Potty training is one of those big milestones that every parent looks forward to, and knowing when to start can make a huge difference. While every child is unique and moves at their own pace, there are some common signs that can help you figure out if your toddler is ready to ditch the diapers. Recognizing these signs early on can minimize your stress and save everyone a few tears.
If you’re anxious about approaching this milestone and don’t know where to begin, take a deep breath and manifest dry diapers. We’ll walk you through nine key indicators that your toddler is ready to start potty training. From showing an interest in the bathroom to demonstrating undie curiosity, we’ll cover it all. Plus, we’ll share some helpful tips and insights to make this exciting (but daunting) phase a success. Get ready to cheer on your toddler as they take this major step towards independence!
Interest in the Bathroom
A newfound curiosity about the bathroom is one of the first signs that your toddler might be ready to start potty training. You might notice them following you and watching what you do with (sometimes alarming) interest. Maybe they’re asking questions like, “What are you doing in there?” or “Why do you sit on that?” This curiosity indicates that your potty shadow is starting to understand that using the bathroom is a part of daily life.
You can encourage their interest by explaining what you’re doing in simple terms they can understand. For instance, you can say, “Mommy is using the potty because I had to pee. Soon, you’ll be able to use the potty too!” Narrating your bathroom trip—parenting is wild!—helps demystify the process and makes it less intimidating for them.
Dry Diapers for Longer Stretches
One clear sign that your toddler could be ready to start potty training is if you notice their diapers staying dry for longer periods. If their diapers are dry for at least two hours during the day or after naps, it’s a good indication that their bladder muscles are developing and they’re learning to hold their urine for extended stretches of time.
Dry diapers are an exciting development! Because no matter how much you would love to ditch the diapers, potty training won’t be successful if your kiddo isn’t developmentally ready. When you start consistently noticing these dry periods, you can gently introduce the idea of using the potty. You might say something like, “Wow, your diaper is still dry! Do you want to try sitting on the potty?”
Making this a positive experience can help them associate the potty with their body’s natural elimination rhythms. You can also begin establishing a routine by taking them to the potty after meals, before naps, and at other times when they are likely to need to go.
Pooping on a Regular Schedule
Regular, predictable bowel movements can be a helpful sign that potty training is on the horizon. Anticipating when your child is likely to need to go makes the whole process much easier and less stressful for both of you.
A predictable pattern means you can plan potty training sessions around those times. If your kiddo usually needs to poop after breakfast, make sitting on the potty for a few minutes part of the morning routine. Incorporating a potty routine helps them understand where they should go when they need to poop.
Talk to them about how their tummy might feel before they need to go, and encourage them to tell you when they start to feel that way. Physical awareness is essential in potty training, helping them recognize and respond to their body’s cues.
Discomfort with Dirty Diapers
One telltale sign that your toddler might be ready for potty training is if they start showing discomfort with a wet or dirty diaper. Pay attention to their reactions. If they express displeasure, tug at their diaper, or ask to be changed immediately, they are becoming more aware of dirty or wet sensations (and don’t like them!).
This growing awareness is a positive step toward potty training because they can recognize when they need a change and are motivated by the desire to stay dry and comfortable. You can use this opportunity to gently introduce the concept of using the potty. When they ask for a diaper change, you might say, “It feels yucky to have a wet diaper, doesn’t it? Soon, you’ll be able to use the potty and stay dry!”
Can Follow Simple Instructions
Has your toddler mastered following simple instructions? Potty training involves understanding and acting on basic directions, so if your kiddo can listen and follow through with simple tasks, it’s a great indication they might be ready to start this new big kid stage.
Consider your average day. If you asked your kiddo to “Please bring me your shoes” or “Please put the toy in the basket,” would they be able to complete your request? Appropriately following basic instructions is a big clue that your toddler is ready to tackle potty training.
Start with straightforward directions like, “Let’s go to the potty” or “Sit on the potty for a minute.” Keep your instructions clear and consistent. Using the exact phrases each time helps your toddler understand each step and builds a routine they can follow.
Makes Pee and Poop Announcements
Another meaningful sign is your toddler’s ability to communicate their needs. Your child doesn’t have to speak in complete sentences, but they should be able to let you know when they need to use the potty, whether through words, gestures, or even a particular facial expression.
Maybe they speak toddler-isms, like “I pee now” or “Go bafroom.” Or perhaps they tug on their pants, point to the bathroom, or make a funny face when they feel the urge. Encourage this communication by positively responding when they indicate they need to go. You can say, “Great job telling me you need to use the potty! Let’s go try.” Enthusiastic praise reinforces their efforts and makes them feel proud of their progress.
You can also help them learn new words or signs for potty time. If they use a specific gesture, acknowledge and encourage it by saying, “Oh, you’re doing the potty dance! Let’s head to the bathroom.” Consistently responding helps them connect their actions with the need to go.
Independence in Other Areas
If your toddler is starting to show independence in other areas of their daily routine, like dressing themselves or feeding, it’s a promising sign that they might be ready to take on potty training. Think about the small but significant achievements your child is making. Are they pulling up their pants, sliding on Crocs, or managing to use utensils with minimal help? This growing independence in everyday tasks indicates they are developing the necessary skills for saying “So long!” to diaper changes.
When you see them mastering these tasks, it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce potty training as another step towards being a “big kid.” Create an environment that fosters their self-sufficiency. Make sure they can access their potty chair easily, and choose easy-on, easy-off clothing, like pants with elastic waistbands. The easier it is for them to practice their new skills, the more confident they’ll feel.
Interest in Wearing Underwear
Has your kiddo noticed their older sibling’s underwear, or asked about undies spotted in the laundry basket? This curiosity demonstrates an ideal opportunity to introduce potty training in an organic way. Seize these opportunities! Toddlers are fickle, and the undie interest may be a passing phase.
You can capitalize on this interest by letting them pick out their underwear. Make it a special outing where they get to choose their favorite designs—a sense of ownership can boost their enthusiasm and willingness to use the potty.
Positive Reinforcement
If your child has started responding to praise and rewards, congrats! You have a powerful new tool to motivate your little one and help to build new habits—including potty training.
Start by setting up a system of rewards that excites and motivates your child. It could be something as simple as a sticker chart or a few Skittles (your dentist will love you). You’ll need to include every step: Sure, you toddler earns a sticker for pee-pee in the potty, but should also reward them for:
- Asking to use the potty.
- Getting their pants up and down independently.
- Sitting on the potty.
- Washing their hands.
- Staying dry all day.
Verbal praise is also critical. Cheer your toddler on with enthusiastic words like, “You did it! I’m so proud of you for using the potty!” And don’t forget to remind them that they should feel proud of themselves.
Tips for Successful Potty Training
- Patience is a Virtue: Every child is different—some may take longer than others to grasp potty training. We often hear (and have lived it!) that boys are more challenging to potty train. Be patient and supportive throughout the process. And if you’re a few days in with zero progress, it’s okay to pause and take a break.
- Make it Fun: Use books, songs, and motivating sticker charts to make potty training less of a chore. The more fun it is, the more eager they will be to participate.
- Stay Consistent: Consistency is critical for success. Stick to a routine—regularly take your toddler to the potty, and consistently reinforce positive behavior. A crystal clear routine helps your kiddo understand expectations and builds a predictable pattern they can anticipate.
- Accidents Happen: Be prepared for accidents and handle them calmly. Remember, accidents are a natural part of learning. Instead of showing frustration, reassure your toddler that it’s okay and encourage them to keep trying. Your understanding and patience will help them feel more confident and less anxious.
- Celebrate Success: Celebrate each success, no matter how small, to build your child’s confidence. Whether it’s a high-five, a special sticker, or a little treat, acknowledging their achievements makes them feel proud and motivated to keep going. Every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
Read more: Potty Training 101
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