The Potty-Training Readiness Guide  

How to tell your child is truly ready to start  

Potty training isn’t a race. It is a developmental milestone that happens when your child’s body and brain are ready. Starting too early can lead to frustration for both you and your little one, which is why picking the right moment makes all the difference. Most children begin showing readiness signs between 18 months and 3 years of age, though there is wide variation, and completing daytime training by age 3 to 3.5 years is typical.

Here’s some signs to help you decide if it’s time to confidently begin the potty-training journey. 

Physical Signs of Readiness 

• Your child has bodily awareness  
  • They know if they have to go to the bathroom and when they have to go before wetting or soiling. A key sign this awareness is developing is when your child communicates the urge before an accident occurs, rather than only during or after
• They can make it to the bathroom on their own  
  • Mobility matters here! If they can walk to the bathroom on their own, safely sit on a potty and can pull their pants up and down independently, that is a great sign it is time to start potty training!  
• Your child is staying dry for longer periods  
  • If you notice your child’s diaper is dry for longer periods of time, it could be a sign they are more in control of their bathroom needs
• They can communicate to you when they go to the bathroom or if they dislike wearing a wet or dirty diaper 
  • This could be through verbally expressing when they go or through facial expressions

Emotional Signs of Readiness  

• They show an interest in the toilet and how others use it 
  • Curiosity is a great sign your child may be ready for potty training! Explain to them what the toilet is used for and show them its many features and what they do, like the lid and flush. Your child can follow instructions 
• Your child can follow instructions
  •  Being able to follow and understand instructions is necessary in the potty-training journey. Of course, not every day is going to be perfect, but your child having a baseline of following instructions is essential.
• They show signs of wanting independence
  • Your child may show signs of wanting independence through their language or actions – nurture this and help guide them! If you notice them repeating behaviors of independence, consider starting

Signs they might not be ready yet 

• Fear of sitting on the toilet 
• Frequent tantrums around the potty
• Lack of bodily awareness
• A major life transition is currently occurring, such as a new sibling, a move or a change in childcare; these stressors can increase resistance and make training more difficult 

Don’t be afraid to start and stop this process as it works best for your child. Potty training takes a lot of patience and resilience from both the child and parent, so know it is okay to listen to your child and take a break as needed. Remember: readiness is not solely about age; it is about willingness and ability. Every child has their own timeline and starting when they are ready will lead to fewer accidents, less resistance and a more positive experience for everyone! It is also normal for children who have been successfully trained to regress and have accidents, particularly during periods of illness, stress or major change. Respond calmly, return to your routine and give your child time to readjust. If your child shows no signs of readiness by age 3.5 years, or if training attempts are met with significant distress or resistance over several weeks, speak with your child’s pediatrician to rule out medical or developmental factors.

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Dr. V. Sushma Chamarthi, MD, FAAP, DABOM

Primary Care Pediatrician, Dakota Pediatrics

Dr. Chamarthi is a dual board certified pediatrician and obesity medicine physician at Valley Children’s Healthcare. She is passionate about helping families build healthy habits that last a lifetime.