You may be wondering when the best time is to start potty training your little one. It is not always easy to tell if your child is ready for potty training. There is no prescribed time to start. Every child develops at their own pace. While some children may be ready to start potty training early, others may not be ready until later. That is why you should look for potty training readiness signs rather than making a decision based on your child’s age.
Signs Your Child is Ready for Potty Training
Here are 8 important signs you can look for to determine if your child is ready for potty training:
1. Walking and sitting independently
This sign is a must. Your child must be able to walk to the potty/bathroom and sit down steadily on their own. Being able to do so indicates that they have the physical ability to participate in the potty training process.
2. Is able to imitate others’ behavior
Learning new skills becomes easier when children reach a stage where they can imitate others. Does your child observe and mimic actions? Great! They may be motivated to learn and engage in the steps involved in potty training.
3. Is able to pick up small objects
Potty training involves some level of fine motor skills. This includes taking their clothes on and off, wiping their own bottom, and washing their hands. If your child can pick up small objects, it shows developing capabilities. This helps them handle tasks like pulling down/up pants or using toilet paper better.
4. Is able to follow simple instructions
This sign indicates your child’s cognitive development stage (understanding and responding to basic instructions). For example: ‘Put your shoes in the hallway’ or ‘Let’s go sit at the table so we can have dinner’. Following instructions is important during potty training. They need to act upon cues such as sitting on the potty when asked.
5. Indicates when their nappy is wet or dirty
If your child indicates a wet or soiled nappy, it shows they have awareness of bodily sensations. They may pull at their dirty nappy or ask to be changed. This awareness is crucial for potty training. They learn to associate the urge to use the potty instead of the nappy.
6. Nappy is often dry for 1 to 2 hours
When your child can stay dry for longer periods (1 to 2 hours), it shows that their bladder size is expanding. It also suggests that their control is increasing. Hence, their bladder is becoming capable of holding urine for a reasonable duration. This makes potty training more feasible.
7. Puts things where they belong
The ability to organize by putting things away in their proper places helps in potty training. Your child can learn to associate specific locations (like the potty or bathroom) with weeing and pooing.
8. Is interested in the potty or toilet
If your child displays curiosity about the potty or toilet, it can be a sign of readiness. They may be more receptive to learning how to use them in the context of potty training. But beware: showing interest in the potty is not a requirement! That’s one of the many potty training myths. There are lots of other signs that can indicate your child is ready for potty training. You can also arouse their interest by reading books, modeling toileting behaviors, or demonstrating with toys.
These 8 readiness signs show the physical, cognitive, and emotional skills required for successful potty training. Yes, there is more! Take a look at the Go Potty app for a complete list of readiness signs. You can also fill out our readiness test for FREE!
You certainly don’t need to wait until your child shows all of these signs.
It’s important to consider readiness signs for general guidance. It’s about knowing your child’s strengths and weaknesses to work together and build this new skill. Is your child not yet fully aware of their bodily sensations? Learn to recognize their signals and anticipate their need to go. Is your child struggling with taking their clothes on and off? You can surely assist them or ensure that they wear clothes that they can manage.
Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations
Whether your child is ready for potty training depends on your goals and expectations. Do you simply want to ditch the nappies? Are you willing to provide reminders and assistance to your child during this process? Or do you expect your child to quickly become independent in using the potty? Initiating bathroom visits on their own without needing your help?
Setting realistic goals is crucial to avoid unnecessary frustration and setbacks. The age and development of your child will heavily influence their potty training journey. Expecting the same outcomes from an 18-month-old and a 36-month-old would be unrealistic.
One important distinction to make is whether you aim for your child to stay dry or to be fully potty trained. Children as young as 18 months of age can definitely grasp the basics of potty training. They understand that weeing and pooing belong in the potty or toilet. They also can hold their wee or poo long enough to reach the potty. This way, they can stay dry for long periods of time during the day.
However, achieving full independence in potty training may take more time and developmental progress. To be fully independently potty trained, your child will need to:
- recognize their urge to go
- initiate going to the bathroom
- sit long enough to wee or poo
- handle their clothing
- clean themselves
- and wash their hands.
And all on their own! There is no way around it. Your child will need your assistance and support until they can achieve full autonomy. Just like learning any other new skill. But, the level and duration of involvement will depend on their developmental age.
Conclusion
It’s important to be patient and wait until your child shows enough signs of readiness before starting potty training. This way, you can prevent unnecessary stress, frustration, and setbacks. You will also need to set realistic goals. Align your expectations with your child’s developmental abilities. This will allow you to meet your child’s needs by providing the necessary support and guidance. This is the secret to having a smooth potty training experience with your little one!
