As you’re child grows to toddler age you begin to wonder when is the best time to begin potty training. Like so many other parents who’ve spent years and years changing diapers you are well beyond ready to have your child out of diapers and fully potty trained. You are aware, though, that starting to potty train too early can have a negative effect on the progress of the training. It’s hard to know when the best time to start really is.

Don’t we all wish that there was a cut and dry age when we can say our child is definitely ready to start, if only it were that easy. Well there is a perfect age, but it’s different for each child. Most children are ready to be fully potty trained between the ages of 2 and 4. Every once in a while there will be a child who’s ready before they turn two, or a child who for one reason or another isn’t ready to be trained until after they turn four. The majority of all kids are ready sometime during those two years though.

How do you know when a child is ready for potty training? Of course you’re child likely won’t be able to verbalize this to you, but he will give you some signals that it’s time to go diaper less and start using the potty. One sure sign is when your child begins to have an interest in family members using the washroom. If she has older siblings, she may even ask to use the potty like her bigger sister does.

Another signal is when your child starts to become uncomfortable with wearing diapers, especially when it is wet or dirty. She may ask to be changed right away, or pull on her diaper and clothing to let you know that she’s uncomfortable. Some children begin hiding when they are doing their business, showing you that they are becoming aware of what is happening.

When you start to notice that your child is becoming interested in potty training, have a talk with her about it. It’s also a good idea to start practicing pulling pants up and down with your child at this time. It will help him or her feel like a big kid and build confidence. There’s no better time than now to get your child the potty chair and try to start the potty training.