5 Signs Your Toddler Is Ready to Potty Train (And How You Can Get Ready, Too)

Potty training: it’s one of those parenting milestones that somehow feels both exciting and wildly intimidating. Maybe your toddler is showing signs they’re ready, or maybe Grandma, your daycare, or the mom at the park is making you feel like they should be.

Here’s the truth. No one else gets to decide your family’s potty training timeline. Although if you’re reading this, you’re probably somewhere between “Are we close?” and “How do I start?”

Let’s break it down a bit. These are five classic signs your toddler may be ready, plus a few key things that’ll help you feel more ready too.

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1. They’re Showing an Interest in the Potty

If your toddler is following you into the bathroom (farewell privacy!), watching others go, or playing pretend potty games with stuffed animals, congrats! They’re intrested! That’s a huge first step.

“Your child may start to show interest in using the toilet or wearing underwear,” says the Mayo Clinic. Lean into it. Let them explore at their own pace, without pressure or deadlines.

2. They Can Communicate Their Needs

Whether it’s “I went potty,” grabbing at or pointing to their diaper, your toddler is starting to tell you what’s going on with their little body. That's another great sign. You don’t need full sentences, just some identifiable sign that says “time to go.”

This is also a great time to share information with your support crew (co-parents, caregivers, grandma, the sitter) so they too can learn to recognize those cues.

3. They Can Follow Simple Instructions

“Get your shoes.” “Put the book back.” “Pull down your pants first!” These are all part of the same skill set: following directions. If your toddler can understand and follow one-step directions, they’re ready to start learning a basic potty routine.

At around 18 months to 2 years of age, children begin to be able to follow simple instructions (CDC 18-month milestones). Your job will be to turn those instructional steps into a consistent and repeatable potty routine (pants down, sit, wipe, flush, wash hands). 

4. They’re Staying Dry for Longer Periods

If you’re finding dry diapers after naps or long stretches of play, your toddler may be starting to hold it. That’s a sign their body is developing the bladder control needed to make potty training work.

According to Parents magazine, an essential ingredient of potty training readiness is to have “[e]nough bladder and bowel control to make it to the potty.” It's less about age and more about the physiological capacity for staying dy.

5. They Can Pull Pants Up and Down (Bonus!)

It's not essential, but it helps a lot. If your toddler can manage their own pants (even if it’s a slow, wobbly operation), they’re building the independence that’ll make potty training smoother.

Still working on that skill? Choose easy-on, easy-off clothes and give them time to practice without the pressure of “go time.” I recommend sizing up, and for girls, avoiding dresses (for now). It may seem counter-intuitive, but coordinating dress-up/undies-down is more complicated than you need.

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But Wait, Are You Ready?

This part often gets skipped, but let’s be real: potty training takes a team. If you’re juggling chaotic schedules, major life changes (hello, new sibling), or if your daycare isn’t on board, it’s totally okay to pause.

Ask yourself:

• Can I be consistent for a few weeks?

• Are all caregivers aligned on the approach?

• Do I have a plan if things stall out or get messy (literally)?

If not, hit the brakes. You’re not behind, you’re being smart.

Want a practical tool to keep everyone on the same page? The Potty Communication Form helps co-parents, grandparents, and babysitters track progress and reinforce the same training techniques.

Final Thoughts

Potty training isn't a race. It’s a process. One that goes more smoothly when both toddler and grown-ups are feeling supported, equipped, and ready.

If your little one is showing these signs, and you feel up for it, you’re in a great spot to begin. And if you want to make the journey a little more joyful? Try some beginner-friendly potty chart stickers with rewards for effort, not just success. Because whether they made it to the potty or just sat on it for five seconds, that deserves a high-five (and maybe even a glitter sticker).