Real-Life Signs Your Child Might Be Ready to Start Potty Training

Potty training feels like a mix of “Woohoo, we’re doing this!” and “Wait, HOW do we do this?” 

And if you’re a busy parent spinning plates all day or you have a long workday (like many parents do), the last thing you need is one more guessing game.

The good news? 

Your little one will send some pretty clear signals when they’re ready to say goodbye to diapers. 

Below are 7 real-deal signs that your child might be ready to tackle the potty like a pro—So you can be a more Stree-Free Mom (SFM) !😊

1. Your Child Stays Dry for Longer Periods

One of the first signs your child’s bladder control is improving is staying dry for at least 2 hours at a time during the day. According to Healthy Children, this shows their body is physically ready to start controlling when and where they go. But…

Do quick diaper checks every couple hours. Dry diaper? That’s a gold star.

That means those tiny bladder muscles are doing their thing — and your child is starting to connect the dots. You might even notice other cues, like waking up dry from naps, pooping on a schedule, or tugging at a wet diaper. 

And if they’re getting a little bit interested in the potty? You’re headed in the right direction.

Because one of the clearest signs they’re ready is…

2. They’re Curious About the Toilet

So I wonder if your child is suddenly fascinated with following you into the bathroom? Curiosity about how grown-ups use the toilet is a big sign they’re mentally ready to learn. 

The C.P.S (Canadian Paediatric Society) notes that modeling bathroom behavior helps kids connect the dots about what’s supposed to happen.

That wide-eyed wonder about the toilet? Totally normal—and actually super helpful. 

Can be : 

• peeking in, 
• asking questions, 
• pretending to flush, or 
• turning toilet paper into a streamer parade (we’ve all been there) 

It's all part of how our cute toddlers learn: watching, imitating, exploring, and so on.

This curiosity shows they’re developing body awareness, desire for independence, and growing interest in the “big kid” world. 

Now’s the time to talk them through what you’re doing in simple terms with little tasks (like flushing or washing hands), and even...

invite them to sit on a potty chair—no pressure, just play.

Celebrate their interest, keep the bathroom a safe space, and cheer them on when they participate. If they’re not quite ready to dive in yet? 

That’s okay too. 

Keep modeling, keep chatting, and trust that they’ll hop on board when the time is right—keeping my fingers crossed!🤞

Now...

3. Your Child Can Follow Simple Instructions

If your kid can follow basic 2 or 3 step directions (like “Go get your potty,” “Pull down your pants,” “Flush the toilet”), they’re mentally prepped for the process.

And yep—this is a huge developmental win. 

Being able to follow directions means their brain is flexing some serious muscle: listening, understanding, remembering, and doing. 

It also shows they’re motivated and engage (to make you proud:).

Want to build this skill?
Start simple. 

• Make eye contact. A helpful tip is to position yourself at their eye level—this can improve focus and engagement, especially for children with special needs, such as those on the autism spectrum.
• Say their name first, and 
• Give one clear instruction at a time 
  • “Get your potty” instead of 
  • “It’s time honey, can you grab the… after we...” Don't you think it's too long?

Be direct and make instructions easy to understand by following this simple 

STM tip: the “first/then” trick like this... 

“First” sit on the potty

“Then” we’ll read your favorite book.” 

This helps them understand sequencing and keeps things fun.

Visual cues, hand gestures, and even miming the steps can help little ones connect the dots. And when they get it right? Celebrate it.

Always…

Praise and encouragement go a long way—so bring on the high-fives, stickers, or silly dances.

On the other hand...

Not every toddler will master this overnight. Be patient, be consistent, and model it yourself. They’re watching, learning. 

Turning direction-following into a fun activity can make it feel less like a task and more like a game.

Toddlers are all in for that.

By doing that you’re also building confidence, communication, and trust. All key ingredients for potty success.

 

4. They’re Not Loving Dirty Diapers Anymore

When your little one started squirming during diaper changes—tugging at the waistband after going—that mini meltdown on the changing mat might actually be a good sign.

Stanford Children’s Health, consider that when your child starts to dislike feeling wet or soiled, it means they’re developing the body awareness needed for potty training. 

Which means they’re done with the diaper life (or at least close).

You might notice little clues she/he:

• tells you right after she goes
• tries to strip off his diaper mid-play
• has an immediate reaction to being wet or poopy (hello dramatic pause).

So hey, it’s not always that simple.

Like this mom shared months ago: 

“When I ask my 2 yr old if he's pooped the answer is always ‘no poop’ even if he clearly has. He will happily run around with a poopy diaper.”

Midna222, replied:  

“We must have the same child! He’ll adamantly deny he pooped even though it’s obvious but then fuss over a diaper change. Potty training isn’t going well 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️”

source: reddit 

Yes, it seems like we all have the same child—LOL

YUP, toddlers are full of contradictions. One minute they hate being wet, the next they’re proudly sprinting in a diaper you know needs changing. 

It can be a ride however... 

here’s the thing: you’re not alone and that awareness (even if they deny it) is part of the process.

Frustrating? 

For sure. But—

Temporary. Always.

During this time—their little brain and body are starting to connect the dots.

And...

5. Poop Patterns Are Predictable

Does she/he—let go—at the same time every day? Pooping around the same time each afternoon like clockwork? That regular rhythm is gold for potty training. It gives you the upper hand to time potty sits, start a routine, and maybe even avoid a few unexpected “surprises” on the carpet.

Well, here’s the scoop (yep, pun intended):

While your little one might be dropping diapers like a predictable pro, every child has their own normal. Some poop once a day, others every other day—and both can be totally fine.

What matters is the pattern. If it’s consistent and your child seems comfortable, you’re good. That means their digestion is doing its thing, and your chances of successful potty trips just skyrocketed.

Poop science, in mom-speak:

• Some kiddos go 3x a day. Others may skip a day. Both are normal.
• What they eat, how much water they drink, how active they are—even stress!—can shift their schedule.
• If you notice sudden changes—more poop, less poop, weird colors, or pain to pass. Time to call your doc if this chart below doesn't reassure you. Because…
• Soft and formed is ideal (TYPE 4) and poop categories based on their appearance and consistency matters too:
  • Type 1: Separate, hard lumps, like nuts, which are difficult to pass (Constipation)
  • Type 2: Lumpy, sausage-shaped stool (Constipation)
  • Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface (Normal/Healthy)
  • Type 4: Sausage-shaped or snake-like, smooth and soft (Normal/Healthy - ideal stool)
  • Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (easy to pass)
  • Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, mushy stool (Diarrhea)
  • Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces (Diarrhea)
    
    

See…

Once you learn their rhythm, appearance, and consistency of stools, you can guide them gently into a potty routine that works with their body.

 

by doing so...

6. They’re Learning to Dress Themselves

Ever watched your little one wiggle their way out of their pants with the determination of a superhero? That moment—whether successful or hilariously tangled—is actually a big deal.

Learning to pull pants down (and back up) is one of those overlooked potty-training superpowers.

It’s not just about motor skills—it’s about independence, confidence, and getting one step closer to using the potty on their own.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 12–18 months: They’ll start tugging pants down—especially those with stretchy waistbands. Sure, it’s a little clumsy. But that’s progress!
• 2–3 years: They begin pulling them back up too. It might not always be straight, doesn't matter, it’s a win.
• 3–4 years: You’ll start seeing smoother movements and fewer requests for help.
• By 5: Buttons, zippers, even costume changes? They’re basically pros. 

So how can you support them (without doing it all for them)?

As parents we tend to want to help our children excessively.

To avoid that follow this...

Smart STM tips that actually help:

• Start with easy wins: elastic waistbands, soft fabrics, no tricky fasteners.
  
  
• Turn it into a game: “Let’s see who can pull pants down before the potty song ends!”
  
  
• Narrate the steps: “First we pull down, then we squat, then we pull up!” Look, you create suspense "first," "then" and… It helps them keep focused, don't you think? After all, who doesn't love suspense or a good story?
  
  
• Let them practice outside of potty time—when there’s no pressure or puddles.
  
  
• Celebrate every effort, not just the perfect outcomes.
  
  
• Set the stage: Keep their clothes within reach, in open bins or lower drawers.
  
  
• Offer choices: “Do you want the blue pants or the dinosaur ones?” That sense of control goes a long way.
  
  

Just help your child start with something as simple as pulling up their pants. Let them try. Let them stumble. And don’t forget…

A first time is never easy, but you can make it fun.

7. They’re Telling You When They Need to Go

It could be a pointed finger, a pause mid-play to grab themselves, or saying “pee!” any kind of communication around potty needs is a big green light.

This kind of body awareness and communication is one of the most crucial signs your child’s ready to begin, according to Mayo Clinic.

Except...

Not every kid will say “I need to poop now!” (Wouldn’t that be nice?)

Some kiddos are a little bit—shy—not really sure but you catch me, you'll recognize these signs:

• Squatting in the corner
• Hiding behind the couch
• Sudden stillness or intense concentration
• Squirming, crossing legs, fidgeting
• Facial expressions that basically scream “Mom something’s happening”

Even changes in mood—like getting cranky or clingy—can be clues. And if they tend to go around the same time each day (like after meals or naps), that timing is your secret weapon.

What you can do:

Watch closely: Learn their “tell”—every kid has one
Ask gently: “Do you need to try the potty?” (Even if they say no, you’re planting the seed.)
Make it positive: Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome
Keep a rhythm: A soft routine after meals can help them connect the dots.
Stay chill: Accidents happen. Potty training is a long journe

Words, signs, or that unforgettable poop face—your kid’s trying to tell you something. Pay attention, respond, and cheer them on.

Now that we see the 7 signs, you might be wondering…

What If They’re Not Quite Ready?

That’s okay. Some kids are ready by 18 months; others closer to 3 years.

If your child is going through a big transition—like moving or starting daycare—pause for a few weeks. Potty training isn’t a race.

The following section will help you a lot with...

 

A Gentle Approach That Actually Works

Starting when your child shows signs of readiness makes everything easier—for both of you. There’s no perfect formula. Just small wins, lots of praise, and patience.

You’ve get it. And when your little one nails it? Pure magic.

Here's a quick...

Potty Training Readiness Checklist

Potty training on your radar?

Explore parent-favorite toiletry and diaper changing essentials that make your life easier (and a lot less messy).

Shop Diaper Training — Try Potty Essentials Here 

 

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you. 💛

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