How My 15-Month-Old Told Me She’s Ready to Potty Train (And I Almost Missed It)

I’ve been practicing Elimination Communication (EC) with my daughter since she was just 4 weeks old. It started off slowly—watching her cues, learning her rhythms, offering the potty during natural “potty-tunities” like after naps or feedings. And for a while, it worked. She knew how to go in the potty. I thought we were building a strong foundation.

But when she turned 1 and began walking, things shifted.

Suddenly, the world was too exciting to pause for a potty break. Potty-tunities became harder and harder to catch. She’d outright refuse to sit on the potty, preferring instead to keep playing or exploring. And honestly? I didn’t blame her. She also knew that going in her diaper worked just fine—and when she wanted a change, she’d toddle over to me and make it known.

For a while, I thought maybe EC had failed. Maybe I’d just introduced it too early. Or maybe it wasn’t going to “stick” the way I’d hoped.

But then, today happened.

She began to poop, and I rushed her to the potty. At first, nothing. So I cleaned her bottom preparing to get her dressed again. But just as I finished cleaning her up she paused, clearly felt the need to go again—and this time, she turned around and sat on the potty by herself. She finished her business, stood up when she was done, and let me clean her like it was the most natural thing in the world.

My jaw dropped.

It was the clearest signal I’ve gotten yet that she knows. She’s aware of what her body is doing and knows the potty is the right place to go.

That tiny moment—her choosing the potty, completely on her own—made me realize: we might be ready. She might be ready.

To make potty time more fun and less of a power struggle, I introduced a new rule: potty = book time. I keep a small basket of board books next to the potty, and she absolutely loves it. Honestly, who among us doesn’t appreciate a little reading while we handle our business? 😂 Once I started offering books, the potty suddenly became less scary, and she stopped running away from it.

So now, after months of EC and weeks of toddler resistance, I think we’re at the starting line of something new. I’m planning to start formal potty training next week—probably moving toward removing diapers entirely.

I know it’ll be messy. I know it won’t be linear. But I’m also learning to trust her. She knows more than I give her credit for. And today, she showed me she's ready to lead the way.

Wish us luck!