Signs of Readiness: When Your Child Is Ready for Big Steps

When we talk about signs of readiness, the observable cues that indicate a child has developed the physical, emotional, or cognitive skills to handle a new milestone. Also known as developmental readiness, it’s not about age—it’s about what your child can do, not what they’re supposed to do. Many parents think potty training starts at two, or that strollers are out by three, but those are just calendar dates. Real readiness shows up in quiet moments: when your toddler pulls their pants down on their own, or when they tell you they’re tired after a short walk and don’t want to be carried anymore.

This isn’t just about potty training or strollers. toddler readiness, the stage when a child begins to show independence in daily routines shows up in sleep, too. That’s why experts say room-sharing until age one isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a safety strategy tied to baby sleep, the pattern and environment in which infants rest, directly impacting SIDS risk and long-term sleep habits. If your baby is waking less often, rolling over consistently, or reaching for blankets without pulling them over their face, those are signs they’re developing the motor control and awareness needed for safer sleep.

And it’s not just about what they can do—it’s about what they’re telling you. A child who points at the bathroom, says "no" to being carried, or asks for a sippy cup instead of a bottle isn’t being stubborn. They’re signaling readiness. Pediatricians see this every day: kids who start using the potty at 18 months, others who don’t until four. Both are normal. The key is watching for the pattern, not the clock. The same goes for car seats. Moving to a booster isn’t about hitting a number on the scale—it’s about whether your child can sit still, keep the seatbelt on their shoulders, and stay upright without slumping. That’s readiness.

What you’ll find below isn’t a checklist of what to do next. It’s a collection of real parent experiences and expert advice on the quiet, often overlooked signs that tell you your child is ready—for the stroller, the bed, the potty, the backpack, even the bottle. Some of these moments feel small, but they’re the quiet milestones that shape bigger transitions. You’ll read about when babies outgrow carriers, why plastic toys don’t spark the same focus as wooden ones, and how to tell if your child’s back is getting tired from a too-heavy bag. These aren’t guesses. They’re observations from parents and professionals who’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when kids are ready.