Signs of Readiness for Potty Training

Lindsay O’Laughlin, OTDs & Caroline Ward, OTD, OTR/L

Potty training typically begins around the age of eighteen months to two years old, but every child is different. There is a possibility of children showing signs of readiness for potty training both earlier and later in development. These signs of readiness can be a more important indicator of success with potty training than age.

General recommendations:

There is no need to rush, you may have more success if you wait for your child to show signs of readiness!

Keep in mind there are physical, behavioral, and environmental factors that will influence a child’s success

• Signs of physical readiness:
  • Can sit appropriately on toilet for a few minutes at a time (using stool or small potty)
  • Can show some amount of bladder and bowel control, such as staying dry during naps or for several hours at a time during the day
  • Can pull clothing up and down (shorts, pants, underwear/pull-up)
  • Can walk to the potty
  • Emerging sense of when it is time to use the toilet
• Signs of behavioral readiness:
  • Follows family member(s) into the bathroom and shows curiosity in using the toilet
  • Shows discomfort in wet diaper, can notify caregiver when they are wet/soiled or need to go
  • Can imitate simple behaviors of other people
  • Shows awareness that poop and pee go into the toilet
  • Can follow simple two-step instructions
• Environmental factors:
  • Ability to be as consistent as possible with a toileting routine
  • Potty training can require lots of patience! If there are significant life changes occurring, then potty training can wait (moving to a new house, divorce, starting a new school)

Remind yourself that it will take time for your child to fully master the skill, so make sure not to shame or cause embarrassment for your child if there is a leakage, (accidents will happen!) Praise and positively reinforce every small success your child shows during the potty training process.

Wondering if your little one is truly ready for potty training? Our experienced pediatric therapists are here to help! Schedule a friendly, no-pressure consult through our easy online self-scheduling tool and get personalized guidance that fits your family’s needs.