Why You Should Start Potty Training Early: The Benefits of Training Before Age 2

When it comes to potty training, conventional wisdom says to "wait until they're ready" — often meaning waiting until age 3 or even 4. But what if I told you that starting early potty training before age 2 could actually be easier, more successful, and incredibly rewarding for both you and your child?

In this comprehensive guide, I'll explore why early potty training works, the amazing benefits you'll experience, and why your 18-month-old might be more ready than you think.

The Science Behind Early Potty Training: Why 18 Months is the Sweet Spot

Here's something most parents don't realize: toddler brains change dramatically as they approach their second birthday. At 18 months, your child's natural instinct is to copy everything you do. They want to be like mom and dad, making this the perfect window for introducing new skills like using the potty.

But as toddlers get closer to age 2, this changes. Their rapidly developing brains, increased self-awareness, and emerging drive for independence leads to what many parents recognize as the "terrible twos" — boundary testing, apparent obstinacy, and a strong desire to differentiate themselves from their parents.

The bottom line? An 18-month-old who wants to copy you is much more motivated to learn potty training than a 3-year-old who's determined to do things their own way.

The Real Timeline: What Early Potty Training Actually Looks Like

Let's be honest about the trade-offs. As my husband says, "There are no solutions, only trade-offs." Early potty training does require more parental involvement initially and takes longer than the "train in a day" approach some promise for older children.

Here's the realistic timeline for early potty training:

Starting at 18 months:

• First 3-6 months: More hands-on guidance needed, occasional accidents

• By age 2: You might still carry spare clothes (rarely needed), but accidents are minimal

• By age 2.5: No extra clothes needed, no constant bathroom awareness required, your child takes full responsibility (except wiping)

• By age 3: You've forgotten about potty training — your child has been diaper-free for 1.5 years!

Compare this to waiting until age 3:

• Could take a day... or your child could refuse for another full year

• You'll have bought and changed diapers for 4 years instead of 1.5

• Common issues include poop withholding, demanding diapers for bowel movements, and power struggles

The Incredible Benefits of Early Potty Training

Financial Savings That Add Up Fast

One year of not buying diapers saves you approximately $900! When you consider that early potty training can eliminate diaper costs 1.5-2 years sooner than waiting, you're looking at savings of $1,350-$1,800 per child.

Freedom from Diaper Changes

No more wrestling with a squirming toddler during diaper changes. No more carrying a diaper bag everywhere. No more wondering if you have enough diapers for a long outing. This freedom alone is life-changing for busy parents.

Confidence Boost for Your Child

You get to see how amazingly capable your little one really is! Early potty training gives children a massive confidence boost. The autonomy and independence they gain from mastering this skill positively impact other areas of their development, too.

Reduced Environmental Impact

The average child uses 5,000+ diapers before potty training. Starting early significantly reduces your family's environmental footprint.

Why Early Potty Training is Absolutely Possible (And Normal)

If you're skeptical that young toddlers can successfully potty train, consider these facts:

Historical Perspective

In 1957, 92% of children were fully toilet-trained by 18 months. Unless children's bodies have fundamentally changed in the past 70 years (they haven't), they're still capable of this milestone.

Global Practices

60% of the world uses Elimination Communication — a practice that starts from infancy and proves that very young children can learn bathroom habits much earlier than Western culture suggests.

Real Parent Experiences

In surveys of parents who've tried both early and late potty training approaches, the results are clear: a large majority of potty training problems occur with children who start after age 2. Parents who start early consistently report positive experiences and recommend the approach to others.

Interestingly, the only parents who give the advice to "wait until they're ready" are parents who started after age 2. Parents who started before age 2 overwhelmingly say "go for it — it's so worth it!"

Is Early Potty Training Worth a Few Months of Extra Effort?

The question isn't whether early potty training requires more initial involvement — it does. The question is whether a few months of extra guidance is worth:

• Saving $900-$1,800 on diapers

• Gaining freedom from diaper changes and diaper bags

• Watching your child gain confidence and independence

• Avoiding potential power struggles that often come with later training

• Having a fully potty-trained child by age 18 months instead of 3-4

For most families, the answer is a resounding yes.

Ready to Get Started?

Early potty training before age 2 isn't just possible — it's practical, beneficial, and often easier than waiting. Your 18-month-old's natural desire to copy you, combined with their developing independence, creates the perfect storm for potty training success.

Remember, this approach has worked for generations of parents and continues to work for families around the world today. With the right guidance and realistic expectations, you can help your child master this important milestone while reaping the incredible benefits that come with early potty training success.

Ready to take the next step? Start by observing your toddler for signs of readiness: can they follow simple commands, and do they show interest in the potty or resistance to diaper changes? If so, you might be surprised by how capable your little one really is. Register for my workshop for a proven, encouraging approach that works.