Is Your Child Ready for Potty Training? Here's How to Know

The Ultimate Guide to Knowing When to Start Potty Training

The average family spends anywhere from $800 to $1200 per year on diapers. That is about $70 to $100 a month. That is a night out with your spouse, a new outfit, money for your child’s college, etc. I think it’s safe to say that money is a huge motivator for parents to get their child toilet trained. However, knowing when to start can be tricky. You don’t want to start too early and have to stop because they weren’t ready, and you don't want to start too late when they can pull off the diaper themselves and bring you a new one when it is time to be changed. Every child develops differently, and because of this, it is hard to know when it is time to start potty training. In this blog, I will cover how to identify the key signs that your child is ready to begin potty training and know when a good time is to delay potty training. 

Signs Your Toddler is Ready for Potty Training

1. Does your child show interest in the potty
   This will take the form of your child following you or your family members into the bathroom. They might even show a desire to wear underwear.
2. Does your child stay dry for at least one hour during the day?
   When your child starts to show physical control of their bladder, this is a sign they have developed bladder control. Additionally, predictable bowel movements can signal that they are ready to transition from diapers to the potty.
3. Does your child pull at a wet or poopy diaper?
   When your child begins to pull at a full diaper, this indicates that they are uncomfortable. When they let you know they want a new diaper or pull off the full diaper, then it is time to consider potty training. This awareness is crucial for understanding when to use the potty. 
4. Is your child able to follow simple directions?
   If they can consistently follow directions, this is another sign that they are ready to start toilet training. Toilet training requires your little one to understand and follow simple instructions such as sit down, wait, and pee in the potty. 
5. Does your child desire to be independent?
   This will take the form of wanting to put on their shoes by themselves, eat by themselves, etc. This desire for independence will help reinforce them naturally when they start potty training. 
6. Does your child hide when using the diaper?
   When your child hides to fill their diaper, this indicates that your child is becoming aware of their bodily functions and may be ready for potty training. 
7. Is your child at least 18 months old?
   Typically, I suggest waiting to start potty training until your child is at least 18 months old. This is simply because children begin to show most of the signs for potty training at that age. The majority of children are ready between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. Starting before your child shows the signs of potty training readiness can lead to you and your child becoming frustrated and potentially making the bathroom an aversive place.
8. Are you ready to start potty training with your child?
   Potty training is a journey. I recommend families start potty training when the parents are ready as well. If parents are not ready, the child will not be successful. It is important to make sure everyone who will be involved (e.g., spouses, daycare, babysitters, etc.) is on board. 

When to Wait to Start Potty Training

There are certain situations where it might be best to postpone potty training:

• If your child is sick or going to undergo surgery. 
• If your child and/or family are experiencing significant changes in their life (such as moving homes, welcoming a new sibling, going on a long vacation, etc.), it may be wise to wait until they are more settled.
  
  • If you are welcoming a new sibling and want to get your first child out of diapers, I recommend giving them at least three months of experience before your expected due date, if you do it with less than 3 months before your due date,, that is okay too. Kids tend to regress when a new child is welcomed into the home, but it does not necessarily mean they will regress with potty training.
• During family stress or disruption, your child may not be emotionally prepared for this new challenge.

Remember

Potty training is an important developmental step, and recognizing the right time to start can make all the difference. By observing your child's behavior and readiness signals, you can approach this milestone with confidence and positivity. If you are still trying to decide if your child is ready to start potty training, take our potty training readiness quiz. 

Remember, every child is different—trust your instincts and enjoy this exciting journey together! Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions you have about potty training. Check out our social media for more resources and tips!

‍