Before starting potty training, it helps if your child demonstrates some basic readiness skills.

These skills don’t guarantee success, but they can make the learning process smoother. If a child doesn’t have all these skills, it does not mean that they cannot potty train, and I can help you to build these skills and potty train with success! 

1. Age Two or Older

Most children are ready to begin potty training sometime after age two.

While some programs suggest training babies, children with autism or developmental delays often need more developmental readiness first. 

If your child is over age five and still not potty trained, don’t panic.

Many children can still learn with the right approach.

2. Ability to Follow Simple Directions

Children who can follow basic instructions such as:

• “Sit down”
• “Come here”
• “Give me the toy”

will usually find potty training easier.

If following directions is difficult, it may help to first focus on building cooperation and learning skills.

3. Staying Dry for 1.5–2 Hours

A helpful sign of readiness is when a child can stay dry for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

This shows their bladder is developing enough control to hold urine.

In the meantime, it’s important to change diapers quickly so children can feel the difference between wet and dry.

4. Predictable Bowel Movements

Potty training becomes easier if your child:

• Poops at predictable times
• Does not have frequent small bowel movements all day

This predictability allows parents to schedule potty opportunities.

5. Ability to Pull Pants Up and Down

Ideally, children can begin practicing:

• Pulling pants down
• Pulling pants up

Even partial independence helps.

This is typically an 18-month developmental skill, but children with delays may need extra teaching.

6. Responds to Reinforcement

Motivation is one of the most powerful tools in potty training.

Ask yourself:

• What snacks does your child love?
• What toys make them smile?
• Do they like bubbles, tickles, or praise?

These preferred items become reinforcers for successful potty behavior.

7. Ability to Sit for Short Periods

If a child cannot sit at a table for:

• meals
• books
• short activities

they will likely struggle to sit on the toilet.

Before potty training, it can help to build short sitting routines.

8. Awareness of Being Wet or Dirty

Many children show early signs of awareness such as:

• touching their diaper
• bringing you a diaper
• hiding to poop
• going to another room

These behaviors show the child is noticing the sensation, which is helpful for toilet training.