Is Your Child Ready to Potty Train?

As babies grow into children, parents transform into diaper-changing superheroes. In the blink of an eye, we can take off a wet! In a flash, we can wipe a dirty bottom! We can basically deal with any and all messes our little bundles of joy have in store for us. 

Despite our mind-blowing diaper skills, most of us are very excited to enter the potty training phase. But don’t rush it: This is a process that really depends on your child’s emotional and physical readiness. Most children show signs of being ready for potty training between 18 and 24 months.

When your child is ready to potty train, she might begin to talk about it or show interest in other ways. She may ask questions about other children going to the bathroom or want to watch you while you go to the toilet.

Your child may also begin to announce that she needs to pee or poop. She might squat or pull down her pants when the urge strikes. She’ll probably get irritated when she’s wearing a wet or dirty diaper. Other common signs that your child is ready to potty train: helping dress herself, the ability to follow simple instructions, and a desire to wear real underwear.

The process of potty training usually takes about six weeks, although it can take more time, even if the child is emotionally and physically ready to potty train. In addition, bed-wetting at night is common and normal. It may take several years for your child to be potty trained at night, even if she’s consistently trained during the day. Every child is different!