Making the leap from diapers to big-girl underwear is a major developmental milestone for your toddler daughter. It’s also a relief for parents to finally retire from diaper changing duties.
As you consider how to start potty training your little girl, know that one size does not fit all. Each child is her own person, which means she’ll follow her own pace when she's potty training (and it might be faster or slower than that of her pals or siblings).
As you begin the process, don’t be misled by gender stereotypes, such as girls potty train faster than boys, or they do it at a much younger age.[1] This is certainly the case for some tots (the average age for girls to master potty training is 35 months, whereas for boys it's 39 months), but not all.
Instead, offer praise at every turn, whether she produces in the potty or not. For more help, check out when you can get started potting train a girl and these smart tips to help you along the way. Good luck and stay dry out there!
When to get started potty training a toddler girl
Even if you’re ready to get the potty training show on the road, your daughter might not be. Your best bet before you jump in is to curb your expectations, as potty training readiness can actually vary by as much as a year or more between toddlers.
And keep in mind that a child’s success during the process is much more tied to her personality than any other factor, like age[2] or sex.
Still, you can be on the lookout for signs she’s ready to try, including the ability to stay dry for longer stretches, predictable bowel movements (in the morning or after lunch), and the language skills to say what’s happening with her body (“I pee now!”). And if your little girl can also pull down her own leggings by herself, she might be a good potty training candidate.
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Tips for potty training girls
Once you’ve spied some of the above readiness signs, it’s time to learn the best way to potty train a girl. To help, follow these tips:
Go shopping. Picking out cute underwear and a potty seat together might help set the tone for this exciting adventure ahead and give your child some ownership too.
Play with the potty. It lives in the bathroom, of course, but you can also set up the potty where she plays. This way, she can sit on it clothed and get used to the idea.
Pick your lingo. Whether you choose urinate or pee to describe the output, be consistent and keep it positive. You can also share the preferred terms with family, day care teachers and babysitters.
Dress for success. Tights and overalls are a no-go when it comes to the best way to potty train a girl. And though skirts and dresses are easy to handle during potty training, girls may end up accidentally getting them wet in the process of trying to go. Instead, shorts or pants with an elastic waistband are ideal. Avoid dress-up outfits or Halloween costumes, which can be tough to get off in a pinch.
Add in some books. Stories about little girls learning to use the potty are a fun way to enliven the topic. You can also offer books and toys to hold while she sits and tries to go.
Strip down. Going naked while training makes getting to the potty on time much easier. And the bare feeling may help your tot become more aware of her body’s signals.
Pick up some Pull-Ups. These disposable pants help contain accidents, but they also prevent your little girl from feeling any wetness or mess. Still, Pull-Ups are a good option to try since they act like regular cotton underwear and teach the up/down motion.
Celebrate the little things. Did she sit when you asked her to? Or did a few drops land in the potty? These victories, however small, are ones to be praised.
Offer incentives. Stickers, little toys or an outing to the children’s museum might be just the rewards that encourage your tot to keep trying on the potty. A potty training chart to keep track of the little victories can help.
Find the humor. Accidents will definitely happen as you learn how to potty train your daughter. Be sure to react with a good-natured smile and encouragement for the next attempts.
Let it go. If the process has stalled or taken a turn toward tantrums, it’s perfectly fine to take a break. And make note of any big life changes that could be impacting your little girl's potty progress, such as a new sibling, a different babysitter or the start of preschool.
- Teach her how to wipe. Girls need to wipe front to back to avoid infections, so it's a good idea to start teaching her that trick now so she has plenty of practice.
How long does it take to potty train a girl?
Every parent is dying to know how long potty training takes (maybe to brace themselves?). But the truth is that every child is different, which means some potty train faster or slower than others.
In general, you can expect potty training to take between three and six months to nail down. As for nighttime dryness, this takes many more months or even years to master. (Hang in there!).
With lots of patience and a little humor, you'll get through potty training your little girl. But keep in mind that your child’s pediatrician is your partner in this age-old process. If you have questions about the pace or progress you’re seeing, speak with the doctor. And if your tot is still untrained by age 4, be sure to bring it up so you can get some professional advice.
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