Do Girls or Boys Potty Train Faster?
Boy and girl toddler
There is no definite age to start potty training your child. On average, toddlers begin potty training between 18 and 30 months of age, depending on their developmental readiness and cues, according to a review published by the National Library of Medicine (National Institutes of Health).
Some parents, however, choose to begin much earlier. While early training requires consistency and awareness of infant cues, there are successful examples of parents introducing potty use around 7 months old. Learn more in “Can You Potty Train a 7-Month-Old Baby?” on Miss Poppins.
Girls vs. Boys: Who Potty Trains Faster?
Repeated studies have concluded that, on average, girls learn to potty train at faster rates than boys. A longitudinal study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology found that girls achieved nearly all individual toileting skills earlier than boys, including “staying dry during the day” (PubMed).
In that study, the median age for staying dry during the day was 32.5 months for girls and 35 months for boys. The research also found that girls tend to show readiness signs earlier—such as interest in potty use and indicating the need to go.
A separate review published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information noted that girls are typically trained about three months earlier than boys (NIH).
Even so, these are averages. Every child develops at their own pace, and both boys and girls can succeed with positive, patient approaches.
Regression Rates and Setbacks
Toilet training regression in children is a normal part of potty training. Data from Chooniez shows that a parenting resource specializing in toilet training, about 18 percent of boys experience regression, compared with 12 percent of girls (“Are Boys Harder to Potty Train Than Girls? The Science-Backed Truth,” Chooniez).
While these figures are not drawn from peer-reviewed research, they align with clinical observations that boys, on average, take slightly longer to achieve full independence and may regress more often. Regression is typically short-lived and should not be considered a sign of failure.
Concerned about Nighttime Dryness Training?
Potty training usually occurs in two stages: daytime control first, followed by nighttime dryness. Many toddlers learn to stay dry during waking hours well before their bodies can maintain dryness overnight.
According to Chooniez, boys often reach nighttime dryness six to twelve months later than girls (“Are Boys Harder to Potty Train Than Girls? The Science-Backed Truth,” Chooniez).
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that it’s common for children not to achieve full nighttime dryness until after age 5 (HealthyChildren.org). Research on bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, also supports this pattern: a 2025 meta-analysis published in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health found that boys are significantly more likely to experience bedwetting, with a prevalence rate of 7.2 percent among children and adolescents (BioMed Central).
What Affects How Quickly a Child Potty Trains?
Readiness and Developmental Maturity
Children should show signs of readiness before formal training begins, such as interest in the potty, staying dry for several hours, and communicating their needs. Starting too early may be confusing as children have their own individual milestones (NIH).
Biological and Neurological Differences
Differences in brain-bladder signaling, hormonal control, and motor development can make girls slightly faster to train. Boys’ deeper sleep patterns and slower neurological maturation may also influence nighttime dryness.
Behavioral and Temperament Factors
Children’s personalities matter. Some may resist sitting still or feel anxious about accidents, while others are eager to please and progress quickly.
Parental Approach and Environment
Responsive, positive reinforcement is more effective than pressure or punishment. Family support and consistent routines improve outcomes. In a cross-sectional study, children with stay-at-home parents or extended family support started training earlier (Brieflands).
Constipation or Medical Issues
Constipation can make potty training more difficult and sometimes painful, leading to avoidance behaviors. Pediatricians recommend addressing bowel health alongside potty training to prevent regression.
If you have more questions regarding potty training your toddler, it is always best to talk to a developmental and behavioral parent coach who can assist. Certified on-demand toddler development experts are always available on MissPoppins.