Potty training is a significant milestone in your child's development, and it can be especially challenging for parents of boys. We reached out to Amanda Jenner, a potty training expert and founder of Potty Training Academy, to get her expert advice on the best methods for potty training boys.
What is the ideal age to start potty training a boy?
On average, boys are ready to start sitting on their potty a few months later than girls start potty training. Their communication skills are less developed at the same age and they’re more active, making them less likely to stop and take time out to use a potty. But all children are different and those with older siblings may be ready as early as 18 months, while others may be as late as four years.
Amanda says, "There is no set age to start potty training at all; it's just when your little one is ready. It is so much more successful when your little one is showing signs, as this means they are ready and starting to understand their body. Children don't develop bladder control until at least two and a half years to three years, so trying before can often lead to regression."
Are there any signs that indicate a boy is ready to start potty training?
From around age two, start looking for the signs that he’s ready to start potty training:
• Can he tell you his nappy’s wet?
• Is he interested in toilets, potties and wees?
• Can he follow simple instructions?
• Will he sit quietly in the same place for two minutes?
• Can he pull his trousers up and down?
• Does he exhibit good bladder control and go for two hours without weeing?
If the answer to any of these is ‘no’, it’s probably better to wait a little longer. If the answers are all ‘yes’, then he’s ready.
Amanda adds some other important signs of readiness to note:
• Stopping in their tracks when they are doing a wee or a poo indicates they are recognising their bodily functions
• Wishing for a nappy change when they are soiled indicates they are feeling uncomfortable
• Hiding when they are filling their nappy
"It's also important you use simple words like 'wee' or 'poo' when you see them soiling so they understand and associate it with what they are doing," Amanda suggests.
Potty training is a new experience for little boys and it can be scary. Getting the timing right is crucial. Avoid potty training if there’s something else big going on in his life, like a new baby, new nursery or house move. Many parents also wait till the summer to train boys as, if you have a private garden, they can run around naked and practise their aim against an unsuspecting tree marked with tape.
Seven expert-approved ways to potty train a boy
1. Let him watch and learn
Toddlers learn by imitation, so implement an open-door policy and encourage him to watch his dad or older brothers use the toilet. Even if Dad is reluctant, he should talk to his son about weeing and pooing, explaining that boys use the toilet differently from girls. Swap nappies for potty training pants or pull-ups and encourage him to take them on and off himself when he’s getting dressed.
2. Let him choose some fun underwear for motivation
If he seems to be taking potty training in stride, it’s time for a special shopping trip. To make him feel like a big boy, let him pick out his own underwear, whether it’s boxers, briefs, ones with trains on them, or his favourite cartoon character. It might be nice to make this a boys-only outing with Daddy or a close male family member. No matter who takes him, make sure he knows this is a big deal and talk about the outing beforehand.
He’ll want to keep his new underwear clean, which will motivate him. Since he might soil a few pairs in the first few days, start with seven to ten pairs to avoid running out.
3. Get to the potty ahead of time
During the early stages of potty training, take him to the bathroom or potty every hour or so, encouraging him to go instead of waiting for him to tell you. Look out for signs he needs to go, like hopping, holding his bottom, or focusing on something intently. Initially, teach him to sit on the potty for both wees and poos so he can learn the basics without getting distracted by the fun of spraying and aiming. Encourage him to push his penis down so it’s aimed correctly. If he’s sitting on the toilet just in case, don’t make him sit for longer than 2-3 minutes if he’s showing no signs of needing to go.
Have several potties on hand – at least one on each floor of your house to avoid running around in an emergency. Eventually, he’ll be able to get the potty and use it himself, so keep them within easy reach.
Accidents are inevitable, but don’t make a fuss. Calmly clean up and remind him to tell you when he needs the toilet next time. To reward successes, start a “treat bag” filled with inexpensive presents like miniature cars, Paw Patrol stickers, and bubbles (if you can avoid sweets). When he goes to the toilet and washes his hands, let him choose something from the bag to keep.
4. Make aiming into a game
Once he’s mastered using the potty and toilet, you can move on to standing up. Help him practice his aim by putting Cheerios in the toilet bowl and getting him to try and 'sink' them, or cut out toilet paper shapes for him to practice firing at. If your little boy isn't circumcised, make sure he keeps his foreskin retracted when he pees to avoid spraying and potential infections.
5. Buy the right equipment
Get a potty without a urine guard (or one where the guard can be removed). These guards protect your bathroom from splashes but can scrape the penis when he sits down, which you want to avoid.
If he’s struggling to pee standing up, consider getting him his own training urinal, which can be wall-mounted or left freestanding.
Reading a book on the toilet is a great way to keep little boys entertained and help him relax. "Pirate Pete’s Potty Book" uses bright, fun pictures and a cheer sound effect to guide children through the story of how Pirate Pete learns to use a potty.
Most boys aren’t tall enough to reach the toilet to pee, so buy a stool that they can climb up on. They can also use this to reach the sink for handwashing afterward.
Antibacterial potty-training ballsare a great alternative to Cheerios and create a fun target for boys who need help with their aim.
In addition to a potty and training seat, invest in a travel potty for when you’re out and about. The Potette Max travel potty, which can be easily folded down and stored under a buggy, makes emergency toilet breaks hassle-free with its disposable bags. It also doubles as a training seat that can be fitted onto a public toilet.
If you are confused whether to purchase a potty chair or a toilet seat adapter, Amanda says, "Using a potty is great when you start out as it's easy to move around the house or take everywhere, which is so important. Also, it's quicker when you have short notice and you can keep it in the room they spend most of the time in, making it easier for them to access alone. A toilet seat is always great to purchase and have there in case they also want to give it a try. Choose the same design or colour as the potty so then it's an easier transition."
A step stool is also a great product to help position your little one's legs correctly and it also helps if your little one is struggling to poo, also to reach when using the big toilet.
6. Make potty training fun
Personalise the potty with stickers from his favourite TV shows. Doing poos on the toilet might be trickier than wees. Encourage him to stay sitting by downloading a new game onto an iPad or buying him a new book that’s kept only in the bathroom for toilet times.
7. Reward good behavior
Good behaviour should always be rewarded, especially when learning a new skill like using the potty.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, behaviours are more likely to continue when followed by a positive consequence, like a reward.
There are many brilliant potty training reward charts to suit every child. Use these charts to reward him with a sticker every time he successfully uses the potty, as well as for good hygiene like washing hands. You can continue this as he transitions to using the toilet, learning to wipe and flush by himself.
What are the most effective potty training methods for boys?
When it comes to potty training boys, Amanda emphasises the importance of readiness and engagement.
"It's really important after signs of readiness to start your education, i.e., reading books or apps, flashcards to visually show them what they have to do. Let them choose their own potty and pants so it gets them involved from the start and makes it exciting. Use a prize reward system so they visually can see the rewards as this will hugely encourage them to want to succeed. A poo or wee emoji on the front of a wrapped prize is a system I developed to make it simple and easy to understand," explains Amanda.
Things to consider when potty training boys
• Make sure they're drinking plenty – During the day, you should make sure your tot is drinking around a minimum of six to eight fluids to stay hydrated.
• Start by sitting down – Although they'll one day master the stand up pee, encourage boys to sit down to wee to begin with, they may empty their bladder better by doing this.
• Give them a choice – Let your child choose the potty to make potty training more exciting.
• Let people know – Make sure your close relatives or childminders know your potty training routine to make sure it's consistent if your little one is away from home.
• Constipation – Constipation can be fairly common in young children but it's important for you to know the signs. As a guide, your child should be pooing at least four times a week.
• Terminology – Think about what words you plan to use with your tot to guide them through the potty training phase. What will you call pee and poo? There are also a huge range of names for their penis that you need to decide on. Whatever you choose, you must stick to it otherwise it could cause a lot of confusion for them.
• Clothing – During those early weeks, you'll want to make sure you dress your son in something that is easy for him to pull down whenever he needs to go – think jogging bottoms until he's able to feel the signs he needs to go earlier.
Common challenges parents face when potty training boys and how to overcome them?
Boys may face unique challenges during potty training, but Amanda offers some practical solutions.
"Boys can often pee upwards and this can distress them when potty training, so ensure your little one is positioned correctly and sat correctly on the potty. Becoming too engrossed in playing and leaving it too long before they use the potty is common, so it's important to keep prompting them to remind them and get them into a regular routine. Use distractions to keep them on the potty that little bit longer, like a distraction box with bubbles to help them relax," advises Amanda.
She also suggests, "Accidents need to be brushed over as much as possible. It's easy to get cross, but this will set back your child as they feel potty training is a punishment. Use positive language and just calmly explain to them where they should have gone, just so you give them a little reminder again. If setbacks occur, which can happen, this could mean they are poorly, or something at nursery is upsetting them. Find out what the setback is and try and use other rewards to get back on track. A magic box is something I feel is great fun to have, so fill it with little treats and it comes out when you feel a setback is coming. Empower them again and make them feel it's okay."
How will parents know when their child is fully potty trained?
"Fully potty trained is when your child is having no accidents or very few and rare ones. Also, showing independence to take themselves off to the toilet or potty when they feel the need to go. This can take time and every child is different, so it's a patience game. Some little ones may still need to be prompted more than others for a little longer," Amanda explains.
How long does it take to potty train a boy?
Every child is so different, the time it takes for boys to master the potty can vary. The whole process of potty training can last anywhere between three and six months. As for nighttime potty training, that can take sometime to achieve.
"It's important not to tackle nighttime potty training for at least a few months after daytime, as this can encourage daytime regression. Leave it and watch out for longer dryer periods before you start," Amanda concludes.
Remember, every child is different, and it's crucial to be patient and supportive throughout the process. Keep going with your potty training routine despite the accidents and before you'll know it they'll be using the toilet with confidence. If your little boy is struggling to get the hang of things and they're aged four or above, it might be worth visiting your GP to talk through any concerns you might have.
About the expert
Amanda Jenner, a mum of three, is the UK's leading toilet training expert and ITV's expert. The owner, director and inventor of the award-winning My Carry Potty and Potty Training Academy. With a wealth of expertise spanning multiple roles, Amanda is on a mission to revolutionise early childhood development and parental guidance to empower parents and caregivers.
For more advice and resources, visit Amanda Jenner's website atPotty Training Academy, follow her on Instagram@expertamandajenner, or check out her book "Potty Training Magic."
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Anne’s work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK. You can follow her on Instagram.