How to Know If a Toddler Is Ready to be Potty Trained

Knowing when a toddler is ready to be potty trained isn't always easy. There are numerous signs that the toddler may be giving off to let you know he is or isn't ready. Some young kids are ready for potty training before 18 months whereas others aren't ready until after their third birthday.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• toddler
• either a portable potty or an insert to put on the adult-sized toilet
• lots of patience

1. One of the earliest signs of potty training readiness that even a baby may give off is that the child prefers a clean diaper. The child may tug at the diaper, fuss when he is wet, or wake up from a nap if the diaper is too soiled. Some children may even tear off the diaper and play with its contents.

2. The next necessary thing a toddler must do to be ready for potty training is being able to sit on the potty for at least one minute. This may require that the adult read, sing, or otherwise distract the child until he learns to stay seated for at least one minute. Young children may not have good enough balance to feel relaxed when sitting on the adult-sized toilet, so if a stool or bench is placed under the child's feet, he may sit longer. The time increments that the child sits on the potty can be built up to more time slowly.

3. The next necessary thing is that the child understands what the potty is used for. Having him watch parents, siblings, or friends use the restroom may help the child learn that pee and poop go in the potty. Also, after changing the child's poopy diaper, drop the contents into the toilet, and have the child wave bye-bye or at least look at the poop before you flush.

4. When he wakes up from a nap with a dry diaper or can go for a 2-hour stretch with a dry diaper, then he may be ready. Feeding the child and giving liquids at predictable times of the day as opposed to letting the child "graze" with a sippee cup may also help with keeping the child dry for this long of a stretch. This also helps for regular bowel movements in which the parent/caregiver may be able to predict when to sit the child on the potty. It is not necessary that the child go all night with a dry diaper as many kids can't do this until they are four years old.

5. Another sign of readiness for potty training is that the child can express that he needs to go potty. This can be verbally with words but can also be gestural such as by pointing, leading you to the bathroom, or using sign-language. Gestural might also include squatting and holding self at the diaper region during a bowel movement. Some kids even go hide as they do this, and this is a sign that they are cognitively aware of the pressure of the poop.

6. An important sign of readiness is that the child is in a receptive mood for potty training. Often, two year olds are stubborn and controlling, and if this can't be redirected by coaxing with words or rewards then the child may not be ready. One thing to coax them with is them getting to wear "big girl panties" or "big boy underwear". Having them pick some underpants out at the store may be helpful with "getting them on board". Children who are wanting to be independent and to do things on their own are more easily redirected for potty training. Also, a child who is beginning to cope with fears in a somewhat cooperative manner may be ready for potty training.

7. Another necessity is that the child follow simple instructions. Fewer words spoken are better than lengthy, wordy sentences;using the same phrases over and over about potty training is helpful.

8. The final sign of readiness is not mandatory but may be helpful. If the child is using his imagination to pretend that his stuffed animals or dolls are sitting on the potty, then you know he is thinking about potty training. He may also be willing to watch a video or read a toddler book on potty training. The books with the flushing noises are often liked.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't punish the child for soiling his diaper, this can backfire and make the child have more accidents and have constipation
• Be patient and happy for each success in each step along the way....baby steps
• Be aware that most kids are not able to go all night without having an accident even when they can go all day without an accident. This is especially the case for "heavy" sleepers

[mrsmore]

on 9/24/2009 This is a very good article. Especially for a first time mother that is very inexperienced and needs to learn the signs. This information will defiantly be used. REC & 5 Flowing Stars.

[smile-up]

on 9/16/2009 The best thing about this article is that it encourages people to look for concrete signs as opposed to just wanting a potty trained child or trying to keep up with others in the playgroup. I know so many people who start potty training without any sign whatsoever that it is the right thing to do. Then, they are surprised when it fails. Thanks for the article.

[momoftwingirls]

on 8/26/2009 I began showing my twins their own potties at 1.5 years old...not ready then...so, I showed them again at 2.5 years old...summer months was always a better time to show them the potty...then when I had my girls in daycare, at 2.8 months old, my twins learned from their playmate. Their playmate was going on 4 and my twins watched her go potty. WOW, now that was easy..

5 stars..