2 of 34

Write now Article Tools

As your child transitions from newborn to infant to toddler, you experience all the milestones. There are many surprising challenges, but you cheer as your child learns to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk. The most challenging milestone is potty training, but there are signs to let you know your child is ready.

Sometimes it as simple as your child running up to you and saying, "My diaper is wet," as they hand you the soiled diaper. However, it is not always that simple. A good place to start is when you notice your child is staying dry for longer periods of time. If a child can keep a diaper dry for 2-hours or longer, this is an indication of bladder control. It means your child is starting to be able to control the muscles. It also means your child's bladder capacity is increasing.

Another sign of readiness is your child recognizing when they are urinating or releasing a bowel movement. Again, they may verbalize they are going potty. Before the verbalization usually comes a non-verbal sign. If you notice your child ducking out of sight every now and then, they are looking for a little privacy. Sometimes it is under the table while other times it is in a discreet corner of the room. Looking for a little privacy is important for a child trying to use the bathroom. Other signs of squatting, grunting, or turning red can be very telling as well.

If your child is able to follow simple instructions, they are on the road to readiness. There are a lot of steps involved in going to the bathroom. You have to walk to the bathroom, turn on the light, pull your pants and underwear down, sit on the toilet, wipe your bottom, flush the toilet, and wash your hands. When your child can follow simple instructions, it is a good time to start going over the bathroom instructions with your little one.

Motor skills are important for potty training readiness. If your child is able to pull their pants up and down, then they are ready to start. Another good indication is that your child is able to remove their diaper, training pants, or underwear on their own. It can be a little nerve-wracking and humorous when your child removes their soiled diaper themselves and starts running around. It is also their little way of telling you they understand what is going on.

Another important motor skill is being able to walk, or run. Children usually do not realize they need to use the potty until it is right upon them. The potty does not move from room to room with the child, so it is going to be a quick trip to the bathroom. The better bladder control a child has means a better chance of getting to the bathroom before it is desperate.

Your child also needs to show an interest in the potty. If there is an interest in wearing big kid underpants or an interest in what you are doing in the bathroom, these are good signs your child is moving towards readiness. Do not push them if you are not seeing these signs. They will let you know when they are ready to learn. There is nothing better than hearing your child say, "Look, look what I did!" or "I have to go potty!" Now that you have an idea of some of the signs, you can start looking for them.

Learn more about this author, Becky Robbins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Determining when your child is ready for potty training?
We want to hear your view. Write now!