You Know Your Child Is Ready For Potty Training When . . .

We have partnered with Pull-Ups® to bring you the signs that let you know your child is ready to start potty training.

Welcome to the crazy world of potty chairs and wet wipes. Potty training is a big milestone — and potentially one of the most challenging and bizarre experiences you will partake in with your child. From having to sing the same song every time the urge hits to completely stripping naked before sitting on the throne, every child has a different technique, providing a little levity to this endeavor. So take a deep breath, stash your favorite cleaning products close to the potty, and keep an eye out for these signs that your child is ready to ditch the diaper for good.

01
He has no problem pulling down his pants.
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He has no problem pulling down his pants.

No matter the environment, if your child doesn't think twice about pulling down his pants when the need to pee hits or deftly removes a soiled diaper all on his own, he's probably ready to start sitting on the potty. Now is a good time to encourage your child to head to the bathroom before stripping down and sitting on the potty when he's feeling the urge to go. While training, stash extra underwear and clothes in your bathroom cabinet so you always have dry items on hand. Wet wipes are also a must.

02
She's really interested in the bathroom.
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She's really interested in the bathroom.

Just when you thought you might be able to use the bathroom without the door open, your tot starts getting really interested in what's happening in there. Now is not the time for modesty! Answer questions honestly while encouraging your potty trainer to use the loo too. Head to the store with your tot, and pick up the perfect potty seat or mini throne so she feels special while mastering the skill. If you have a little observer, make sure to model good bathroom etiquette — especially the hand-washing part.

03
She's dry after nap time.
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She's dry after nap time.

If you find your child is sporting a dry diaper after nap time, especially a few days in a row, it's time to take a deep breath and jump right in. Staying dry for two hours or more shows increased bladder control, meaning she's ready. Potty training is part of your child's development, which doesn't always go as planned. So if things don't work out at first, don't worry about it — and don't add extra stress on your child by forcing it! Take a break, and start again in a couple of weeks.

04
He's experimenting with potty talk.
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He's experimenting with potty talk.

Listen to your child, not your mom or neighbor, for clues that it's time to potty train. It's tempting to follow the lead of your tot's best friend, but if he's not talking about needing to pee or wanting to go poo-poo on his own, he might not be ready to take the next step. Sure, some of the language might be a tad embarrassing, but it's important to talk about it. Not sure where to start? Head to your local library, and check out some cute books about potty training.

05
She's pretty darn proud of herself.
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She's pretty darn proud of herself.

If you're noticing a higher level of independence in your child and increased positivity toward herself ("Mom, look what I can do!"), she's ready to give potty training a try. You can probably predict by now when your child needs to use the bathroom, so start by having her sit on the potty based on that schedule. Encourage your little one's efforts with lots of positive praise to show you're proud of her too.

More From Pull-Ups®
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More From Pull-Ups®

If the signs above sound familiar, then you and your child are ready to climb aboard the potty train! Make it a big occasion by decorating the potty chair together, introducing a progress sticker chart, and switching to Pull-Ups® training pants, which help your child learn how to pull up and down as they start the journey to becoming a "Big Kid." Click here for more great tips and resources from Pull-Ups®, plus connect to a community of parents sharing their experiences.