Think it might be time? Learn how to know when your child’s ready to potty train with these 7 surefire signs.
“There’s no going back now…,” I thought to myself as I squirted another pump of soap onto my daughter’s underwear, held my breath, and kept scrubbing.
I was cleaning, poop out of her underwear. Yes, poop.
… again.
The long and short of it is, I started potting training my oldest too early. Worried about starting too late, we had jumped the gun and I ended up scrubbing poop out of underwear far more often than I like to admit.
A few kids later, I’ve learned waaay more about potty training and how to make the process much smoother for kiddos and parents. In this article, I’ll share 7 clear signs your child is ready for potty training in the hopes you’ll have a much better experience than I did.
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Table of Contents
Why You Should Wait Until Your Child is Ready to Potty Train
If the idea of holding off even longer on potty training makes you cringe, I get it!
Everyone probably asks about it, little Johnny down the street has been potty trained for months now and his mom won’t stop talking about it, and I bet you’re more than ready to never wrestle your child through a diaper change again.
But here’s the thing, if you start too early, it can cause 2 big problems. 1.) It can take forever!
It took several months to get my daughter potty trained. Months! We’re talking months of accidents on my floor, extra trips to the bathroom, and so much extra laundry and scrubbing.
I could have saved a lot of time, effort, and cleaning had I waited a little longer until my daughter was truly ready.
The second reason you don’t want to start too early is because it causes a lot of stress and anxiety for you and your child. Even when we strive for a positive attitude, potty training can still put a lot of pressure on your child.
They’ve bdone one thing for their whole lives and now all our time and attention is spent trying to teach them this whole other way to handle their business. It’s a lot.
Throw in the possibility that they’re not ready and can’t do it, and the whole process can become stressful for everyone.
As much as you might be ready for your child to potty train, the best course is to wait until they are as well.
7 Clear Signs Your Child Is Ready to Potty Train
So how do you know when they’re ready to potty train? Here are 7 clear signs. After potty training my own kids, and helping potty train more than my fair share while running a home daycare, these are the signs I’ve found to be the most reliable predictors of success.
1. They show interest in using the toilet
This one might seem obvious, but it’s a biggie! When your child starts showing genuine curiosity about the potty or toilet, it’s a good sign they’ll soon be ready to take the plunge.
Here are a few ways they might show their interest:
- Following you to the bathroom: If you now have a little shadow who insists on tagging along every time you use the bathroom, that’s a good sign.
- Asking questions: “What’s that?” “Why are you sitting there?” “What’s that smell?” Probably won’t be your favorite part of the day, but all those potty questions are a good sign.
- Wanting to sit on the potty: This is a huge one! Whether they actually do anything while sitting there is beside the point. The fact that they want to try it out shows a willingness to engage with the process.
- Interest in potty books or videos: Are books about going potty their new favorites? Or maybe they’re glued to Elmo’s potty training episode. This shows they’re starting to connect the dots and understand that using the potty is a normal part of growing up.
2. They stay dry for extended periods
Another great sign your child is ready to potty train is when their diaper stays dry for extended periods. This shows that their body has developed enough control to make it between trips to the bathroom.
This is one of those things you can’t force. It can also happen at different ages for different children. If they start waking up dry from nap time or going longer between diaper changes, you know they’ll be ready soon.
3. Hiding to go poop
Another good sign your child is ready to potty train is if they start hiding when it’s time to go number two. This shows a growing awareness of their bodily functions and a new sense of privacy.
If they disappear around a corner, go to another room, or stand behind a chair, it could mean:
- They’re becoming self-conscious: Your little one is growing up and starting to understand that pooping is a private act. They might feel uncomfortable doing it in front of others, even those they’re closest to.
- They recognize the urge: Hiding indicates that they know poop is coming before it happens. This awareness is crucial for potty training success, as it allows them time to get to the potty.
- They want control: By finding a secluded spot, they’re asserting a sense of control over their body and the pooping process. This desire for independence is a positive sign for potty training.
4. Your child can understand and follow simple instructions
Potty training is a bodily function, but it also requires a certain level of mental development in children as well. Children need to follow a series of actions and routines.
Before your child can master those, they need to be able to understand what you want them to do. If your child can already follow simple instructions, it’s a good indicator they’re ready to tackle potty training.
If they can follow directions like “Bring me your shoes,” and “Put your toys in the toy box,” they can probably follow other instructions like “Pull down your pants,” and “Sit on the potty.”
Beyond just understanding, also look for these signs:
- They follow instructions willingly: Do they generally cooperate when you ask them to do something? A willingness to follow directions will make potty training much smoother.
- They can follow multi-step instructions: Can they handle instructions with two or three parts? For example, “Pick up your book, put it on the shelf, and then come sit at the table.” This shows they have the mental capacity to manage the sequence of actions involved in potty training.
If your child is a pro at following directions, they’re that much closer to being ready to potty train.
5. Your child can communicate when they need to go
Another important part of being ready to potty train is communicating when you need to go. Potty training success for your child relies on a few factors:
- Recognizing they need to go.
- Being able to tell someone they need to go.
- Holding it long enough to get to the bathroom.
These steps improve throughout potty training, but if your child can’t let you know when they need to go, you’ll have to have a lot of accidents on your hands. Many children do this by saying things like:
- “I need to go potty!”
- “Pee-pee!”
- “Poop!”
Children often find other ways to communicate they need to go, however, the point is that they can communicate it to you in enough time to get to the bathroom.
6. They have the motor skills needed to use the bathroom on their own
Another often overlooked sign that your child is ready to potty train is whether or not they can physically go through all the steps of using the bathroom by themselves.
- Can they get their pants down?
- Can they get their underwear down?
- Can they get on the potty?
- Can they get their clothes back up?
- Can they wash their hands?
You’ll probably have to help a little while with wiping and a few of the other steps as they learn, but if they need a lot of help throughout the entire process, they probably aren’t ready.
7. They don’t like having a wet or dirty diaper
The last crystal clear sign that your child is ready to potty train is when they don’t like having a wet or dirty diaper. If your child is quick to let you know when it’s time for a change, it’s a good indication they’re ready.
- They pull at their diaper: When wet or dirty, they might tug at their diaper, try to take it off, or even bring you a fresh one.
- They become fussy or irritable: A sudden change in mood, especially after a pee or poop, could indicate they’re uncomfortable and want to be clean.
- They tell you they’re wet or dirty: Even if they don’t use specific words, they might communicate their discomfort through sounds, gestures, or facial expressions.
- They try to clean themselves: You might find them trying to wipe themselves or remove a soiled diaper.
If your child displays this sign, it can also be a good motivator for getting them on board with potty training.
Related Posts:
- 5 Easy Things to Try When Your Child Refuses to Potty Train
- 11 Quick Tips for Stubborn Potty Trainers – What finally worked for us!
6 Tips for Potty Training Success
Okay, so your little one shows all the signs, and you’re ready to take the plunge into the world of potty training. Woohoo! (Cue the confetti and maybe a little celebratory dance!)
But before you dive headfirst into a mountain of tiny underwear, here are a few tips to help you navigate this exciting (and sometimes messy) milestone:
1. Transform the potty throne (and make it fun!)
Let’s be honest, no one wants to sit on a cold, scary toilet. Make the potty a fun and inviting place! Decorate it with stickers, let your child choose their own special potty seat, and infuse the whole experience with positivity. This is where a bit of creativity can really shine!
- Visual Aids Rock: Kids thrive on visuals! A colorful potty training chart can turn the whole process into a game. Each successful trip to the potty earns a sticker, a star, or a happy face on the chart. Seeing their progress visually can be incredibly motivating for little ones.
- Celebrate Every Victory: Every successful potty trip is a cause for celebration! Go wild with enthusiastic praise, silly songs, or even a little dance. (My youngest LOVED the “Potty Train Conga Line” we invented. Don’t judge, it worked!)
2. Set a timer (Bonus points if the ringtone is fun!)
Ah, the timer. Your new best friend in the potty training journey. Start by setting it for every 30 minutes or so, then gradually increase the time. This helps your child become aware of their bodily functions and gives them plenty of opportunities to practice.
3. Be consistent (Even when you travel or visit Grandma)
Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Stick to your routine as much as possible, even when you’re on the go.
Pack a travel potty, bring extra clothes, and don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations when visiting friends or family. (One time we tried to ditch the potty routine on vacation. It set us back weeks!)
4. Be patient (seriously, like, superhuman levels of patience)
Potty training is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be setbacks, accidents, and moments when you question your sanity.
But take a deep breath, remember that every child is different, and keep encouraging your little one. (I once spent an entire afternoon cleaning up a trail of “little surprises” leading from the living room to the kitchen. Not my finest moment, but we got through it!)
5. Accept that each child is different (comparison is the thief of progress)
Just like snowflakes, no two children are alike. Some kids take to potty training like ducks to water, while others need a little more time and encouragement. Even within the same family.
My youngest daughter made potty training look like a breeze and my son had me wondering if he would go to college in diapers.
Don’t compare your child’s progress to others. Focus on your child’s individual journey and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.
6. Prepare for a LOT of accidents (And stock up on cleaning supplies)
Accidents are inevitable. Embrace them. (Okay, maybe not embrace them, but definitely expect them.) Keep a stash of cleaning supplies handy and remember that every accident is a learning opportunity.
My laundry room looked like a biohazard zone for a while there. But hey, at least the washing machine got a good workout!
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Potty Training
Now, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about potty training:
Does my child need to show ALL these signs to be ready to potty train?
Nope! Every child is different. Some might show all the classic signs (staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the potty, etc.), while others might only exhibit a few. Trust your gut and your child’s cues.
At what age do most kids start potty training?
There’s no magic age. Most kids start somewhere between 18 months and 3 years old.
Is it better to start potty training in the summer or winter?
Honestly, it’s up to you! Some parents prefer the summer because kids can run around in less clothing, making access to the potty easier.
But others find winter more convenient because they’re home more often and there is less worry about accidents happening out of the house.
What should I do if my child shows interest in the potty but then refuses to use it?
I’ve got some great tips for kids who refuse to potty train, but if you’ have serious pushback, don’t force it. It’s more important to keep the potty a positive and inviting place. Take a month or two off and then try again later.
Is it okay to use pull-ups or training pants during potty training?
The rule of thumb is always use what works best for you and your child. Some kids need to experience the sensation of wet pants and underwear to create a sense of discomfort or urgency to make it to the bathroom.
For some families, the accidents aren’t worth the hassle. With my kids, I opted to use them during naptimes and overnight, and then straight underwear the rest of the time.
Start with the one you prefer and see how it goes. There’s really no wrong answer.
How long does potty training usually take?
It varies! Some kids get the hang of it in a few days, while others take weeks or even months.
Should I use rewards or incentives during potty training?
Potty charts, stickers, small toys, or even a special treat can be a game-changer for some kids. Especially if you have a stubborn potty trainer on your hands.
When should I consult a doctor if I’m having trouble with potty training?
If you’re concerned about your child’s progress, or if they experience any physical discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
You’ve Got This!
You’re not the only parent wondering how to know when your child’s ready to potty train. I hope this article has given you a few clues to help decipher when you’re kiddo is finally ready for this big milestone.
Yes, potty training can be challenging, and you might get stuck cleaning poop out of more than one pair of underwear, but with some patience, consistency, and a positive attitude you’ll both get through it.
And don’t forget to grab a few potty charts to help make the experience more fun. You’ve got this!
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Candice is a mom of 3 who has been homeschooling since 2013. She has an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Studies and cares deeply about helping other parents get the information and resources they need to help them homeschool their children with confidence.