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*This post does not contain affiliate links*<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parents of toddlers rejoice! It’s time to teach your little one how to potty train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are wondering when is the right time for your child, this article will help answer that question and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow your child\u2019s indicators and know that you’re on the path to successful potty training!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Click below if you want your free printable potty training charts and reward certificates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Potty Training Readiness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Potty training is a big step for any family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be stressful, messy, and frustrating – but it’s also rewarding when you see your little one make the transition from diapers to underwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having a potty training reward chart plan in place will help decrease the likelihood of messes, but it doesn\u2019t eliminate them completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s your first rodeo or not, potty training is different for every single child. However, there are common indicators that are similar across the board and signal your potty training adventures are about to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Setting Potty Training Expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Resist the urge to expect the same results and timeline other children have followed, the age your toddler is ready to potty train at is going to be on their own time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some children start at age 2, while others are not ready until 3 or even 4 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some signs your child may be ready for the potty training fun to begin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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1) Your toddler notices when they are wet.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you notice your toddler begins to pull at their diaper when they are wet, it\u2019s time to buy a little potty!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take your kiddo to the store and let them help pick it out to ensures the potty training kick-off party is started properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: some toddlers will never care if they are wet and\/or dirty. This isn\u2019t the only sign of potty training readiness. There are plenty more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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2) Your toddler shows interest.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first thing most parents notice on their child\u2019s potty training journey is that their child is more interested in using the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your toddler may follow you into the bathroom, or even ask questions about your bathroom use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some toddlers will strip down and run into the bathroom before they even know how to use the toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a sure sign they\u2019re ready to at least attempt to toilet train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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3) Your toddler is staying dry for longer periods of time.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When your toddler gets to the point where they\u2019re able to stay dry for a few hours at a time, that is a sign they may be ready to potty train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your child is able to sleep through the night and stay dry – even if it\u2019s not every night – they are probably ready to start using the toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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4) Your toddler understands what \u201cpotty\u201d means.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No matter which variation you use: potty, toilet, bathroom, or something else – when your toddler is able to understand what it means, this can be another sign they\u2019re ready to transition away from diapers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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5) Your toddler can communicate when they need to go to the bathroom.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not all children will verbally communicate that they need to use the bathroom, but there are other ways your child may indicate it\u2019s time to pee or poop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a good idea to teach your toddler the Sign Language sign for \u201cbathroom\u201d, in case they cannot (or choose not to) communicate the urgency verbally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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6) Your toddler can undress themselves.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even if they can\u2019t fully dress themselves yet, if they\u2019re able to pull down their diaper or training pants, your toddler is showing signs of potty training readiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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7) Your toddler can use the potty chair.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you purchase a potty chair and teach your toddler how to use it, they should be able to get down to the chair (and up from it) on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may want to have them practice when they don\u2019t have to go to the bathroom, just so they\u2019re prepared when it\u2019s time to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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8) Your toddler wants to use the toilet.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Each toddler will potty train at their own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all children will be eager to potty train, so it\u2019s important to be persistent but not to push the issue if your child isn\u2019t ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When your child starts saying they want to use the toilet, you\u2019ll know they\u2019re ready to start trying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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9) Your toddler can follow simple instructions.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Being able to follow instructions is another toilet readiness skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a difference in understanding instructions and being able to follow them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your toddler may accompany you to the bathroom quite frequently before they start toilet training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is an opportunity to talk to them about the process of using the toilet, using toilet paper, flushing the toilet, washing hands, drying hands, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once they\u2019re able to follow simple instructions like how to wash their hands, they may be prepared for potty training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n