How do you know if your child is ready for potty training? You may have heard a lot of potty training tips from other parents and feel overwhelmed. 

It’s ok. Remember, not all children are the same. No one toilet training strategy will fit every child. 

When to start potty training will also be different to each child, even siblings! 

With the right mindset, approach, practical steps and patience, potty training can be a fun and positive experience…for both you and your toddler. 

Is my child ready for potty training?

There are a few physical and emotional signs of potty training readiness. 

If you attempt potty training before your child is ready, this may delay the process. 

It’s ok to wait.

Here are a number of signs to look out for:

-       Stays dry for 1-2 hours, or during/after nap times

-       Has regular and predictable bowel movements

-       Shows interest in the bathroom/toilet/potty and mimics others

-       Understands and follows basic instructions

-       Communicates when their nappy is full

-       Showing willingness to be without a nappy and to wear underwear

-       Stays still, quiet, or go to a private place when they are toileting in their nappy 

If your child is showing a few of these signs…let’s go! 

Top Potty Training Tips for Parents

Learning to use a potty is a new and important skill for your toddler… but this developmental milestone is an equally exciting and daunting time for parents. 

Mastering potty training is a complex process. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, as all children learn differently. To make things a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of 12 top tips for successful potty training.

1.     Trust your gut

You know your child best. 

Don’t be bound by ages or pressured by “they should be doing this at that age” statements. 

Remember that every child is different and will be ready when they are ready. 

2.     Choose the right method for you both

We know that everybody learns differently, no matter what age. 

There are some well-publicised methods (Three Day method) out there if you feel you need a structured method.  

Some parents time potty training with the seasons. Leaving the child’s nappy/underwear free around the house and garden whilst enjoying the warm weather.

Equally, others prefer to be entirely child-led, and let it happen naturally. 

3.     Be prepared

When the time comes, you’ll be grateful that you already have everything you’ll need.

These might include:

·      toddler toilet seats can be great for little ones who want to be like you

·      having numerous potties around so that you’re never far from one

·      travel potties are a saviour when going out and about. Consider one with a very good seal for messier times

·      easy pull up and down clothes to support the “quick potty” moments

·      spare clothes when out and about, and a bag to put the wet ones in

·      there are special underwear available that’s a hybrid between nappies and underwear. These are not essential but may help in some moments

4.     Find a Routine

Try to establish a toilet training routine - sit on it first thing; sit on it before you leave the house; sit before an activity, sit after eating etc

Consistency is key here. 

Make sure you share your routine with any childcare settings your child attends; babysitters, family members that would be looking after your child etc

Establishing good habits is a great way to kick-start the process -  making going to the potty part of everyday life. 

5.     Give heaps of praise

It’s important to celebrate success, no matter how small the win. 

Try to avoid focussing on the negative, or any accidents. 

Punishment for accidents, lack of trying etc is generally unhelpful. Remaining positive will keep the stress levels for all involved much lower. 

You may want to give reward sticker charts a try, or a prize of some sort for being dry for a whole day. 

6.     It’s an exciting time

Your toddler is growing up, and they will want to be a part of the process where possible. 

Perhaps they can choose their new underwear? Or the design/theme of their potty?

It’s important to keep this milestone exciting and fun for them. 

There are some great books, songs, and apps out there to help you with this stage. Explaining the process may help some children understand and listen to their bodily needs. 

You can read more about the power of storytelling on our previous blog ‘Once Upon a Time’. 

You may also want to create a toilet/potty basket – fill it with fidget items, bubbles etc that will distract your toddler and keep them entertained while they are waiting for it to happen. Your child could also help create this. 

7.     Take each day as it comes

There will be better days, and worse days. 

Potty training, just like any other big lesson, will not be a linear journey. 

Keep calm during any mishaps, regressions, or set-backs. They will happen. The key is to forget about it, and move on to the next potty time. 

What to do if it’s just not working

1. Take a step back - Reassess if your child is really ready. 

Are they worried about it? Do they hide instead of going to the potty?

There is nothing wrong with taking a break and trying again in a few weeks or months. 

2. Trust your instinct - You may have a gut feeling that there’s something more causing a barrier. 

Perhaps it’s worth discussing with your GP of any possible issues such as constipation (a full bowel can mean less room for a bladder to expand and really hinder toilet training). 

3. Reach out - Chat to other parents, and those in your circle (including any childcare settings, who tend to have experience in this area). 

Find out what works for others; it’s never a bad idea to try a different toilet training strategy.

These conversations will also offer you a sense of reassurance.

Common toilet training mistakes for toddlers include starting the process when they are not ready, or even delaying the start of potty training; overreacting to accidents; regression, going back to nappies when it is convenient. 

As we’ve mentioned, trust your gut and follow your child’s lead as to when to start potty training, and consistency is key!   

Yes – We’re ready to start…

-       My child shows signs of being ready

-       I have a plan of action

-       I am equipped – potties, wipes, pants and clothing

-       Fun and exciting equipment and rewards are ready

-       I’ve shared our plan with all other caregivers for consistency. 

This can be a daunting step for parents – especially with so many unknowns and variables. 

Consistency, encouragement, praise and patience will be key to a calm journey for all involved. 

Keep your eyes on the end goal: a more independent child, who trusts their body, and is able to communicate their needs. 

Take your time and try to remember that your child will go at their pace. With guidance and support, they will succeed. 

FAQs:

Q1: What age should I start potty training my child?

Most children show signs of being ready between 18 months and 3 years. Watch for signs of readiness rather than “being the right age”.

Remember, each child is different and they will be ready at different ages. 

Q2: How long does potty training usually take?

There is no simple answer. 

While for some children, potty training may click in a matter of days, other may take longer. 

This is why patience is so important. 

Q3: What if my child refuses to use the potty?

If distractions such as a book, or a funny video on a toilet training app don’t work, perhaps your toddler isn’t ready after all. 

If this is the case, take a break and come back to it.

Don’t force your child to sit on the toilet, this will only cause fear of the toilet.

Q4: How can I help my child avoid accidents?

By making potty stops a part of their day, you’re encouraging their body to have a routine. This in turn will support your child in understanding their bodily movements.

Some toddlers need reminding, some parents find an alarm is useful. 

To begin with, waiting for them to recognise cues is probably going to result in a few mishaps, so watch for their signs and gently show them the way. 

Q5: Can I potty train while working full time?

Yes, of course. 

Structure and consistency is key to help your child with potty training. 

Be clear, and communicate your routine with anyone else involved in your childcare.