diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 71057d3830..3241cd831c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ We've come a long way, but this project is still in Alpha, lots of development i
   - [API Docs](#api)
     - [Constructor](#ipfs-constructor)
     - [Events](#events)
+    - [ready](#nodeready)
     - [start](#nodestart)
     - [stop](#nodestop)
     - [Core API](#core-api)
@@ -521,6 +522,16 @@ node.on('error', errorObject => console.error(errorObject))
 
 - `stop` is emitted when a node has closed all connections and released access to its repo. This is usually the result of calling [`node.stop()`](#nodestop).
 
+#### `node.ready`
+
+A promise that resolves when the node is ready to use. Should be used when constructing an IPFS node using `new`. You don't need to use this if you're using [`await IPFS.create`](#ipfs-constructor). e.g.
+
+```js
+const node = new IPFS()
+await node.ready
+// Ready to use!
+```
+
 #### `node.start()`
 
 Start listening for connections with other IPFS nodes on the network. In most cases, you do not need to call this method — `IPFS.create()` will automatically do it for you.