How To Know When to Potty Train a Toddler

Potty training is a milestone that can be both rewarding and incredibly frustrating.  The frustration aspect can be lessened when you are prepared and alert to the signals that your toddler is ready and willing to engage in practicing. Potty training takes time and patience, so be aware of any signals from your toddler that it might be best to wait. Keep in mind the tips below, and make potty training successful  experience for you and your child.

• Is My Toddler Ready? A rule of thumb in training is age – most experts suggest that your child be at least 18 months old before you begin potty training. Some toddlers may be ready earlier or later, so consider the age factor with other signs of readiness.  If your toddler is communicating, with words or sign language; showing irritation with sitting in a wet or dirty diaper, signaling when they are about to wet or dirty their diaper, or becoming more curious about their genital areas—your toddler is most likely ready to begin training.

  Other signals of potty training readiness include the importance of a stable routine. It is much easier for you and your toddler to anticipate a need to use the potty if there is a predictable schedule.  Your toddler should be able to follow simple instructions, be able to sit on the potty for two or more minutes, and show interest in the potty chair itself.  Once these criteria are met, you can begin introducing your child to the potty chair. Allowing your toddler to view your bathroom habits helps to give context to usage of the potty chair, and giving her free reign to sit and use the chair throughout the day also enforces this.
• Noting Unwillingness or Un-readiness to Train: It is important to potty train at your child’s pace, as forcing or punishing accidents are detrimental to the training experience. Gauging situational readiness is key as well—lifestyle changes such as moving, additions to the family, or increased stress can stall any potty progress in its tracks. If your toddler is in a "no" phase, where no is the standard answer to every query-- give him a few weeks before attempting training. In addition, if your toddler is not showing any signs of diaper awareness, is not uncomfortable being in a soiled diaper, shows no awareness of when a bowel movement or urination occurs, and has little to no interest in the potty chair itself, it is most likely not time yet to begin potty training.

As your child matures and communication increases, it will become easier to successfully potty train. Age estimates are guidelines only, as every toddler is different, and no one can decide when to wear the big kid underpants but your child.