When start potty training? From which age can you best start potty training? What is the average potty training age? Many parents wonder about this and scavenge the internet in search of answers. The short answer: what is considered the ‘normal’ age to start potty training is very much dependent on cultural norms, parenting philosophies and when your child was born.
Beliefs about potty training have evolved significantly over the past century. In this blog we delve into the history of potty training over the last century. We explore how the age of children, parenting styles and cultural differences have influenced this age-old practice.
The Average Age for Potty Training is Increasing
Children are becoming potty trained ever later. In the 1940s, most children were potty trained around the age of 1 year. In the Western world that average has since increased to the age of 3 years. This is due to the convenience of the disposable nappy, as well as the current prevailing view that we should wait ‘until the child is ready.’ Children in developing countries are still potty trained much earlier. For about 50% of the world population children are potty trained around 12 months of age.
The fact that children are potty trained ever later in Western societies has a huge impact on the planet. A child in disposable nappies generates around 300 kilos of waste per year. That’s around 2-3% of all household waste. Disposable nappies are very difficult to recycle. It takes about 500 years for a disposable nappy to decompose.
Potty Training in The Early 20th Century (1900-1930s)
Potty training in the early 20th century was a strict and regimented process. The common parenting advice was to finish potty training around 8 months of age. At this time, parents followed a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, adhering to rigid schedules and methods such as tying children to table legs. Parenting advice was often influenced by traditional beliefs that aimed to instill discipline and compliance in children.
“Infant Care, published by the U.S. government in 1932, instructed mothers to begin toilet training immediately after confinement and finish at 6 to 8 months. Experts urged coercive methods such as using a “soap stick” rectal conditioner and stimulating the buttocks with the “cold rim of a soap dish while gently rubbing the abdomen.” Absolute regularity was also stressed, and advice to schedule bowel movements “twice daily, after the morning and evening bath, not varying the time by as much as five minutes,” was the rule.” DeVries & DeVries, 1977
Potty Training in The Mid 20th Century (1940s-1960s)
During this period, parenting advice began to evolve with the emergence of child psychology. Dr. Benjamin Spock, a prominent American pediatrician, popularised the idea of ‘child-centered’ parenting. Parents were encouraged to observe and respond to their child’s cues, leading to a more flexible approach to potty training. The age at which potty training began extended to 18 months, taking into account individual readiness. Experts emphasized avoiding pressure or shaming during potty training, focusing on positive reinforcement instead.
In the 1960s the influential and charismatic American pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton started declaring that parents ought to wait until their children were ready. This view was supported by the authoritative American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). And it is still the prevailing view on potty training in the western world. Brazelton later became a spokesperson for Pampers by Procter & Gamble. He was the chairman of the Pampers Parenting Institute and promoted Pampers size 6 in TV advertisements. Brazelton has been criticized for his financial relationship with Pampers, with many questioning his motives.
Potty Training in The Late 20th Century (1970s-1990s)
The late 20th century saw the rise of disposable nappies, revolutionising parenthood and childcare. By the ’80s the majority of parents in the Western world were using disposable nappies. As a result, potty training was often even further delayed, with some parents opting to wait until their children were 2 or even 3 years old. This shift in age and approach was met with both praise and criticism. The ‘child-led’ potty training philosophy gained popularity, empowering children to take the lead in their readiness.
Potty Training in The 21st Century (2000s-present)
With the dawn of the 21st century, technology and globalisation now play a significant role in shaping potty training practices worldwide. Online forums, social media, and blogs are platforms for parents to share their experiences and seek advice. The age at which parents initiate potty training has continued to rise to an average of 3 years. Many experts now actively promote responsive parenting, encouraging parents to be attuned to their child’s readiness cues.
When Start Potty Training: Embrace the Diversity of Practices Across Cultures and Parenting Philosophies
From strict schedules to child-led methods, potty training has seen an evolution. As we move forward, it’s essential to embrace the diversity of potty training practices across cultures and parenting philosophies. One thing remains constant: the importance of patience, love, and support as children embark on this important journey.
There Is No One “Right” Way When to Potty Train Your Little One
Acknowledge that every child is unique and that there is no one “right” way to potty train. Remember: you are the best parent for your child ❤️. Trust your instincts and have fun potty training!
Would you like to see how other parents are potty training? Download the Go Potty app and join our community of parents for free! Would you like like to learn more about the history of potty training practices? Check out this fascinating article from the Atlantic
