Signs Your Child is Ready for Potty Training Before Age 2 (And How to Start)

In 1957, 92% of children were fully potty trained by 18 months. Today, the average age in the U.S. has shifted closer to three years old --- but many toddlers show signs of potty training readiness much earlier. You might be wondering: Is my toddler ready for potty training before age 2?

Early potty training, also called "potty training before two," can be a positive, empowering experience for both parent and child.

In this guide, we'll walk through the most common signs of early potty training readiness so you can decide whether now is the right time to begin. You'll also get tips on how to gently encourage your child's interest in the potty while avoiding common pitfalls.

Why Readiness Matters

When it comes to potty training before age 2, timing is everything. Starting when your toddler shows genuine signs of readiness makes the process smoother, faster, and less stressful for both of you.

In short, readiness is the difference between a drawn-out struggle and a confident transition to the potty.

The Simple Signs Your Child is Ready

Potty training readiness doesn't have to be complicated. While conventional wisdom lists many physical milestones, the reality is much simpler. Your child is likely ready if they meet these two key criteria:

1. Can they follow simple commands? If your toddler can understand and follow basic one-step instructions like "come here," "sit down," or "give me the book," they have the foundational communication skills needed for potty training.

2. Do they show interest in the potty and/or resistance to diaper changes? This might look like curiosity about the bathroom, wanting to sit on a potty chair, expressing discomfort when their diaper is soiled, or actively resisting diaper changes in favor of something else.

That's it. These two signs indicate your child has both the cognitive ability to understand the process and the motivation to participate in it.

Additional Signs That Confirm Readiness

While the two criteria above are sufficient to begin, these additional signs are strong confirmation that your child is ready for early potty training:

• Telling you (in words or gestures) that they need to use the potty.

• Following simple 1--2 step instructions, like "Let's go to the potty" or "Pull down your pants."

• Expressing discomfort when their diaper is wet or soiled — sometimes pulling at it or asking to be changed.

• Showing curiosity about the bathroom, toilet, or watching siblings/parents use the potty.

• Pausing or hiding during bowel movements shows they're aware of the process.

• Wants to do things independently, saying "I do it!" or taking pride in small achievements.

• Can sit still for a couple of minutes --- important for actually using the potty.

• Responds positively to praise or encouragement without relying on rewards.

• Resists diaper changes, preferring underwear or sitting on the potty instead.

• Handles small frustrations well without immediate meltdowns (though toddlers will still be toddlers!).

If your toddler shows the two essential signs plus several of these additional indicators, early potty training success is highly likely.

How to Encourage Readiness Before Age 2

If your toddler is showing some --- but not all --- of the early potty training readiness signs, you can gently nurture their interest without pressure. The goal here is to make the potty a familiar, positive part of daily life.

Ways to encourage early potty training readiness:

• Introduce the potty chair early --- let them explore it with clothes on first.

• Model the process by letting your child watch you or an older sibling use the toilet.

• Read potty training books together so they learn the concept through stories.

• Praise interest, not just success --- a "Good job sitting on the potty!" goes a long way.

• Make bathroom trips part of the routine, such as before naps and after meals.

Small, consistent steps help your toddler feel comfortable with the potty before you begin formal training. This makes the actual transition to potty training before 2 much smoother.

When to Wait a Bit Longer

Sometimes the best decision is to hold off for a few weeks or months. Even if your child meets some readiness signs, other factors can cause stress or setbacks if you push too soon.

Consider waiting if:

• Your toddler shows fear or strong resistance to the potty.

• They're experiencing major life changes, such as a new sibling, moving to a new home, or starting daycare.

• They have frequent constipation or other digestive issues that make bathroom trips uncomfortable.

• You, as the parent, feel too overwhelmed to commit the time and attention needed in the first couple of weeks.

Waiting doesn't mean failure --- it simply means you're giving your child the best chance for success. Potty training works best when both parent and child are ready.

Conclusion

Potty training before age 2 can be a rewarding experience that fosters independence, saves money on diapers, and reduces environmental waste. The key is to start when your child is ready --- not just when the calendar says so. By looking for the two essential readiness signs --- following simple commands and showing interest in the potty or resistance to diapers --- you can make the process faster, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone.

If you're ready to take the next step, sign up for one of the two currently scheduled workshops by visiting the Early Potty Training website to register.