When To Start Potty Training Your Child
When to start potty training? Most children are ready somewhere between 18 and 30 months. This article explains the signs of readiness and tips for a successful potty training journey.
Key Takeaways For Starting Potty Training
Recognise readiness signs like interest in potty use and staying dry for hours to determine the right time to start potty training.
Prepare your child with consistent language, a visible potty, and engaging materials to create a positive learning environment.
Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and rewards, to motivate your child through challenges like regression or fear of the potty.
Recognising Readiness: Signs Your Child Is Ready To Potty Train
So how do you know when your child is ready to potty train? One of the most crucial steps in the toilet training process is recognising when your child is ready. Readiness signs can vary, but there are some common indicators that your child might be prepared to start.
Physiological readiness occurs when children start to develop the ability to control their muscles relating to the bowel and bladder. For example they have bladder control and can hold their pee for longer periods (eg at least an hour or two), or they change their behaviour before bowel movements. This control is essential for successful potty training.
Emotional readiness is another critical factor deciding when to begin potty training. Children who show interest in being potty trained or indicate when they need to go are likely emotionally ready for the process. Observing your child’s behavior, such as fidgeting or seeking privacy, can also be a sign that they are starting to understand their bodily functions.
Communication. Consider if your child can follow basic directions and your child can understand what you are asking of them. Does your child acknowledge and communicate to you in any way that they have a wet or dirty nappy. These are also signs of showing readiness.
Encouraging autonomy and independence is vital. Allow your child to take off their nappy and use the potty unaided. Offering potty or toilet opportunities when you notice these readiness signs, and discussing toilet habits can further support their understanding and interest.
Recognising and responding to these signs can make the potty training process smoother and more successful.
Ideal Age to Start Potty Training
Determining the best age to start toilet training can vary from child to child. Every child has their own pace so try not to worry or compare them to their peers. Generally, most children fall in the age range of between 18 and 30 months. Many children show readiness for potty training between 18 and 24 months, though some might not be ready until they are three years old. It’s essential to remember that starting too early can lead to prolonged training times, so it’s crucial to wait until your child is developmentally ready.
Many children achieve physiological readiness from 18 months, but emotional and behavioral readiness might take longer. Every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Observing your child’s readiness signs and being flexible with the timeline can lead to a more effective and less stressful potty training experience.
Don't feel pressurised to start to toilet train if you don't think they are ready. They will be ready to stop wearing nappies in their own time.
Preparing Your Child To Potty Train
Preparation is key to a successful potty training journey. Start by talking about the benefits of potty training and using consistent language to familiarise your child with the process. Associating bathroom habits with toilet use while changing nappies can also help establish a connection. Keeping the potty in view and explaining its purpose can make the child more comfortable and curious about using it.
Stock up on necessary items like a sturdy, stable potty, training pants and themed books to make the process engaging. Dressing your toddler in easy-to-pull-up clothing can facilitate independence and make it easier for them to use the potty. Encouraging your child to express their bathroom needs and teaching them to check for dryness fosters independence and builds their potty skills.
Create a routine by encouraging your child to sit on the potty after meals. Demonstrating when you go how to use it, including sitting, wiping with toilet paper, and flushing. This routine not only helps them understand the process but also integrates potty training into their daily life. By preparing effectively, you can set the stage for a smoother potty training experience.
Things You Need
Potty for home and when out and about.
Toilet Training Seat
Step Stool
Training Pants or "Big Kid Pants"
Reward Chart
Story books about potty training
Potty Training Boys and Girls
There's little difference in potty training boys or girls. Some parents say boys take longer and are harder to train but equally many find that their daughters were harder than their sons. There is no hard evidence either way.
The only obvious difference is boys can wee standing up but that doesn't mean you have to start training them standing up. When using a potty it is much cleaner if the child startings sitting down. When boys move onto use the toilet adding a "Cheerio" into the toilet bowl to give them something to aim at helps.
Quick Word on Trainer Pants
Most parents use some sort of trainer pants to help the transition from nappies easier for both you and your child.
It is a good idea to have trainer pants that aren't too snug. Fine motor skills develop later so it's important that trainer pants are easy for little fingers to be able to pull up and down easily. This helps to avoid accidents or you finding the pants abandoned after they've used the potty. Our best selling potty training pants are below.
Potty Training Methods
Naked Potty Training - Will The No Pants Potty Training Actually Work?
A common method used when starting to potty train is naked potty training. Right at the start of potty training children "forget" they are not wearing nappies as their pants/clothing feels the same as wearing nappies. This is where naked potty training really helps.
To boost your child's awareness of his body's signals, allow them at home to roam around without clothing on their lower half. Have the child naked from the waist down while at home or in the garden. Not only does this "feel" different but also helps them "see" and "experience" going to the toilet.
Naked potty training is especially popular in the summer when you can have them in the garden more. Keep the potty close wherever the child will be. It's common to have a potty in several rooms throughout the home and the garden.
Once the naked child is reliably using the potty with few accidents you can transition to wearing pants and build up to clothes. Naked potty training is a method that often leads to successfully training children who have been struggling.
Offering Potty Regularly
If your child doesn't want to sit on the potty or toilet don't force them. Using a potty is a new skill for any child and takes time to master.
To start with encouraging them to sit on the potty a few times a day for a few minutes is plenty of potty time at first. Books and toys especially for potty time can encourage them to stay however it's also OK for your child to get up and leave if they want too.
Start to encourage them to sit on the potty and use it at regular points throughout the day that fit in with their routine. Key times would be:
Upon waking
After meals
Before going out
Before bath time
Before Bed
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement plays a vital role in successful potty training. Here are some effective methods to encourage your child:
Use cheer and verbal praise to motivate your child and avoid potty training problems.
Incorporate simple gestures like hugs, kisses, and silly songs to make the process fun and rewarding.
Implement sticker charts and material rewards, such as small gifts, to further encourage your child.
By utilising these strategies, you can create a positive and effective potty training experience.
Healthier snack options like fruit or whole-grain snacks can be used as rewards instead of sweets. Creative rewards, such as building blocks, allow children to see progress as they stack them for each successful use. If you have a reluctant potty trainer you can start with a reward even if the child sits on the potty and doesn't do anything.
You can phase out rewards gradually as your child becomes more consistent in using the potty. By using positive reinforcement, you can create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child’s potty training journey.
Common Potty Training Challenges and Solutions
Toilet training comes with its set of challenges, but understanding and addressing them can lead to success. Unrealistic expectations can diminish a child’s self-confidence, so it’s crucial to be patient and supportive. Common potty training problems include difficulty with pooping on the potty, constipation, and accidents.
If your child is experiencing constipation, it is important to consult a child’s doctor.
Staying calm and avoiding overreacting to accidents is essential.
Using positive reinforcement and keeping the potty in view can help manage setbacks.
Every child is different, and the duration of potty training can vary based on individual readiness and the method used to potty train.
Are there actual reasons to put a child back in nappies?
Regression during potty training can be challenging, but it’s often a natural part of the learning process.
Common sources of stress are a change in a family's routine such as moving, a new baby, or starting at a new school, can lead to regression. When this happens, it’s essential to stay calm, patient and understanding.
If your child shows total resistance to potty training or when accidents happen very regularly, consider taking a break for a few weeks before trying again. Restart the old potty training routine while addressing any underlying issues your child may have. Using positive language and avoiding punishment can encourage your child to get back on track.
Nighttime Bed-Wetting
Nighttime bed-wetting is a common challenge in the potty training process. Many parents wait until daytime potty training is complete before starting nighttime training. If your child's nappy is dry or only a little wet when your child wakes for a few mornings in a row they might be ready for night time training.
If you use disposable nappies at night time consider adding in a reusable cloth nappy booster into the nappy as this will stay wet and should help your child learn that weeing makes you feel wet. If you use cloth nappies then either remove any staydry layer or place a booster next to babies skin as above.
Limiting fluid intake after dinner and encouraging your child to use the bathroom before bed can significantly help.
Praise your child for their successes in nighttime potty training to encourage continued progress. If nighttime accidents occur, respond positively and offer support to reassure your child. Using a waterproof sheet can protect the mattress during this phase.
Fear of the Potty
Fear of the potty is a common issue among children. Using a colourful potty can make the potty more inviting and help alleviate these fears. My Carry Potty are ideal for this as they come in many characters as well as colours. Positive reinforcement and minimal attention during accidents can manage psychological resistance and encourage your child to use the potty without fear.
Creating a fun and engaging environment for starting to potty train can enhance readiness and reduce fear. Encouraging your child to sit on the potty and rewarding their efforts can make the process less intimidating and more enjoyable. Having a book to look at or toys to play with can help your child sit still on the potty.
When to Delay Potty Training
There are times when delaying potty training might be the best decision. Significant life events, such as the arrival of a new sibling or the loss of a family member, can create stress that hinders the potty training process. If your child experiences illness or major stressors, it might be wise to postpone potty training until things settle down.
Children with additional needs may require more individualised support, and delaying potty training might help accommodate their specific challenges. Trusting your instincts and prioritising your child’s emotional readiness over strict timelines can lead to more successful outcomes.
Transitioning from Potty to Toilet
Transitioning from a potty to a toilet can be a significant step for your child. Using a trainer seat can help them feel safer and more confident during this transition. A foot stool can provide stability and help your child get into a good position for using the toilet.
Children may be reluctant to use toilets away from home, so having a travel potty or practicing with a portable child’s toilet seat can help.
By providing the right tools and support, you can help your child make this transition confidently.
Real-Life Experiences from Parents on When To Start Potty Training
Learning from the experiences of other parents potty training success, can provide valuable insights and encouragement. These real-life stories highlight the importance of patience, consistency, and finding what works best for your child’s routine. I hope their potty training tips help you.
Nappy Lady Customer Janie found naked toilet training worked for her little one. Her little one had free access to the garden in the summer and she had many potties indoors in the main living areas. She recommended when they worked up to little one wearing clothes she chose to "put on the loosest joggers/bottoms with no pants.When ready to move to pants, went for boxer briefs in larger size, so less compression and easier to pull down/up. If there were any accidents, I showed absolutely no annoyance or stress, none. I did it over summer aged 2.5 years. I had briefly tried aged 2 years in the winter but didn't think he was ready. When we tried again he was ready and had very few accidents at all. I kept using nappies for the car and preschool for a few weeks until confident. He still used a night time nappy a year later. I didn't feel the need to take it all away in one go."
Michelle had a more unusual experience. "We did EC from 6 months (very lazy EC, mainly the early morning). Some time after a year this stopped after she was mobile and I didn’t have the patience (new house and on the floor too many times). We paused for a while, at signs of readiness (pooing alone, interest in the toilet habits of others etc) we offered but she said no. Occasionally they would sit on the potty with a nappy but refused to have it off though. She then one day took off her nappy and did a wee on the potty unaided. She has since has moved to the toilet (again, resisted encouragement, did it in her own time). Downside, I feel bad using nappies at almost 3.5 (one or two a day including night) upside, almost 0 accidents apart from a regression for first term of nursery. So if your child is adamant they won’t be potty trained, you don’t have to force it, you can follow their lead. They are all different!"
Amie used half term holiday to start potty training. "When my son was 2 years old, we decided it was time (he was very verbal and could communicate clearly but wasn’t showing any ‘readiness signs’). We used the ‘Oh Crap’ method over a half term holiday. He was naked from the waist down for two days, then we started introducing trousers with no pants. There were lots of accidents, but after 3 or 4 days he was pretty consistent. He did well back at nursery initially, but slowly started having more and more accidents there. Then he started having more accidents at home too. Around 2 months after we initially toilet trained, we did another weekend naked from the waist down, which he did not enjoy! We told him that if he went to the toilet on his own, he could wear trousers, but if he had an accident the trousers would come off again. After that weekend, he had it cracked and we only ever had the odd accident after that. He was still wetting heavily at night and around 4 1/2 we started limiting water in the evenings and trying to do dream wees. Around 5 years old he was dry in the morning about half the time and we realised he was often doing a wee as he woke up rather than going to the toilet because he could. We took the nappy away and, apart from a few accidents the first couple weeks, he managed quite well by that point."
Magda used dinosaurs! "My son took ages, 1 step forward, 2 back… as a last ditch attempt I bought a load of dinosaurs on eBay. They would then appear in random places afterwards seemingly to consume the contents of the potty, kind of gross if you let your imagination run wild but it did the trick."
Alexandra founds the offer of pants helped cracked it. "We started with a potty at age one and she got the idea by about 20 months and she could poo at home on the potty from about then . We struggled with nursery though and only managed to start properly from 28 months even though she only did poo in the potty. The turning point was buying pants to stash away and then of course she wanted to wear them ! She did her first poo at nursery at 28 months too."
Emily had an easy experience of potty training using EC. "Potty training came very naturally to my little one because we practiced a “lazy” version of EC (elimination communication) from once she could sit up (and when we would soon have to start scraping nappies because of introduction to solids). Sometime before 2 she refused a nappy, and that was that!"
Sophie revisited potty training after little one wasn't ready. "We tried 3 months before she was ready, not so long after her second birthday. It didn’t work at that point because she was very adverse to the potty and I was worried I’d made a big mistake pushing her too fast. 3 months later we tried, (age 2.5) initially with no pants on but using trousers. I put a timer on to go to the loo every 30 mins and after the first day we never had accidents and didn’t have to go as frequently. Shortly after using the potty we introduced a toilet seat from IKEA. For nights I didn’t push as she was still always waking up wet in her nappy. As she approached 3 we started talking about night time and she moved onto “big girl pants” (Motherease Bedwetters) and using a potty by the bed. When she was regularly dry, after 3 months, we took the Bedwetters away and added a Brolly Sheet- a proper life saver for if an accident did happen. Overall it was a very positive experience that went much more smoothly than I anticipated."
Heather was another fan of naked potty training at home to get started. "Had a potty out from about aged 1. It wasn’t until 2y 8m when he really showed proper interest. We did the first three weeks always bottomless whenever we were at home. Lots of prompting and ‘try’ wees became a thing before we went in the car/out and about. And actually used the toilet and a seat for the toilet far more than a potty in the end. Slight setback when starting new childminder at 2y10m for about 6 weeks. Odd blip here and there over the last year. He can still have a wee accident if he’s engrossed in playing outside and can get very defensive if you suggest he should go. He really enjoyed choosing pants!"
Sophie had both her children trained at 20 months. "Both times at 20 months. Naked from waist down on day 1 with prompt for potty every hour , lots of praise. Day 2 trousers, no pants prompt every 2 hours. Day 3 knickers and trousers prompt every 2 hours. Day 4 self guided by child. All very smooth sailing, minimal to no accidents. Exposure to potty from 6 months with both so concept well known."
Petra found no nappy method and gifts helped. "She was 22 months. It was super hot so I decided to stay in a do the 3 day no nappy method. Day 1 she did a wee on the toilet and I got her second gifts (£1 books, pants etc) she literally just took to it from there. We’d introduced the potty at 13 months and been trying since 17 months but it never clicked for her. I was ready to give up and only went nappy free as it was hot to let her air her bum and she just took to it on her own."
For Rachel naked potty training didn't work but the ingenious ideal of using a "weeing doll" was the solution they needed. "We end up going against what's common, bare bum did not work at all for my daughter, with nothing on she would just wee anywhere. A week later we tried again in knickers and clothes instead of a nappy and also got a doll that could 'wee'. She'd put the doll on the potty, it would have a wee then she would, day 1 no accidents, day 2 an accident, from day 3 no accidents except the odd one over the next few months if we were out and forgot to check if she needed a wee first."
Here is Kirsty's experience with potty training and a new sibling in the house. "At 2 y 8m when we had a week long break from regular groups. She had already shown clear signs of readiness (removing her own pull up nappies when wet and soiled). We bought/ borrowed books in readiness, took her shopping to choose her knickers and bought an upstairs and downstairs potty. Then we told her after breakfast we were saying goodbye to nappies. She went commando for the first two days, then just knickers for three days, then leggings/ joggers (this is also when we started leaving the house. The main issue we had was psychological resistance. She quickly picked up on how to use a potty and hated wet clothing so was very willing to pull down her knickers and trousers. But she had a fairly new sibling (4 months) and rapidly worked out that an ‘accident’ guaranteed her parental attention! We worked through it by giving minimal attention when she had these sorts of ‘accidents’ - just mopping up with no fuss and not much talk. Then really heaping on the praise and attention for successful potty use.After two weeks she ditched night nappies herself - just refused to wear them- and was dry at night too."
Joanna didn't need to do any training. "Had the potty around from about 12months, just asked every so often if they wanted to use it. At 18months she’d used it a few times. At 2yrs 1m i saw signs she was ready and I asked if she wanted to wear big girl knickers today and put the nappies away and she said yes and that was it. I didn’t have to ‘train’ anything."
Sian found chocolate and juice helped her. "Gave them a chocolate button every time they did a wee in the potty. Gave them lots of juice so they could get lots of practice in. Only took 3 days with both children and both were dry before their 2nd birthday."
Mary Jane loosely followed the "oh Crap" method. "We'd had the potty out for a month or two before starting, as she was showing signs of being ready around the time she turned 2. We were about to have another baby though so thought it better to wait until all the newborn craziness settled! We started in earnest the day she turned 2y4m loosely following the Oh Crap menthod, bare bottom for 2 days with access to the garden as well, had 2 potties which moved with her. She had 1-2 accidents those days. We 'gifted' her nappies to her little sister who was 3mo and ready to go into BTP. Then about a month commando. She rarely had accidents after the first few days, and I'd say it went rather well! We are still using night nappies though, despite her being toilet trained for almost a year now. We are about to move house though so will be waiting until all that's done before attempting any sort of night nappy removal!"
Felicity used a travel potty to help. "First time at 26 months - not cloth baby if this matters?, showing signs like saying when she had been and intrigued by us using the toilet. We used the ‘Oh crap, potty training’ book so bare bottom to start. We put her on the potty but she was quite upset and wouldn’t sit. We quickly realised she didn’t like the potty, used the toilet instead with a seat reducer and she made good progress. She was verbal quickly about going but then wanted to go all the time! Within a few weeks she settled and was pretty confident. We had a travel potty she did like and this was great for out and about when she didn’t always fancy the toilets. Day dry within weeks and night dry a few months later. Second time he showed signs at 20 months, we already used the potty a bit for big morning wees and he was sitting on it with a nappy to poop. He took longer and went backwards a few times but he likes both potty and toilet and also went night dry fast. We have found at 2 1/2 that he is very reliable but sometimes still needs prompting and he seems vulnerable to misses if he has juice or cow/soy milk."
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Summary
Potty training is a significant milestone that requires patience, consistency, and understanding. Recognising readiness signs, preparing your child, and using positive reinforcement can set the stage for success. Every child is unique, and it’s essential to be flexible and supportive throughout the process.
By addressing common challenges and knowing when to delay potty training, you can create a positive and encouraging environment for your child. Remember, the journey to being fully potty trained is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient and celebrate every small victory along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key signs that my child is ready for potty training?
Your child is ready for potty training if they can stay dry for a couple of hours, show interest in the potty, and recognise when their nappy is wet or dirty. Embrace this exciting milestone!
What is the ideal age to start potty training?
The ideal age to start potty training is usually between 18 and 30 months, but remember that every child is unique, so look for signs of readiness in your little one! Trust your instincts and enjoy this important milestone together!
How can I prepare my child for potty training?
To prepare your child for potty training, get them familiar with the potty, set a consistent routine, and encourage them to communicate their bathroom needs. This proactive approach will empower your child and make the process smoother!
What should I do if my child regresses during potty training?
If your child regresses during potty training, remain patient and understanding, and consider revisiting the previous routine. This is a normal part of the process, so don’t hesitate to address any underlying issues to help them succeed!
How can I handle nighttime bed-wetting during potty training?
To effectively handle nighttime bed-wetting during potty training, complete daytime training, limit fluids after dinner, and encourage bathroom visits before bedtime. Remember to respond positively to any accidents, as this helps build confidence and creates a supportive environment for your child.
