How to Know If Your Toddler Is Ready for Potty Training

You're staring at the potty you bought months ago, wondering if it’s finally time to use it. Your toddler sometimes tells you when they’ve done a poo… but other times they couldn’t care less. Your mum says you were potty trained at 18 months, but your health visitor says to wait. Instagram says to follow your child’s lead — but what does that actually look like?

You’re stuck in a cycle of second-guessing:
“Is my toddler ready for potty training… or am I jumping the gun?”

Why This Can Be So Stressful

Not knowing whether to start potty training can keep you in parenting limbo. You put it off, afraid of pushing too soon — but also dread what’ll happen if you leave it too late.

You worry about:

• Training “too early” and creating a power struggle

• Training “too late” and dealing with resistance

• Being judged by family or nursery staff

• Spending weeks stuck at home doing it “wrong”

Every time your toddler hides behind the sofa to poo, you wonder: Is this a sign? Or just a coincidence?

The Truth

Here’s the truth: readiness is simpler (and more flexible) than you’ve been led to believe.

You don’t need to wait until your child asks to use the potty or stays dry all night.
You can start gently around 18–24 months, without pressure, stress, or sticker charts.

That’s exactly what I teach inside Potty Pros — my gentle, step-by-step potty training course designed for toddlers aged 18–24 months. It’s built around real child development (not nappy company checklists), and it shows you how to:

• Spot true readiness signs

• Prepare your home

• Start at your toddler’s pace

• Avoid the most common struggles before they start

But let’s start right now — here’s what readiness really looks like.

What Are the Real Signs of Potty Training Readiness?

You don’t need to wait for your child to say “I need a wee!” Readiness isn’t about language or staying dry for hours. It’s about whether your toddler has the skills they need to start learning — even if they’re not yet fully aware of their body signals.

Here are 4 reliable signs your toddler might be ready to start:

1. They can walk confidently

Your toddler needs to be able to get to the potty on their own. If they’re steady on their feet and moving around independently, that’s a great start.

2. They can sit and stand independently

If they can sit on a low stool or potty and stand up again without help, they’ve got the physical skills to manage toileting.

3. They follow simple instructions

Can they understand short, two-step directions like “Get your shoes” or “Put this in the bin”? That’s a strong sign their comprehension is ready for potty learning too.

4. They’re in the “window” (18–24 months)

This is the golden window when toddlers are curious, cooperative, and not yet in the “no!” phase. Starting now often makes training faster, easier, and less of a battle.


Once you child is showing these signs they are ready to begin potty training, but knowing when your child is ready to start is one thing, but actually potty training is another. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.


I’m Esther and I’ve been where you are, I’ve potty trained my fair share of toddlers as a professional nanny for over 14 years and it’s definitely not something that was taught at University on my Early Childhood degree.
Being a nanny means potty training a lot of toddlers - I’ve researched, learnt on the job, learnt from others and discovered the easiest way to potty train. 

Taking the leap to starting potty training can be overwhelming, if you aren't quite ready or your toddler isn't quite in the 18-24 month potty training window. My guide with things you can do at home before starting potty training is a great place to start.