There's no standard age at which a child is ready to start using the potty . Healthy children aren't physically and emotionally ready to start using a potty until they are between 18 months and three years old . Boys tend to be ready a few months later than girls . Most parents start the training when their children are between two years and three years old. But there's no official age, and you needn't potty train your toddler at all if you don't want to. Your child may copy others without needing any instructions, as long as you make it clear to her what she has to do, and where she must do it. You shouldn't force your child to use a potty if she doesn't want to, or if she is not ready to start.