How do you know when to start potty training? How can you tell if your child is ready? We prepared this easy-to-read checklist to assist you in deciding if this is the right time for the potty.
Behavioral signs
1) Able to sit down quietly in one position for several minutes.
2) Able to pull his pants up and down.
3) Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
4) Shows interest in others’ bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear).
5) Gives a physical or verbal sign when he’s ready to go to the bathroom such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
6) Shows a desire for independence.
7) Shows satisfaction in his accomplishments.
8) Shows an interest in learning to use the toilet.
9) Is generally co-operative at this developmental period, not a negative or contrary one.
Physical signs
1) Walks with good coordination and can even run, steadily.
2) Takes a number one, urinating a fair amount at one time.
3) Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at reasonably predictable times.
4) Has “dry” periods of a minimum of two hours or during naps, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.
Cognitive signs
1) Shows an understanding of the physical signals that mean he has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until he has time to get to the potty.
2) Has the ability to follow simple instructions, such as “go get the toy.”
3) Has the understanding and value in putting things where they belong.
4) Has words for urine and stool.