Potty training (also called toilet teaching) is when a child learns to pee and poop in the toilet. Most kids take about 3–6 months to learn to use the potty.

Take a relaxed approach to potty training. Start by letting your child pick a potty chair and explaining that this is where they can put their pee and poop.

When your child is ready for potty training, these tips can help:

• Talk positively about using the potty. Avoid using words like "gross," "messy," or "yucky" to describe pee and poop, as this can make kids feel shy about using the toilet. Be a role model. Show your child how you use the toilet and explain what you're doing. Your child learns by watching other people.
• Help your child learn to use a potty chair. At home, let your child practice sitting on the potty chair, which they may want to do with clothes on, with just a diaper on, or without a diaper. Ask them if they want to get a sticker (or other small reward) if they put their pee or poop in the potty.
• Watch for signs that your child needs to pee or poop. Their faces may turn red, and they may wiggle, cross their legs, grunt, or squat. When you notice these signs, encourage them to sit on the potty. If your child tells you that they peed or pooped in their diaper, suggest that next time they can put the pee or poop in the potty.
• Set a routine. Every child is different, but suggest that your child sit on the potty after waking up, about 45–60 minutes after drinking lots of liquids, 15–30 minutes after meals, and before bedtime.
• Try big-kid underwear or training pants (thick, washable underwear). For some kids, feeling the pee or poop in the underwear makes them want to put it in the potty.
• Be understanding. Some children are scared to use the potty or afraid of flushing a toilet. Help your child find a routine that works for them.
• Give rewards. Offer praise or small rewards, such as stickers, every time your child pees or poops in the potty. Be specific about praise and say, "I'm so proud you are able to use the potty so well."
• Teach good hygiene to your child. Show your children how to wipe themselves. Girls should wipe front to back. Make sure your child learns to wash their hands after they use the potty.
• For boys: You can teach your son to pee and poop while sitting on the toilet. After he has learned to poop while sitting on the potty, you can teach him to pee standing up. Sometimes putting a "target" in the potty can help boys aim their pee.

• You have questions about potty training. 
• Your child was potty trained but starts regularly having problems using the potty.
• Your child is 4 years or older and is not yet potty trained.

When should potty training begin? The best time to start potty training is when you have the time and energy, and your child is ready. Kids are ready when they're able to:

• follow simple instructions
• understand and use words about using the potty
• make the connection between the urge to pee or poop and using the potty
• keep a diaper dry for 2 hours or more
• pull down diapers, disposable training pants, or underpants
• show an interest in using the potty or wearing underpants

Most children begin to show these signs when they're 18–24 months old, but some might not be ready until later than that. Boys sometimes take longer to learn to use the potty than girls. 

Are accidents normal after a child is potty-trained? It is normal for kids to have accidents, even if they've been using the potty regularly. Most kids learn to stay dry in the daytime first and then learn to stay dry at night. It may help to let your child wear a pullup at night until they can stay dry. Stressful events like moving, the birth of a brother or sister, changing from a crib to a bed, or being sick can lead to setbacks and slow down potty training.

If your child is not getting better at using the potty within a few weeks or if they're having more accidents than before, take a break from potty training for 2–3 months, then try again.