7 tips when potty training

There’s no denying that potty training is a big milestone in your child's life. There are also many different approaches some of which might work for one family, and another for another family! 

Here are 5 tips for when you are considering potty training 

Below are some common questions, along with helpful tips and suggestions to make potty training a positive experience.

1. Look for signs that your child is ready

Some children show clear signs that they are ready for potty training. Some common signs of readiness include:

• Telling you they need a wee or a poo.

• Telling you they have already done a wee or a poo.

• Showing signs they need a wee, such as fidgeting, squatting or hiding in a particular place.

• Staying dry for an hour or more between wees.

• Showing an interest in using the toilet or copying adults and older siblings.

  
  

If your child is showing these signs they may be ready to start potty training. 

Please note though that not every child shows signs. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are not ready if they don’t show these signs. 

2. Introduce your child to the idea of potty training before you start

Get your chid interested in potty training before you actually start. This will help them better understand what it is, what it’s for and get them excited about using it. This could include: 

• Involve your child in choosing their own potty.

• Leave the potty somewhere visible and accessible.

• Encourage them to sit on the potty after a nappy change, without any pressure.

• Role-play using the potty with dolls or soft toys.

• Read books about potty training together.

• Begin asking if they need a wee or a poo and gently offer the potty.

• Talk about when you need to use the toilet so they begin to understand the process.

3. Dress appropriately when starting potty training 

You want to make it as easy as possible for your child when they start potty training. This means dressing them in a way that it’s easy for the to access the potty when they need it.Every family finds what works best for them.  Here are some suggestions that might make potty training easier for you and your child:

• Remove nappies - Many families choose to stop using nappies completely when potty training begins. Switching between nappies and underwear can sometimes be confusing for children.That said, nappies are usually put back on for naps or long journeys until they are consistently dry. 

• Keep clothing simple - Many families find removing clothes from the childs lower half helps make potty training easier. Not only might it help avoid confusion with them feeling they are in nappy but also helps make accidents easier to manage. 

  
  

If your child is wearing clothes, choose simple items that they can pull up and down quickly and independently.

4. Keep books and toys nearby

Having a few books or toys near their potty may help your child relax whilst they are using it or even keep them on the potty if they need to be there a little longer! 

Choose a few special toys that they only have when they are on the toilet.

5. Encourage regular toilet visits

Some families encourage their child to sit on the potty after regular intervals - setting an alarm as a reminder. This could be every 30 minutes or every hour, depending on how regular you think your child needs it. 

It’s also good to get them in the routine of using the potty after specific events such as meal times, naps, before the bath, outside trips etc. 

Whilst reminders are good it’s also important to regularly ask them if they need the toilet as this helps them learn to recognise the feeling of needing a wee or poo, and understanding themselves when they need to go. 

6. Give lots of praise

Children respond well to positive encouragement. Praise every attempt, not just successful ones. Some families also find sticker charts motivating, although every child is different.

7. Expect accidents

Accidents are a normal part of potty training. It’s important that you stay calm, reassure your child that it's okay and remind them that next time they can try using the potty or toilet. 

Avoid punishment or showing frustration, as this can make children feel anxious which will effect their success at potty training. 

How we can help

Here at Magnolia Tree Day Nursery we work closely with families to ensure children receive consistent support at home and at nursery.

We can help by:

• Working together with you when you're ready to begin potty training.

• Following the same approach you use at home wherever possible.

• Using consistent routines and reminders throughout the day.

• Welcoming your child's own potty if they feel more comfortable using it.

• Encouraging you to provide plenty of spare clothes that are easy for your child to manage independently.

• Offering lots of positive praise and encouragement.

• Supporting children as they learn by observing their peers using the toilet appropriately.

• Responding calmly and sensitively to accidents, reassuring children that accidents are part of learning. We never punish or shame children for having an accident.

  
  

Remember

Every child develops at their own pace. Some children may be ready to potty train at 18 months, while others may not be ready until they are over 4 years old.

Children who are neurodivergent or non-speaking may benefit from different approaches or additional support, and that's perfectly okay. Every potty training journey is unique.

If you would like advice or support, please speak to a member of our team - we're always happy to help.

For more information and expert advice, visit ERIC (The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity).