Signs That Show Your Child Is Ready For Potty-Training

As your baby becomes a toddler you will begin thinking about potty training. Most parents are excited about the idea of their child using the potty rather than changing diapers so frequently, but there are some stumbling blocks on the road to potty training as well. One of them is that parents frequently try to start their child too soon and this can actually delay potty training and create more problems than it is worth. So, if you are wondering if it is time to start potty training your little one consider the following signs. Your toddler may not tell you he is ready to learn to use the potty, but he will give you some good indications that he is ready.

Tells You He Needs to Go
When your son or daughter begins to inform you that he/she needs to use the potty then you can take this as a good sign that potty training can begin. This is an important step because your toddler will need to inform you that he/she needs to use the potty in order for potty training to be successful. So, when your child reaches this stage you can take it as a good sign that potty training would be successful at this point.

Likes Wearing Pretty Panties or Big Boy Underwear
Your toddler daughter or son may be dreaming of pretty panties or big boy underwear. The action figures and cartoon characters can make wearing underpants so much more enjoyable than just plain on diapers, not to mention more comfortable. So, when your daughter or son shows interest in big boy underwear or pretty panties you know that potty training might be well received by your child. Consider buying some big girl or big boy underwear around 18 months to 2 years so your child knows about them and can let you know when he/she is ready to try them out.

Doesn’t Like Being Dirty/Wet
Another great sign that potty training should begin is when your son or daughter does not like being dirty or wet. Of course, nobody likes a dirty diaper, but as children reach 2-3 years they are even more opposed to the situation and will let you know. When your child reaches this point potty training is more successful than starting sooner. That is because going to the potty before an accident occurs means there are no dirty or wet diapers. This is great motivation for many toddlers learning to potty train.

Is Curious About the Potty
At some point your daughter or son will begin asking you about the potty. Toddlers become interested in the potty itself as well as why you use the potty. Explaining that you use the potty and then flush everything down as opposed to getting dirty or wet will be well received by little ones. Of course, some children don’t like the big potty or the noise it makes when flushed. In these situations you will need to make sure your child has a training potty away from the bathroom to help build their confidence to use it.

Stays Dry Most Nights
When your toddler stays dry through the night several nights in a row, or the majority of the time, then you can consider potty training. This is an excellent sign that your little one is ready to make that step.
Finally, keep in mind that potty training takes time and won’t always go as smoothly as you might have hoped. Your child might make progress only to have several accidents in a row. Stay calm and always make your child feel confident about using the potty and never ashamed about accidents. This will help the process and before you know it your little one will be potty trained!

Posted in Baby and Toddler, Potty Training