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Potty Training Schedule: 8 Signs Your Child Is Ready To Potty Train

There is no magical and perfect time to potty train your child. Most will show signs of readiness between 18 months and 3 years, with the average age being 27 months.  

While there isn’t a set potty training schedule you should follow, there are some indications that they may be ready to potty train. 

Read on to find out what signs you should look out for to start potty training. 

Do I Have to Follow a Potty Training Schedule?

You technically can do whatever you want when it comes to potty training your child.

If you start too soon, they just may not be ready. If they aren’t ready they may resist going potty or just may not get it yet. 

Potty Training Schedule: 8 Signs Your Child Is Ready To Potty Train

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to not push your child into potty training. They suggest a child-led approach. That is why it is so important to be able to identify the signs of readiness for potty training.

Signs You Should Potty Train

While there is no set schedule you should follow, there are certain signs that you can look out for to start potty training. 

Potty training can be a difficult process, so take all the support you can get, such as this great potty training guide

With no further ado, here are eight signs your child is ready to potty train. 

     1. Pulling at Used Diaper

One sign that you may want to start potty training is when your little one starts pulling on their diaper after taking a pee or poo. 

When they pull at their diaper it means they’re starting to realize that it is uncomfortable sitting in their waste.

If your child is ripping off their diaper completely, you may want to consider potty training. This is a normal step of development, but a messy one. 

If you don’t think they’re ready for potty training, you could solve this by trying to change the diaper as soon as they go. 

     2. Imitating Going Potty

Do you find that your child likes to pretend when you’re going potty? Do they imitate you wiping or washing your hands? 

Your toddler imitating you doing different potty related things may be a sign of readiness for potty training. 

     3. Interested in the Potty

Is your little one interested in all aspects of the potty?

Do they pull the toilet paper, want to wash their hands with you, or wave bye when you flush your poop?

This interest in the potty may seem gross, but it is great! If they are interested in the potty and how it works, they are going to be more likely to want to use their own potty.

     4. Dry Diaper After Sleep and Naps

You may initially be concerned after your toddler doesn’t wet through their diaper anymore during sleep or nap time. While your child should have a certain amount of wet diapers a day to indicate proper hydration, a dry diaper after nap time could mean they’re controlling their bladder and bowel movements. 

     5. Saying or Showing They Need to Go

A telltale sign that your little one may be ready is verbally saying they need to go. If they say they need to go pee or poo, you should start the potty training process.

This shows that your child is aware of when they need to go before they go, which is a huge component of potty training. 

It isn’t just what they say, it is what your child does too. Do they grab their privates before they go? Or do a little dance?

Just because they aren’t verbalizing it doesn’t mean they aren’t showing they need to go. 

     6. Looks for Privacy

If your little one goes into the corner and crouches to go potty, they may be seeking privacy.

Wanting pee and poo to be private is a perfectly normal part of growing up. When this happens, take the opportunity to introduce potty training. 

While they may want some privacy to potty, make sure you’re there for support and guidance through it all. You may have never done this before, but they haven’t either. Have some patience and allow them a tiny bit of space when going pee or pee in their potty.  

     7. Able to Undress Self

Another sign that your child is ready for potty training is they are able to take off their clothes. 

Being able to undress is a big aspect of potty training as they have to pull down their underwear and pants when they’re going pee or poo. 

So while it may seem like a chaotic toddler move to strip down, it is actually a crucial skill they are developing!

      8. Predictable Potty Times

Our last sign that your little one may be ready to potty train is that they follow a schedule. This just means that they poo or pee around the same time each day. 

When they get predictable potty times, they may be able to get to the potty before they go since they’ve become aware of going.

Is Your Toddler Ready to Potty Train?

Is your little one showing signs that they are ready to be potty trained?

It can be daunting but don’t worry, there is no set potty training schedule to follow.

You should show your child the ropes and let them lead the way. If they aren’t ready yet, they’ll let you know. 

Good luck with your potty training mission and make sure to come back and check out the rest of our site for more advice and wisdom.

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