What happens if you rush potty training?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 23, 2026
Training a child too early can lead to toilet accidents because the bladder may not be strong enough. It may also lead to constipation, kidney damage and even urinary tract infections, said Hodges, mainly because children are holding in their bowel movements longer than they should, said Hodges.
Should you rush potty training?
Toddlers are typically ready between the ages of 18 to 24 months, but many parents wait until their little one is a bit older, between 2 ½ to 3 years old. Some kids may not be ready until 4. It's vital not to rush the process, or your child may regress.How long should you wait between potty training attempts?
Once you take off the diaper, set a timer and plan to take your child to the bathroom every 20 or 30 minutes. One of the main causes of potty training accidents is because the child is having too much fun or is too engrossed in play to listen to their body and make it to the bathroom in time.What happens if a 3 day potty training doesn't work?
Don't worry if you've started potty training and it's just not working, or if your child has a regression. It is totally normal to go one step forward and two steps back with potty training. It is normal to see progress, and even be fully potty trained, and then go into a regression.Is the second day of potty training worse than first?
But remember, potty training Day 2 can be worse than Day 1 because the novelty is wearing off. You might have more accidents to deal with on Day 2 and feel frustrated that you're not getting through to your child.The Truth About Potty Training (6 Mistakes You Need to Avoid)
How do I restart my potty training?
Here are eight helpful tips for dealing with potty training regression.
- Stay calm. Even though you're frustrated, remind yourself that a period of regression can be normal. ...
- Don't punish. ...
- Offer positive reinforcement. ...
- See your doctor. ...
- Find out why. ...
- Sympathize. ...
- Reinforce training. ...
- Make expectations clear.
Can you start and stop potty training?
If you are frustrated that your child is not making progress with potty training, most experts agree that you should take a break and stop toilet training for a time. This will relieve the pressure on a stubborn child or one who isn't ready yet.How do you know when potty training isn't working?
Potty training rarely happens without a hitch. Flush away the biggest potty predicaments with these expert-approved tips and guidelines.
- Your child resists going to the potty. ...
- Your child has accidents. ...
- Your child doesn't recognize the need to urinate. ...
- Your child tries to play with the feces.
Should you force your child to sit on the potty?
Don't Force the IssueIf you suspect your child may not be ready, it's advisable to give them a few more weeks or months before trying again. If your child refuses to go, forcing them to go and sit on the potty will likely create a negatively charged atmosphere and can ultimately lead to more resistance.