Signs Your Toddler is Ready for Potty Training

As much as we want one as parents, and as much as I would love to give you one, there is no specific age that you are to start potty training your toddler. Every child is different and each child will be ready for the leap from diapers to the potty in there own time. This leads you to my first helpful tip with Potty training...... DON'T RUSH IT! The more you push your child to use the potty before they are ready the longer it will take. The good thing is you no longer need to feel helpless. No more worrying " When is the right time?" or "My friends child is triained, why hasn't mine shown any interest". Be patient! Your toddler will give you small signs that say I'M READY when They ARE ready. Here are some of the top signs your child is ready for potty training.

Hiding/Bragging about bodily functions

I knew when it was time for my son to be trained from this sign. Every time he had to take a poopy in his diaper he would either hide behind the couch or go in another room. Other toddlers may announce to everyone that they are going to go poopy, either way it is a very common sign your little one is ready for training. It shows you they are aware of their bodily functions and are ready to take the next step.

Your changing fewer and fewer diapers

A toddler who is waking up with dry diapers, or that is able to stay dry for an hour or more is prepared to start training. This shows they are learning to control their bladder. Remember however, they are tiny little people and may forget about this until it is to late. Reminders are always good. A simple " do you need to go pee pee" every once in a while is a big help. Also limit water before bedtime. This will help to keep everything dry until morning.

Predictable poo poo?

It is a lot easier to potty train if you have a head start on the times your toddler has bowl movements. For example, does your toddler go potty in the morning, after eating, after nap time? When you can guess the times your toddler has to poo poo in order to remind them to try and go potty, it is a good time to start training.

They can undress themselves

Now by this I mean your toddler understands how to take down their pants or hike up their dress when nature calls. It is much easier to train if your toddler feels like a "big kid" by being able to do it themselves and show their independance!

They Think poopy is icky!

If your toddler is at a point where he/she is removing their diapers after going poo poo, because they can't stand sitting in a dirty diaper. Even if they state that they think poo poo is icky or gross this is a good time to start training. When your toddler understands that poo is something we all think is gross, and is better flushed down the toilet they will be more inclined to tell you when they have to go.

They want to see you go potty

When your little one is asking you to go potty to learn how Mommy/Daddy does it, or they ask a bunch of questions about the potty, this shows they have a curiosity and this would be a great time to help them explore it!

Remember every child is different, and every child will learn to use the bathroom when THEY are ready. Be patient, know there will be accidents, and remember it will all be over soon!

If your child has shown the signs above and you believe it would be a good timeto start training, but are clueless as of what to do next, take a look and my next blog post

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