6 Signs of Potty Training Readiness

This post is sponsored by Pull-Ups. Please note all views and opinions are my own. As always we are very specific with the brands we partner with, we have used Pull-Ups when potty training our last two children and strongly agree with these 6 signs of potty training readiness.

For the last month we have been seeing signs that point to Evelyn being ready to start potty training. To say that I am excited wouldn’t be the most truthful statement, because let’s be honest, potty training isn’t the easiest task. It is important to make use of resources provided and learn other mother’s that have been through it before. I feel the most important thing, and what I really really want to make clear is that when you think your child is ready, don’t hesitate. When is that? See below for 6 signs of potty training readiness.

Related: When & Why to Switch from Diapers to Pull-Ups

Just about two years ago now I wrote out a bunch of tips of “what not to do” when potty training. I wanted to have a reminder for myself of all the things I felt like I could have done better. The top of the list was to go with my intuition. If you think your child is ready, they most likely are ready. It’s not a one day and done task, but know that no matter how long you wait, it doesn’t make it easier on you or your child.

Keep an eye out as your child approaches the 18 month mark for these six signs to know when they are ready to start potty training. At about this age they can start showing signs at any time, so will be much later and that’s ok too. Read through the six tips and keep them in mind for the upcoming months.

6 Signs of Potty Training Readiness

1. Pulling at a Wet or Dirty Diaper

   A wet diaper is no longer being tolerated. You will notice that your child will make actions towards their discomfort and being tugging at their wet or dirty diaper. They also may be trying to take their diaper off on their own.

2. Hiding to Pee or Poop

   This is easier to tell with poop as they are detected much easier than every time your child pees. When you notice that your child has pooped think about whether or not your child made actions to position themselves away from you, went behind furniture or left the room. This is a huge indicator that they are ready as they have full knowledge that they are about to go and are preplanning.

3. Interest in Others’ Use of the Potty

   Does your child have a general interest in the toilet? You might notice your behaviour or their sibling’s behaviour being copied by your child.

4. Having a Dry Diaper for Longer Than Usual

   Your child is able to control their bladder more and is likely controlling when they are wetting their diaper. Another sure sign they are aware of when it’s “time to go.”

5. Awakening Dry From a Nap

   It is common that parents will potty train in the day and then wait to train during nap and night time. When you notice that your child is dry after waking up, bring them to the bathroom and set them on the toilet or their little potty first thing.

6. Telling You They Have to Go, are Going or Just Went in Their Diaper.

   You child verbally talking to you about going to the bathroom is a huge indicator. Continue to have conversation with them, bring them to the toilet and if it is during or after, remind them to let you know before they start going so you can help them use the bathroom.

For us, our almost 18-month-old has already used the toilet a number of times. This is much different than the last two potty training experiences with her older siblings, and that’s to be expected. Each child is so different and the queues that they share will also be different. Take the signs of readiness quiz on Pullups.ca which also let’s you know if your child is showing signs that it’s time to start potty training.

One really important note, remember you are going to have to constantly remind your child to keep their hands, toes and heads out of the potty. You can see we are still working on all three of those things.

Get Prepared to learn When to Start Potty Training

One of the most important things to remember is to stay committed. Some days are most likely going to be harder than others, don’t let them get you down. The best way to stay committed and on track is to be the most prepared before you start.

• Purchase a small potty or child toilet seat for your own toilet. You want to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible. Seeing their sized toilet around may have them interested to start potty training early.
• Be consistent. Have certain times of the day when you consistently put your child on their toilet. (First thing in the morning, before nap, after nap, etc.)
• Congratulate your child, this could be a small reward after they use the toilet or something simple like a cheer and hug.
• Change from using a diaper to Pull-Ups. This will be exciting for your child and a sign for them that things are changing. With the easy open sides it makes it easy for parents to get your child onto the toilet in a hurry or for quick and easy clean-ups if accidents happen.
• Remember it doesn’t happen overnight. This is a continual process and doesn’t happen without repetition. Be patient and once you start, don’t look back.

With the New Year here, make potty training a goal to accomplish is 2018. Go to the Pull-Ups website for more helpful tips, potty training games and tools to get you started and keep you and your child motivated. You got this!