It’s one of the most anticipated moments in a parent’s "career," and also one of the most dreaded—potty training. While the anticipation of diaper-free days can cause parents to skip past the diaper aisle and straight towards the potty chairs, potty training can also be a stressful time. Knowing when to start, what to do, and how to do it can overwhelm even the most enthusiastic parents, causing them pack away the potty chair for another day.

However, potty training does not need to be a difficult process. The key is knowing WHEN to start. Almost everyone has heard the saying; "You can’t lead a horse to water." Well, the same goes for toddlers. No matter how hard parents try, they simply can’t "lead a baby to the potty" unless baby is ready. Waiting until your child is ready to potty will not only speed up the potty training process, it will make it enjoyable.

But how will you know when your child is ready for potty training?

Believe it or not, there are telltale signs that almost all children exhibit. Bear in mind, however, that children must exhibit more than one sign to be deemed completely ready for potty training. Generally, waiting until your child exhibits one or two signs will ensure that potty training runs as smoothly as possible.

Some of the signs that your child is ready for potty training are:

• Dry Nights
If your child consistently wakes up with dry diapers, then he is beginning the transition towards diaper-free days. This is often the first sign that a child is learning to control his bladder.
• Diaper Change Requests
Does your little one ask you to change her diaper immediately after filling it? Congratulations! She’s aware that she’s dirty, and doesn’t like the feeling. Using a potty will help her to avoid this discomfort.
• Private Moments
Many parents often giggle when their toddlers stop their favorite game of blocks, run over to a hidden corner, and crouch down—only to return once their "business" is finished. Children who delineate potty time from playtime can not only control their functions, but also are aware that these functions deserve their own time and place away from the everyday routines of life.
• Interest
It seems straightforward, but many parents are often so exhausted they don’t notice. If your child shows an interest in wearing underwear, using toilet paper, or toilets, this is the perfect time (potentially) to introduce toilet training. Children wanting to mimic Mom and Dad (or older siblings) are more likely to embrace moving from diapers to "the big chair."

No matter how old your child is, understanding when he or she is truly ready to begin the steps towards potty training will ensure that this developmental milestone is just as memorable—and enjoyable—as all the others. Like first words and first steps, leading a baby to a potty is only possible when baby is ready.