How I Started Potty Training My Toddler at 17 Months (And Why It Was Easier Than I Expected)
If someone had told me I’d be potty training my toddler before they turned two, I probably would’ve laughed.
Like most parents, I assumed potty training happened sometime between ages two and three. That’s what everyone around me was doing. But after watching my 17-month-old show signs of readiness—and after changing what felt like a million diapers—I decided to give it a try.
Spoiler alert: it worked.
Now, before we dive in, I want to make one thing clear: every child is different. There isn’t one “perfect” age to potty train. Some toddlers aren’t ready until age three, while others surprise you much earlier. The goal isn’t to rush your child—it’s to recognize when they’re ready and gently support them.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to toilet train a 17-month-old, the answer is yes…if they’re showing the right signs.
Here’s everything that helped us.
Can You Really Potty Train a 17-Month-Old?
The short answer is yes.
The longer answer?
It depends less on your child’s age and more on their readiness.
Many cultures around the world begin toilet learning long before age two. In fact, diapers are a relatively modern convenience. Babies and toddlers have successfully learned to use the toilet for generations.
At 17 months, your toddler won’t have the same communication skills as a two-and-a-half-year-old. They’ll likely need more guidance, more reminders, and more patience.
But they may also surprise you.
The key is focusing on learning—not perfection.
Signs Your 17-Month-Old Is Ready
Instead of looking at the calendar, look at your child.
Some signs include:
Staying dry for two or more hours
Waking from naps with a dry diaper
Hiding when they poop
Pulling at a wet diaper
Bringing you a clean diaper
Following simple directions
Showing curiosity about the bathroom
Copying adults or older siblings
Communicating when they’ve gone
Becoming uncomfortable in dirty diapers
If several of these sound familiar, your toddler may be ready.
Why We Started Early
There wasn’t a magical reason.
Honestly?
I was exhausted.
Between diaper changes, diaper blowouts, buying boxes of diapers every month, and chasing an active toddler, I figured we’d at least try.
The worst that could happen?
We’d stop and try again later.
Instead, our toddler surprised us.
Within a few weeks, they understood the routine and began asking to sit on the potty.
It wasn’t perfect.
There were accidents.
Some days felt like we were starting over.
But overall, it was much easier than I expected.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Don’t overcomplicate things.
You don’t need every potty training gadget on the market.
Here’s what actually helped us:
Training underwear
- Full Toilet Seat Covers (for public toilets)
Easy-to-remove pants
Cleaning supplies
- Carseat Protective Cover
Waterproof mattress protector
Flushable wipes (if appropriate for your plumbing)
Lots of patience
That’s really it.
Step 1: Make the Potty Normal
Before asking your toddler to use it, simply let them become familiar with it.
Leave it in the bathroom.
Let them sit on it fully clothed.
Read books nearby.
Celebrate curiosity.
There should be zero pressure.
The potty should become just another piece of furniture before it becomes something they’re expected to use.
Step 2: Teach Bathroom Words
At 17 months, vocabulary is still growing.
Use simple words consistently.
Examples include:
Potty
Pee
Poop
Wet
Dry
Flush
Wash hands
The more your toddler hears these words naturally, the easier communication becomes.
Step 3: Learn Their Schedule
Most toddlers poop around the same time each day.
Pay attention.
Does your toddler usually poop after breakfast?
After lunch?
Right after waking?
Those predictable windows become your opportunity.
Bring them to the potty during those times instead of randomly throughout the day.
Step 4: Ditch the Diapers During the Day
This can feel scary.
But diapers are designed to keep kids comfortable.
Sometimes they’re too comfortable.
When toddlers wear underwear, they begin noticing the difference between being wet and dry.
That awareness is one of the biggest parts of potty learning.
Many families have success staying home for a weekend while their toddler wears underwear instead of diapers.
Expect accidents.
They’re part of the process.
Step 5: Celebrate Every Win
And I mean every win.
Did they sit on the potty?
Celebrate.
Did they tell you they needed to go?
Celebrate.
Did they pee in the potty?
Huge celebration.
Keep praise positive.
Instead of saying:
“Good job!”
Try saying:
“You listened to your body!”
or
“You knew it was time to pee!”
You’re reinforcing the skill rather than seeking approval.
Step 6: Don’t Punish Accidents
This might be the most important tip.
Accidents are learning opportunities.
Not failures.
Stay calm.
Say something like:
“Oops! Pee goes in the potty. Let’s clean it up together.”
Then move on.
The less emotional accidents become, the faster many toddlers gain confidence.
Step 7: Keep Bathroom Trips Fun
Nobody wants to sit somewhere boring.
Read books.
Sing songs.
Count to ten.
Blow bubbles.
Practice deep breaths.
Some toddlers relax more when they’re distracted.
Step 8: Dress for Success
Skip complicated outfits.
Avoid:
Overalls
Tight jeans
Rompers
Difficult buttons
Choose:
Elastic waist shorts
Leggings
Loose joggers
Dresses
The quicker they can pull pants down independently, the better.
Step 9: Follow Their Lead
Some days your toddler may use the potty six times.
The next day?
Not at all.
That’s okay.
Progress isn’t linear.
Avoid turning potty training into a battle.
If your child starts resisting every attempt, take a break.
Trying again in a few weeks is perfectly okay.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Expecting Perfection Too Quickly
Potty learning takes weeks or months.
Celebrate progress.
Not perfection.
Asking Too Often
“Do you have to go?”
Every five minutes quickly becomes annoying.
Instead, create predictable potty routines.
Try:
After waking
Before meals
Before leaving the house
Before naps
Before bedtime
Comparing Kids
Your friend’s toddler trained at 15 months.
Another cousin trained at three years old.
Neither matters.
Your child’s journey is their own.
Using Shame
Avoid phrases like:
“You’re too big for diapers.”
“Babies wear diapers.”
“Why did you have an accident?”
Shame creates anxiety.
Confidence creates success.
How Long Does Potty Training Take?
It varies.
Some toddlers understand the concept within days.
Others need months of consistent practice.
Being “potty trained” also doesn’t mean accidents disappear forever.
Illness, travel, growth spurts, and changes in routine can all cause temporary setbacks.
That’s completely normal.
Nighttime Training Is Different
One thing many parents don’t realize is that daytime potty training and nighttime dryness are separate milestones.
Many children stay dry during the day long before they stay dry overnight.
Nighttime dryness depends on physical development and hormones—not just practice.
Don’t feel pressured to tackle both at once.
Potty Training While Traveling
Consistency helps, but life doesn’t stop.
Bring:
Extra underwear
Multiple outfit changes
Disposable wet bags
Portable potty seat
Cleaning wipes
Offer potty breaks before getting in the car and when arriving somewhere new.
Even if your toddler has an accident, don’t assume all your progress is lost.
Potty Training a Stubborn Toddler
Some toddlers simply like being in control.
Instead of forcing them:
Offer choices.
For example:
“Do you want the blue potty or the white potty?”
“Do you want to read this book or that book?”
“Should Mommy or Daddy help?”
Giving toddlers control over small decisions often reduces power struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 17 months too early?
Not necessarily. If your child is showing readiness signs, it’s worth trying without pressure.
Should I use rewards?
Some families use sticker charts or small rewards successfully.
Others rely only on praise.
Neither approach is wrong.
Choose what motivates your child.
Should I use pull-ups?
Pull-ups can be helpful during naps or outings, but many toddlers learn faster in underwear because they can feel when they’re wet.
What if my toddler refuses?
Pause.
Wait a few weeks.
Read books.
Keep the potty visible.
Then try again.
Readiness often changes quickly at this age.
My Biggest Takeaway
Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts sooner.
I spent so much time wondering whether my toddler was “too young” because that’s what everyone else seemed to think.
But once I stopped focusing on age and started paying attention to my child’s cues, everything changed.
Potty training wasn’t perfect.
There were accidents.
There were messy days.
There were moments I questioned whether we should quit.
But there were also proud smiles, happy dances, and the excitement that comes from watching your little one master a brand-new skill.
That’s something worth celebrating.
If your 17-month-old is showing signs of readiness, don’t let age alone stop you from trying.
Start slowly.
Keep expectations realistic.
Celebrate every success.
And remember: potty training isn’t a race.
Whether your toddler learns at 17 months or 3 years old, the goal is exactly the same—a confident child who feels supported every step of the way.
You know your child better than anyone. Trust those instincts, stay patient, and remember that every small win is a step toward independence.
