Teaching the child to use toilets is not only about potty training but also to use the bathroom properly, flushing the toilet after use and washing hands properly. Most children start showing signs of readiness for potty training between the ages of 18 to 24 months that usually consist of suspending activities for a few seconds or clutching his or her diaper when they need to urinate or have bowel movements. Others can show these signs earlier or later than this stage. Generally, it is seen that girls show these signs sooner than boys and they learn to use toilet more quickly too. Other signs that indicate that your child is ready for toilet teaching are:

* Ability to climb up and down the potty and sit on it.
* Ability to follow simple instructions.
* Having control over muscles during urination or passing stools.
* Keeping the diaper dry for more than two hours.
* Pulling or drawing diapers, underpants or disposable training pants down.
* Understanding words related to toilet and toileting process.
* Verbal expression of the need to go potty.

It is not a good idea to start the toilet-teaching process when you are traveling; when there are major changes in family life such as shifting to a new house and birth of a sibling; when the child is sick, especially when he or she is suffering from diarrhea; or when you are introducing baby to other changes such as making him sleep in a bed instead of a crib.
These periods can be stressful for you and your child and thus, it will become more difficult for you to be as patient and calm, as you need to be throughout the process. If you are going through these phases, postpone toilet teaching until the environment is stable and secure. Though the duration of toilet teaching varies from child to child, it generally takes 3 to 6 months for the child to learn how to use the toilet properly. An additional 6 months to 1 year may be needed for the child to learn how to stay dry at night interspersed with wetting and soiling accidents.