5 signs your child is ready for potty training

Last Updated on April 4, 2024

Potty training can be one of our children’s milestones that we look forward to, and dread, in equal measures.

We look forward to not having to buy nappies anymore, but also dread the length of time and mess that comes with potty training.

Every child develops differently, and potty training is something that you should do when your child shows signs that they’re ready, rather than potty training them based on their age.

Here’s 5 signs your child is ready for potty training, which will help you decide when your child’s ready, which in turn makes potty training less stressful.

Some of these signs are developmental milestones, which children reach at different ages. If you’re ever concerned about your child’s development, then you can get some advice from your Health Visitor or GP.

Related posts:

5 potty training tips for preschoolers
7 signs your child isn’t ready for potty training
What are the causes of nappy rash, and how to treat it

Your child stays dry

Staying dry for two or more hours when awake, and or waking up with a dry nappy, is one of the signs your child is ready for potty training, because it shows that their bladder control is increasing.

Bladder control is important, especially when you’re out and your child’s nappy free, and a toilet isn’t immediately in sight.

They can communicate with you

The biggest reason potty training didn’t work for me the first time around, was because my son couldn’t tell me when he needed to go to the potty.

If your child can tell you, it’s one of the more noticeable signs your child is ready for potty training.

However, communicating their need for the potty doesn’t have to just be verbal, it can also be through signals such as fidgeting, or going somewhere quiet or hidden to fill their nappy.

They’re more aware of their bladder and bowl movements

More signs of potty training readiness are that your child can tell you when they need to go to the potty, they can tell you what they’re doing when on the potty, or they can recognise when their nappy’s wet or dirty by pulling at it, or asking you to change it.

They’re interested in all things bathroom related

Another of the signs your child is ready for potty training is that they start to show interest in the toilet and other’s use of it, which can be shown by:

• Watching family members use the toilet.
• Asking questions about what happens in the toilet, or
• Wanting to wear underwear.

To encourage their interest, here are some books that you may like to read to them:

• Everyone Poops, by Tarō Gomi.
• A Potty for Me! by Karen Katz.
• Big Girl Panties, by Fran Manushkin.
• No More Nappies: A Potty-Training Book, by Campbell Books.
• All Aboard the Toilet Train! (Bing).

They can follow directions

There are a lot of steps involved in going to the potty, which can be overwhelming for some children.

They need to get to a bathroom on time, pull clothing up and down, sit, wipe, flush, and wash and dry their hands.

To be ready to use the potty they need to be willing to follow these steps, and be able to do them, which takes time.

What are some signs your child’s not ready for potty training?

Here are 7 signs your child isn’t ready for potty training, which may help you decide whether or not to start the potty training process.

Do you know any more potty training readiness signs?
I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.