How do I know if my child is ready for potty training?

When is the right time to start potty training? As a parent, you hear all sorts of things: 'wait until they're 3,' 'you'll see it automatically,' or even 'you have to start now.' The truth: there's no set age. It's mainly about your child's signals. In this article, you'll learn how to recognize those signals, how to encourage them, and which signals aren't a good measure. This way, you can start at a time that suits your child and your family.

The three building blocks: can – understands – wants

A child is ready to start practicing when three conditions gradually become visible. It's about: can, understands, and wants. It doesn't all have to be perfect; it often grows gradually.

1) Can – physically and motorically

Dry periods of one and a half to two hours: the bladder can hold something.
Regular pee and poop rhythm: often after naps or meals.
Motor skills: sitting and getting up from the potty, pulling pants down and up (with help).
Body awareness: your child notices that 'something is happening' in their body – for example, stopping still or wiggling.

2) Understands – language and meaning

Understands simple instructions: like, “Come on, let’s sit on the potty for a bit.”
Recognizes toilet-related words: such as “pee,” “poop,” “wet,” or “dry.”
Connects feeling to action: “I need to pee” → going to the potty.

3) Wants – motivation and curiosity

Shows interest in the potty or toilet: wants to watch, asks questions, puts a doll on the potty.
Bothered by dirty diapers: “Ew, diaper wet!”
Wants to be a big kid: proud of underwear, wants to join in with others.

Do you recognize signals from each category? Then you can start practicing with peace of mind. Missing something? No problem: you can playfully stimulate interest and understanding.

Signals to watch out for

Waking up dry after a nap.
Predictable moments when your child pees, such as after drinking or after sleeping.
Using words or gestures for pee and poop.
Grabbing the potty themselves or showing interest in toilet visits.
Wants to wear underwear instead of diapers.

What is not a signal

Age alone: turning three is no guarantee of success.
Social pressure: because daycare or family thinks it’s time.
Coincidence: peeing on the potty once doesn’t mean you can fully start.
Resistance: “No!” says something about tension or timing, not about being ready.

How can you help your child?

Encourage can

Put a potty in a fixed place in the house.
Build in fixed practice moments: after breakfast, after a nap, before going to sleep.
Choose easy clothing: pants with elastic that your child can pull down themselves.

Encourage understands

Choose fixed words such as “pee” or “poop” and use them consistently.
Show how you go to the toilet and name the steps.
Read books or play games around the theme.

Encourage wants to

Offer choices: which potty or which underpants?
Celebrate small steps with compliments or a high five.
Make it light with a song or a game.

How do you know if you're starting too early?

Do you notice that your child often has a wet diaper within half an hour, never wakes up dry, and doesn't show any signals? Then it's probably still early. Do continue to spark interest (books, potty in sight, toilet words) and try again later.

How do you know if you're not too late?

There is no hard age limit. As long as your child shows signals but practicing is difficult, there is no reason to worry. Focus on small steps and predictable routines. If the process remains stuck for a longer period of time? Then you can always ask for advice at the child health clinic.

Checklist: ready to start?

Dry periods of at least 1.5–2 hours.
Understanding simple instructions.
Showing curiosity about the potty or toilet.
A calm period at home for practicing.
Potty and easy-to-remove clothing ready.

Frequently asked questions

My child is 2 but doesn't show much interest yet. Should I wait?

No need to just sit and wait! Put the potty out, use toilet-related words, and read books about it. This will naturally spark their curiosity.

My child is 3 and keeps saying “no”. Is it too late?

Nope! “No” could mean your child is feeling stressed. Keep it short and light, offer choices, and try again later.

Can I start too early?

Yes, if your child isn't showing any signs at all. Practicing might be frustrating then. Wait a bit and try again later, but keep playfully encouraging them in the meantime.

Summary

Your child is ready to start when you see several signals in can – understands – wants. Age is a guideline, but not the deciding factor. Don't start just because others say it's “time”. Start calmly, playfully, and predictably. This way, you build the road to potty training step by step.