Is Your Toddler Ready? 8 Signs of Potty Training Readiness

You've heard it a hundred times: "Every child is different." And when it comes to potty training, it's absolutely true. But here's what's also true: there's a huge difference between a child who can use the potty and a child who's ready to use the potty. Starting too early leads to frustration, accidents, and months of struggle. Waiting for readiness? That's when potty training actually works.

The question isn't "How old should my child be?" It's "Is my child showing signs of readiness?" This guide breaks down the 8 clearest signs that your toddler is ready to start potty training—and what to do if they're not quite there yet.

Why Readiness Matters More Than Age

Most experts suggest starting between 18-30 months, with full training by age 3 on average. But here's the catch: about 50% of kids are daytime trained by 36 months. That means half of all toddlers aren't ready by age 3—and that's completely normal.

Forcing training too early can lead to setbacks, while waiting for these signs often makes the process smoother. The common sentiment from parents? "Kids do things when they're ready—coach, don't push."

Starting before your child shows readiness signs often results in:

• Frequent accidents and frustration
• Power struggles and resistance
• Regression (going backward after initial progress)
• Anxiety around the bathroom
• A longer overall training process

Waiting for readiness typically results in:

• Faster success (sometimes in days or weeks)
• Less resistance and power struggles
• Fewer accidents
• A positive association with the potty
• A shorter overall training timeline

The irony? Waiting often gets you there faster.

The Painful Cycle: How Withholding Leads to Constipation

Here's why poop withholding is more than just an inconvenience:

Day 1-2: Your child holds in stool. You might not even notice yet.

Day 3-4: Stool accumulates in the colon. Your child might seem uncomfortable, have a distended belly, or complain of tummy pain.

Day 5+: When they finally do poop, it's large and hard—and it hurts. A lot.

The aftermath: That painful experience confirms their fear. "Pooping on the potty hurts." So next time, they hold it again.

If pooping is painful, children may avoid it, leading to larger, harder stools and even more pain the next time, reinforcing the fear and continuing the cycle.

The complications:

If withholding continues, it can lead to chronic constipation, accidental leakage (called encopresis), loss of bowel control, and significant distress for both child and parents. This is why addressing it early matters.

Signs Your Child Is Withholding

• Passing large, hard stools or small hard pellets
• Abdominal discomfort or a "full" feeling
• Avoiding the potty, hiding to poop, or requesting a diaper to poop in
• Occasional soiling or leakage due to overflow around impacted stool
• Going 3+ days without a bowel movement
• Straining or seeming in pain when they do go

If you see these signs, it's time to intervene—not with pressure, but with strategy.

Strategy 1: Scheduled sits (with flexibility)

• Try sits after wake, after meals, mid‑morning, mid‑afternoon, and before bed
• Keep them short: 3–5 minutes, pressure‑free
• Track times and successes to spot patterns

Strategy 2: Smart clothing choices (no bottomless needed)

• Elastic waistbands; skip snaps, zips, and overalls
• Consider daytime pull-ups as a bridge while you build skills
• Invite choice: "Which big-kid pants today?"

Strategy 3: Portable potty station

• Child-size potty in the main living area
• Mini caddy: wipes, hand sanitizer, lidded trash, waterproof mat
• Make emptying part of the routine

Strategy 4: Accident-proof your space

• Waterproof pads under the potty and favorite seats
• Keep enzyme cleaner, paper towels, spare clothes handy
• Treat accidents as data, not disasters

Strategy 5: Consistency across caregivers

• Share a one-page plan: schedule, language, what works/doesn't
• Use the same phrases: "potty time," "try first, then play"

The challenge with all these strategies? Staying consistent

The methods work—the hard part is remembering sits, logging accidents, and adjusting based on patterns when life is hectic in a small space.

Making It All Work: Your Potty Training Partner

The strategies above work. What makes the difference is having a system that keeps you consistent and adapts to your reality.

• Real-time reminders for scheduled sits — never miss a potty time
• Accident tracking that reveals patterns — adjust based on real data
• Personalized guidance for small-space training — not generic tips
• Shareable plans for caregivers — keep daycare and family aligned
• 24/7 support — instant answers when you're stuck