Potty Training ReadinessSigns Your Child Is Ready
Is your toddler ready for potty training? Learn the physical, cognitive, and emotional signs. When to start—and when to wait.
Potty Training Essentials
All-in-One Potty Training Solution
Complete potty training seat with ladder, splash guard, soft cushion, and safety handles for independent use.
View on AmazonAbsorbent Training Underwear
Cotton training pants that feel like underwear but provide protection during the learning process.
View on AmazonThe #1 Potty Training Tip
Wait until your child is ready. Training a ready child takes days or weeks. Training an unready child takes months and creates stress for everyone. Waiting is not failing—it's smart parenting.
Physical Readiness Signs
Stays dry for 2+ hours at a time
Bladder is mature enough to hold urine
Has regular, predictable bowel movements
Body has established patterns
Can walk to and sit on the potty
Has physical ability to get there
Can pull pants up and down
Has motor skills for independence
Shows discomfort in wet/dirty diapers
Aware of body sensations
Wakes up dry from naps
Body is learning to hold overnight
Cognitive Readiness Signs
Understands basic instructions
Can follow 'go sit on the potty'
Knows 'pee' and 'poop' words
Can communicate about bodily functions
Understands 'wet' vs 'dry'
Grasps the basic concepts
Can indicate when about to go or is going
Recognizes body signals
Shows interest in the bathroom/potty
Curious and motivated
Wants to watch parents/siblings use toilet
Learning by observation
Emotional Readiness Signs
Wants to please/earn praise
Motivated by positive reinforcement
Desires independence ('I do it!')
Ready for this milestone
Not going through major changes
Stable enough to learn new skill
Doesn't strongly resist sitting on potty
Not in a defiant phase
Shows pride in accomplishments
Will be motivated by success
Signs They're NOT Ready (Wait!)
- Under 18 months old (rare exceptions)
- Going through major life change (new sibling, move, starting daycare)
- In a strong 'no' phase with everything
- Shows fear of the potty or bathroom
- No awareness of wet/dirty diapers
- Can't follow simple instructions yet
- Parents under pressure or stressed about it
- Recently had illness or developmental regression
Typical Readiness Ages
18-24 months
Some early signs may appear. Very few are truly ready.
24-30 months
Many children start showing readiness signs.
30-36 months
Peak readiness for most children. Most common age to train.
36+ months
Still normal. Some kids aren't ready until 3.5-4. Boys often later than girls.
Readiness Checklist
If you can check most of these (5+), your child may be ready to start:
- Stays dry for 2+ hours during the day
- Shows interest in the potty/toilet
- Can pull pants up and down
- Can sit on potty for 2-3 minutes
- Communicates when wet or about to go
- Follows simple instructions
- Not in a major 'no' phase
- No big life changes happening
- Parent has time and patience to commit
Frequently Asked Questions
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Potty Training Essentials
Absorbent Training Underwear
Cotton training pants that feel like underwear but provide protection during the learning process.
View on Amazon