Do boys take longer to toilet train than girls?

Yes. Every child is different, but, in general, girls tend to toilet train before boys do.

Research has found that, on average, girls show interest in toilet training a couple of months earlier than boys, and are able to stay dry all day nearly three months earlier. Boys also tend to complete full toilet training (both day and night) slightly later than girls.

We don't really know why this is. Some experts think it may be because, generally, boys are more active than girls and don't want to stop what they're doing and take the time to use the potty.

Other experts think the difference may be at least partly because it's usually mums who are the main toilet-trainers in a family. Children learn a lot by imitating how others do things. So girls may have the advantage of observing someone who uses the toilet the same way they do.

It could also be that boys tend to need more time than girls because for them learning to wee in a toilet is a two-step process. First they learn to do it sitting down, and then they have to master standing up.

Whatever the reason, be reassured that the age at which your child is toilet trained isn't related to his intelligence.

If your son takes longer to toilet train than girls his age, that's okay. Watch for the signs that he's ready to start and go from there.

These signs sometimes appear between 18 months and two years old. But some children aren't interested in starting toilet training until they're closer to three or even four, so try not to worry.

Check out our toilet training tips for boys.