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

Nina Ottman

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.

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.

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).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Potty Training

How do I know if my child is ready to start potty training?

Look for patterns of awareness, longer dry stretches, and interest in the bathroom. Readiness doesn’t mean your child is asking to use the toilet — it means they’re beginning to notice their body and follow simple routines.

What is the best method for first time potty training?

There isn’t one best method. The best potty training approach is the one you can stay consistent with. Some families use the 3-day method, others prefer a child-led approach. Consistency matters more than the label.

What should I do on Day 1 of potty training?

Keep the day simple. Stay home if possible, offer regular reminders, and respond calmly to accidents. Celebrate effort and awareness, not just success.

How long does it take to potty train?

It varies. Some children make quick progress, while others need more time. Early days are about building awareness and routine, not racing to the finish line.

What if my child resists potty training?

Resistance can show up when a child feels pressured, overwhelmed by other life changes (like a new sibling or classroom transition), or eager for more control. Sometimes a brief pause or a reset in tone helps. Focus on keeping things low-pressure and steady while life settles.

If potty training feels overwhelming right now

You don’t need to rush toward big milestones or make every trip to the bathroom a “thing.” What helps most is having a clear way to notice effort and keep going, even when progress feels slow.

That’s why I focus on simple, repeatable reinforcement. A potty chart paired with small reward stickers gives kids something concrete to work toward and gives parents a way to see learning happening over time, not just on the “big win” days.

This is how I've approached potty learning with my own kids. Staying consistent, marking progress, and keeping momentum when motivation dips.

Nina Ottman is a mom of two toddlers and the artist behind Letter & Line, where she designs simple tools to help parents navigate toddler milestones with less burnout.

These tools support learning, routines, and positive reinforcement during the toddler and preschool years.