Girls tend to begin a few months earlier than boys, but every child -- regardless of gender -- is different and learns at his or her own pace. Some 2-year-olds may master the potty in just a couple of weeks; others may take several months or more. And that's only during the day; staying dry at night usually takes even longer -- a few weeks to many months. At night, your child has to hold urine for many hours, and if she's a deep sleeper, she may not wake up when she feels the urge to pee. Be prepared for accidents by protecting your child's mattress with a waterproof sheet or mattress pad. --Nancy Mattia

Copyright 2004. Updated 2009

Answered by Parents.com-Team

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