How to Tell if Your Toddler is Ready to be Toilet Trained

There is a large variation today in the age a child is toilet trained. Some are trained before their second birthday, others aren't trained until after their third (and nighttime training can go longer than this). Is your child ready to be potty trained? Read on for some signals that may help you to decide.

Remaining Dry.

One sign that your child may be ready for training is when you notice more and more that their diapers remain dry for longer amounts of time, perhaps an hour or two. Of course, some children drink more than others, and will then undoubtedly urinate more, but when you notice a dry diaper, it means that they are beginning to control themselves.

Hiding.

Have you noticed your child hiding in a corner, or going off to another part of the house where there are no people present, to have a bowel movement? This may be another sign that your child is ready to be introduced to toilet training. If they are moving themselves into a private area, then they are aware of what they need to do and are taking the time to do it.

Fussing.

When your child has a diaper that needs to be changed, will they let you know? Do they tug on their diaper or look at you and grunt, or do they tell you with words that they need a new diaper? This is another sign that they are ready for toilet training. If they are aware of having a bowel movement or urinating and then tell you that they need to be changed, then they definitely understand what they have done and you can probably take the next step to introducing the toilet. Keep in mind that some children are too busy and just simply couldn't care less if they needed a new diaper, and they are still cognitively aware that their diaper is a mess and needs to be changed. They just don't mind the sensation and would rather be off and playing than taking the time to get a diaper change. This child may be a bit more tough to toilet train for the very same reason. They would rather be off and playing than sitting on the toilet. However, this doesn't mean that they are not ready to be introduced.

Interest.

Has your child expressed interest in the toilet at all? If so, then this is a great sign that you may be able to introduce it to them!

Physical Ability.

If your child has developed nice gross motor skills and is able to climb onto the couch, for example, then they are sure to have balance and the ability to get onto the toilet. They may need your help, of course. You can introduce steps to the adult toilet or you can introduce a toddler training toilet of their own that stays on the floor.

Statistically, girls tend to toilet train a little before boys do. If your child has most or all of these signs, then I say go for it! For most parents, toilet training is a challenge, but if they are doing the above-mentioned things, then they should have the ability to use the toilet and the understanding of what it is they are doing and what is expected of them. Good luck!