6 Signs It’s Time to Ditch the Nappy and Try Potty Training

Similar to getting a new tooth, moving away from nappies is a sign your little one is growing up. But whilst teeth appear when they’re ready, knowing when to get your child out of nappies and into potty training can be tricky.

Research suggests that between 24 and 30 months is the prime time for easy daytime potty training. Children who go through the night without getting wet and dirtying their nappies tend to be older, between the ages of three to five years. Although, these are just averages and many healthy, normal children do fall outside of these ranges.

The best way to decide is to look for the six signs that tell you when your little one is ready to start potty training.

1. Pulling at a wet or dirty nappy
Children who are nearing potty training age can sometimes tug, pull, and generally fuss with their nappy when it’s been soiled.

2. Hiding before they pee or poo
Some toddlers, as they grow up and become more self-aware, go and hide when they need to pee or poo. So, if your little one hides behind the sofa, then wets their nappy later, you’ll be able to take this as a sign.

3. Taking interest in others’ toilet habits
They may start to take interest in parents’ – and siblings – toilet habits. This curiosity is normal as it’s the first sign they might want to copy the behaviours they see of older members of the family. Explain to them what the toilet is for, how to use it, and how it works.

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4. Nappies stay drier for longer
If you’re finding your tots are keeping drier for longer than previously, this can also be a sign they are ready to go it alone and ditch the nappies.

5. Telling you they need to go
As a parent, even from the early stages of your child’s life you’ll most likely have been able to tell when they have messed their nappy. When they’re older the signs can be more obvious. If your child starts to tell you before they need to go to the toilet, the chances are that they are ready to start potty training.

6. Waking up dry
Whether it’s after a good night’s sleep or an afternoon nap, if your child is waking up dry more often than not, this too is a sign they are ready to take the step towards potty training.

These are the key six signs that toddlers often show when they are physically and emotionally ready to move on to potty training. Follow our blog for more information and tips on parenting and babies.