After a busy day filled with nappy changes, you can’t help but wonder when the days of nappies and smelly poos will be behind you. You’re probably aware that with a young baby, it might not be for some time. But when exactly is the right time to begin training? Is 12 months old too soon? Is three years old too late? Is there a sweet spot?

There’s a great deal of research on the ‘when to begin potty training’ question, which can actually make things a whole lot more confusing and complicated. But ultimately, there’s no one ‘right time’. The “when” is different for every child, and there’s no internal switch that suddenly lets you know to begin.

But if that’s the case, how will I know my child is ready?

If there’s no definitive answer, what should we do?

Your baby is simply a little too young, as most children won’t learn to stay dry until they’re somewhere between the ages of 2 and 3, and night dryness can’t really be expected until they reach three years old. But once they’re a little older, your child will exhibit certain signs and behaviours that let you know they’re about ready to begin.

Before we explore the signs that will indicate your child’s readiness, we want to iterate the importance of not starting too early.

Why should I be careful not to begin potty training too early?

Of course, your toddler will need to potty-train at some point so they can learn to become independent, however, potty training too young will prove frustrating for you and your child. Not to mention the fact that it could even cause long-term psychological or behavioural problems. Kids who’ve begun training too young have also been known to have problems with constipation and holding urine in for too long, which can cause certain health problems.

So, the general recommendation is to wait until your little one is around two or at least 18 months old.

Although training is likely some way off, we also want to draw your attention to a few circumstances that don’t warrant beginning training:

A childcare provider expects your child to be out of nappies and refuses to change them. This will put unnecessary pressure on you and your child.

Children you know that are the same age no longer use nappies. There’s no race to dryness and no medals to be won. Don’t let parental guilt, anxiety, or competition be your reason for potty training.

Their older sibling was out of nappies by now. Every individual child is different. Even siblings won’t meet milestones at the exact same time.

Now, let’s look at a few signs indicating that your little one is ready to begin potty training.

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

Once they’re at least 18 months old and exhibit 2 or more of the following behaviours, potty training can begin imminently:

Your toddler sometimes tells you they need to use the toilet before they go. This could be as simple as saying “pee-pee” or “poo-poo”.

They show a reluctance to poo in front of you and others.

They’re able to dress and undress almost entirely on their own.

They sometimes ask to have their nappy changed or bring you a fresh one.

They can communicate simple bodily sensations such as, “I’m hungry” and “I’m cold.”

They are mostly dry when they wake up from daily naps.

Their nappy regularly remains dry for 2 hours or more. This indicates an increase in bladder capacity.

Your toddler expresses a wish to begin potty training.

In conclusion, an infant is simply a little too young to stop wearing nappies and begin training, but once they’re a toddler and physiologically and psychologically mature enough, you’ll see certain signs that let you know it’s time to begin.

When is my child ready for potty training?

Look out for these key signs, says Unii.