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You are ready to begin potty training, but what exactly are potty training readiness signs you should be looking out for?
Look for these potty training readiness signs BEFORE beginning the process. I tried potty training my daughter twice before it actually stuck. The third time was the charm. In hindsight, she just was not ready. Even though I was!
After reflecting on the two failed attempts, I learned I shouldn’t have rushed the process. I should have really looked closely for all the readiness signs to spare all the drama and headaches.
The point is that if you and your toddler are growing frustrated with potty training, it is totally okay to quit and try again later. You don’t want potty training to be miserable.
Before we hop right in, let me just take a minute to say that there is no better underwear to potty train in than these ones. They’re actually the best underwear for kids in my honest opinion. If you don’t have these, go ahead and grab a set for your babe now.
This post is all about potty training readiness signs.
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Potty Training Readiness Signs
1. Telling you when they have a dirty/wet diaper
If your toddler is communicating with you when they pee or poop, this shows that your child is in tune with their body. This is one of the potty training readiness signs to be on the lookout for!
Being able to tell when they have to poop or pee is a big deal. This is a major clue that your babe is ready to begin the potty training process.
Perhaps your toddler expresses when he or she needs a diaper change. This is another clue that your babe is ready to take on potty training.
2. Going longer periods of time without needing a diaper change
You might notice that your toddler needs less diaper changes.
Specifically, you may notice that your toddler is able to go a couple of hours without needing a diaper change. This is another major indicator that they are ready to begin potty training.
If your toddler is able to go a couple of hours without needing a diaper change, this shows they have more control over their bladder.
3. Seeks privacy
Another readiness sign is if your little one hides or seeks privacy before or when they go potty.
This is a huge sign because it shows that your child is aware of what it feels like when they have to pee or poop.
4. Curious about the potty
You might notice that your child is interested or curious about the potty.
They may mimic you and show an interest in flushing the toilet, reaching for toilet paper, and washing their hands.
Treat this as a learning opportunity and explain the process to your toddler.
As a former teacher, activating prior knowledge is crucial. Meaning- when you talk about potty training before actually beginning, they will be more successful. Why? Because they have prior knowledge about this. Prior knowledge or schema goes a long way in the learning process.
5. Can undress themself
Is your toddler able to undress on their own? Maybe taking off their clothes is a breeze. If this is true for your little one, you may want to begin potty training.
Being able to pull pants off and on is another one of many potty training readiness signs. This level of independence will come in handy during the training process.
Here’s a little tip. Make sure your child’s underwear is not too tight. Loose underwear and pants make training so much easier to pull up and down.
I only buy this underwear for my daughter. They are tagless, soft, and quality-made. She has eczema so I only buy soft breathable clothing.
6. Able to follow directions
Following directions is essential.
In order to successfully master potty training, your child will need to be able to follow directions like “go to the potty”, “pull your underwear down”, and understand “we go pee pee and poopy in the potty.”
(RELATED POST: 10 Toddler Activities That Won’t Break the Bank)
7. Poops on schedule
You may notice that your toddler poops at certain times of the day. Taking note and observing when your child usually goes number two will help make potty training smoother.
If this is the case for your toddler, you can anticipate when to encourage your child to sit on the potty.
8. Eager to please
Kids LOVE to be praised. They want to please us and help us. In fact, my toddler says, “I can help you” regularly.
Remember to celebrate your toddler every time they successfully use the potty. This will lead to continued success and promote fun during the process.
9. Independent
There comes a time when your toddler will want to do everything on their own.
They no longer want your help (even if they need it).
Becoming more independent is a promising sign that your child is ready to use the potty on their own. Why not put their independence to the test?
10. Fights wearing a diaper
This is a frustrating sign many families experience. If this is going on in your house right now, you are not alone!
Your toddler may fight diaper changes or frequently rip their diaper off and throw it across the room.
My daughter did this a handful of times while in her crib and I was so thankful she didn’t make a big mess.
At what age can you begin potty training?
Healthline reports that most toddlers begin potty training between 18 months to 3 years old. The average age is 27 months.
Not all kids are the same. Perhaps your first child was showing signs of readiness by 18 months and your second didn’t show signs of readiness until 2 years old. This is why it is important to look for potty training readiness signs.
If you tried potty training and discovered your little one wasn’t ready, don’t let that experience discourage you. Or let that stop you from trying again when you think your child might be ready to try again.
My daughter had two failed attempts before she mastered potty training. She is now 2 and a half and she is rocking it!
So if you have tried potty training before and it wasn’t successful, it will click one day!
Helpful Potty Training Resources
Potty Chair
This is the potty chair we have. My daughter loves it and prefers it over the regular toilet.
We also have a potty training seat cover, but my daughter doesn’t like using the regular-sized toilet.
In her words… It is too big. She enjoys having her very own miniature potty.
Underwear
During the first attempt at potty training, I made the mistake of using pull-ups during the day. Major fail. I honestly think it makes potty training harder.
I suggest training your toddler in underwear. Just make sure the underwear you buy are comfortable AND not too tight. These are the underwear I ended up training my daughter in and quite honestly the only ones she wants to wear. I highly recommend them!
Pull-ups
Pull-ups are great for sleeping. Not for daytime training!
We have been through so many diapers and this brand is our absolute favorite! They are so gentle on your baby’s skin. You BOTH will appreciate these.
Shop through this link and use the code “BUMP20” for 20% off when you spend at least $40.
This post was all about potty training readiness signs.
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