How has the potty training age in the US changed over the last century?
The events that have extended the potty training age in the US over the past century are:
- In the 1920s and 1930s, children in the US were often potty trained at an incredibly early age, typically between 6 to 8 months. This period marked the earliest recorded age for potty training in US history.
- However, following World War II, in the late 1940's and 1950's there was a shift in the approach to potty training. Medical professionals sought to move away from the coercive and sometimes abusive methods that had been prevalent in earlier generations. As a result, the average age for potty training increased to around 18 months.
- The landscape of potty training changed significantly with the invention of the disposable diaper in 1959. Mass production of disposable diapers by Procter & Gamble in 1969 further influenced the age at which children were potty trained, pushing it to around 24 months.
- The 1970s saw the emergence of the "Diaper Wars" between Procter & Gamble, the makers of Pampers, and Kimberly Clark, the makers of Huggies. This competition led to record profits in the diaper industry, which were invested in research and development, as well as marketing. The introduction of more absorbent diapers, featuring Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), and enhanced comfort meant that parents could keep their children in diapers for longer periods without discomfort or tears. Substantial marketing efforts aimed at parents normalized later potty training, contributing to a further increase in the average age of potty training. By 2002, the average age had risen to 34.2 months.
- This trend of extending the potty training age has continued into the 21st century. As of 2024, the average potty training age sits at approximately 37.5 months, although some sources report it as high as 42 months.
See Graph Below The Growing Potty Training Age Over the Years in the US & the Events that have Shaped It.
