof pad can be incredibly helpful during this stage. Many parents use it to line the bed overnight, protect furniture, or create a worry-free spot at home while their child is still learning. It’s easy to move, simple to wash, and offers a bit of peace of mind when accidents are part of the process.

Sometimes it’s less about preventing accidents and more about knowing you’re prepared for them.

Dry Wipes for Everyday Cleanups

Accidents happen, and having something gentle and reliable within reach can make a big difference. Dry Baby Wipes are useful for quick cleanups, wiping hands, or pairing with water during potty practice.

They’re soft on skin, easy to use, and a simple addition to your bathroom or potty setup during this transition phase.

A Mini Potty or Toilet Insert

Whether you choose a standalone mini potty or a toilet insert, having an option that feels accessible can help build confidence. Some children prefer a potty that’s just their size, while others like using the big toilet with a bit of support.

There’s no right choice here. It’s about what feels most comfortable for your child.

Drop-Bottom Rompers

Clothing can either support independence or slow things down. Pieces that are easy to pull up and down like our Drop Bottom Rompers make bathroom trips quicker and less frustrating, especially for little ones still mastering coordination.

Less fumbling often means fewer accidents and more confidence for little ones learning to listen to their bodies.

Soft, Comfortable Underwear

Switching to big kid underwear is a big step, and it can feel exciting and intimidating at the same time. Choosing pairs made from soft, breathable fabrics helps little ones feel comfortable as they learn.

Underwear that’s easy to pull up and down encourages independence, while gentle waistbands help avoid discomfort during long days of practice. Feeling good in what they’re wearing can make a big difference.

Daytime potty training usually comes first. Nighttime dryness often develops later because it’s largely biological, not behavioral.

Many children continue to need protection overnight well after they’re using the potty during the day. This is completely normal and not something you can rush. Supporting good sleep while your child’s body catches up is often the most supportive approach.

Accidents aren’t setbacks. They’re part of learning.

They don’t mean your child isn’t ready, and they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Staying calm and supportive helps your child feel safe to keep trying. A simple response like, “Your body is still learning. Let’s clean up and try again next time,” keeps the focus on progress, not pressure.

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Potty training is just one small chapter in your child’s growing independence. However it unfolds whether its slowly, quickly, or somewhere in between. What matters most is that your child feels supported and safe.

Thoughtfully designed essentials can help smooth the bumps along the way, but it’s your patience, encouragement, and presence that carry them through. And if today felt hard or messy, tomorrow is always a fresh start.

You’ve got this and we’re right here with you.