Potty Training Readiness: 12 Signs Your Child Is Ready

Starting potty training before your child is ready leads to frustration for everyone. Starting when they're ready can be surprisingly smooth. Here are the signs that tell you it's time.

Physical Readiness Signs

1. Staying Dry for Longer Periods

If their diaper is dry for 2+ hours at a time, or dry after naps, their bladder has developed enough capacity to hold urine. This is a prerequisite—without it, they physically can't succeed.

2. Predictable Bowel Movements

If you can roughly predict when they'll poop (after breakfast, for example), their body has a pattern you can work with.

3. Ability to Walk to the Bathroom

They need to be able to get themselves to the potty. Mobility matters.

4. Can Pull Pants Up and Down

They don't need to be perfect at this, but the basic ability helps them feel independent. Practice with elastic waistbands.

5. Shows Discomfort with Dirty Diapers

If they tug at their diaper, ask to be changed, or seem bothered by wetness, they're becoming aware of the sensation—and motivated to avoid it.

Cognitive Readiness Signs

6. Understands Basic Instructions

"Go to the bathroom" or "Sit on the potty" need to make sense to them. If they can follow two-step directions, they're likely ready cognitively.

7. Knows the Words

They should understand (and ideally use) words for pee, poop, potty, wet, dry. If you haven't introduced this vocabulary, start now.

8. Aware of "Going"

Do they pause, hide, or make a face when they're peeing or pooping? This awareness of the body sensation is crucial. Without it, they can't learn to respond to the signal.

9. Can Communicate the Need

They need to be able to tell you (or show you) when they need to go. This can be words, signs, or gestures—but some communication method is needed.

Emotional Readiness Signs

10. Shows Interest in the Toilet

Are they curious about what you do in the bathroom? Do they want to flush? Do they show interest in underwear? Curiosity and interest are powerful motivators.

11. Wants Independence

"Me do it!" is annoying but useful here. If they're in a phase of wanting to do things themselves, harness that energy.

12. Is in a Cooperative Phase

If they're in the peak of toddler defiance—saying no to everything—wait for a more cooperative window. Potty training during a power-struggle phase is miserable.

Red Flags: Not Ready Yet

- Under 18 months (rare exceptions exist, but most aren't physically ready) - Major life change happening (new sibling, move, starting daycare) - Strong resistance or fear of the potty - Can't stay dry for even an hour - No awareness of peeing/pooping - Extremely defiant phase - Parent is stressed and doesn't have bandwidth

The Readiness Window

Most children are ready somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, with the average around 27 months. But "average" doesn't mean "should be." Every child has their own timeline.

Girls often train earlier than boys. First children sometimes train later than siblings. Verbal kids may train earlier. None of this is a rule—just patterns.

What If They're Not Ready?

Wait. Seriously, just wait.

A few months of waiting is much easier than months of power struggles, accidents, and frustration. Children who train when they're ready often train quickly. Children who are pushed before they're ready often struggle longer.

There's no prize for early training. The goal is trained—not trained early.

Testing Readiness

Not sure? Try a low-key trial: - Introduce the potty - Invite them to sit on it (clothed is fine at first) - See if they show interest

If they're interested and cooperative, proceed. If they're resistant or terrified, back off and try again in a few weeks.

Trust the Process

Your child will be potty trained. It will happen. The question isn't if—it's when. And "when" should be when they're ready, not when you're impatient.