Every parent eagerly awaits the moment they can finally get their child out of diapers.
There are some telltale signs that show your child is ready to potty train and take the leap.
Although the idea of having to potty train can seem somewhat nerve-wracking it really doesn’t have to be that way at all.
If your child is exhibiting some or all of the signs that I list below, then there is a very good chance that you can successfully potty train without it being a hair-pulling experience.
WHAT’S THE BEST AGE TO START POTTY TRAINING
Naturally, children meet their developmental milestones at different ages so it really does depend on the child.
Most experts will tell you that between the age of 18 months – 3 years of age is a good time to begin potty training your child.
Starting to potty train between these ages is ideal because it’s usually around this age that children can understand and are more coherent.
DEVELOPMENTAL SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS READY TO POTTY TRAIN
1. YOUR CHILD CAN WALK
If your child can already walk that is a great sign because it means that they already have some level of independence.
2. ABILITY TO SIT STILL
Your child should be able to sit still for a few minutes at a time and remain focused.
You can’t expect a 1 year old to sit still for hours but if they can sit and concentrate for just a few minutes that’s really good.
3. LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING
Being able to understand some commands is really important.
Your child doesn’t have to be fully talking yet but if they can understand a few basic commands that goes a long way to helping.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD WILL GIVE YOU SHOWING THEY ARE READY TO START POTTY TRAINING
1. DIRTY /WET DIAPERS IS A PROBLEM
Children can become a bit irritable when they are in dirty diapers. They might start to show signs that they need to be changed.
My son is now 16 months of age and he is already beginning to show signs that he is ready to potty train.
When his diaper is wet or dirty, he hates it. I can see straight away that he wants me to change it.
If your child seems uncomfortable in a dirty diaper, chances are that they have an awareness of it being unclean.
2. HIDING TO POOP
Sometimes you might find that your child will hide so that they can go pee or poop.
This means that they have an understanding that what they are doing is private and not to be shared.
3. ABILITY TO REMAIN DRY
If you notice that your child can remain dry for longer periods of time that is a really good sign.
It means that they have a good grip on their bowels and are much more likely to be able to transfer out of diapers.
4. HAVING A DRY DIAPER AT NAP TIME
If your child can go through nap times without getting wet they are most definitely telling you that are ready to potty train.
5. GIVE A SIGNAL OR A SOUND WHEN NEEDING A BOWEL MOVEMENT
Some children can use signals or a particular sound to tell you that they either need to go to the toilet or that they have just done something that needs changing.
My son will often pat his diaper and I know this means that his diaper is dirty and he wants me to change it.
I usually ask him if he’s done a poo and if we should change his diaper and he straight away lies down so I can change it.
That is a perfect example of him being aware that he has had a bowel movement.
6. INTERESTED IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING
It’s also quite possible that your child will become very interested in what you are doing every time you go and sit on that toilet seat.
You might find that they begin to follow you to the toilet or take an interest in the fact that you are not wearing diapers and are wearing a different type of underwear.
EXTRA THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SPEED UP THE POTTY TRAINING PROCESS:
#1 INTRODUCE THE POTTY
You can purchase a potty and introduce your child to it. They might feel a little bit dubious towards it at first but the more they see it they will become more and more relaxed.
Explain to your child what the potty is for. Tell them that is it for big girls and boys to use and that they can use it when they are ready.
#2. BIG BOY/ GIRL PANTS
You can also purchase some underwear. Buying underwear will get your child really excited to try it out.
Just explain to them again that it is only for big girls and boys to wear.
#3. GO DIAPERLESS
Have brief periods where you remove the diaper and let them wear underwear.
Start with short periods of time and gradually extend it as they get more and more confident.
#4. PRAISE
Always make a big deal about how happy you are when they take a step towards using the potty.
Do this even if they only sit on the potty and never actually do anything.
Doing this will boost their confidence and set them up on the right path.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD IS READY TO POTTY TRAIN
There are lots more signs your child is ready to potty train. Some will be more obvious than others.
My son removes his nappy all the time. I put it on and he takes it off.
Although I haven’t begun training him just yet we will have too very soon.
Its quite clear that he is ready even though he is still a little young.
Remember potty training is not meant to be a stressful experience.
If your child is truly ready for potty training then the transition should be smooth and easy, very similar to weaning your baby.
Neither you or your child should feel distressed during this period.
Potty training doesn’t need to take forever, you can easily train your child to potty train in 3 days.
Tip: If your child is going through any major change during this time it’s probably not a good idea to start potty training.
It can cause your child to easily regress or find potty training to be too difficult.
Related posts: