How and When to Start Potty Training – and How We Can Support You

Potty training is a big milestone in your child's life. There are many different approaches to potty training, but whatever method you choose, we're here to support both you and your child throughout the journey.

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

When is the best time to start potty training?

The best time to start potty, or toilet, training varies from child to child, but it is typically between 18 months and 3 years of age.

Every child develops at their own pace, so some children may be ready a little earlier, while others may not be ready until later. Try not to compare your child with others.

Before beginning potty training, it can be helpful to start talking about potties and toilets. This allows your child to become familiar with the idea and can help reduce any anxiety when the time comes to begin.

What are the signs that my child is ready?

Some children show clear signs that they are ready for potty training, while others may not. Even if your child isn't showing obvious signs, you can still begin introducing the potty and talking about using the toilet.

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.

How can I prepare my child for potty training?

There are lots of simple ways to introduce the potty or toilet before you begin training.

You could:

• 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.

What if my child doesn't like using a potty?

Not every child enjoys using a potty. Some children prefer to use the toilet straight away because they see parents, carers or older siblings using it.

If this is the case, you can use a child toilet seat and a step to help them feel safe and confident using the toilet.

What's the best way to potty train?

Every family finds what works best for them, but these suggestions can help:

• 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.

• Involve your child - Explain that they won't be wearing a nappy and encourage them to use the potty whenever they feel they need to go, or when you notice signs that they may need the toilet.

• Keep clothing simple - dress your chid in simple items that they can pull up and down independently

• Keep books and toys nearby - Some children like to spend a little longer sitting on the potty. Having a few books or toys nearby can help them relax while they are trying to use it.

• Encourage regular toilet visits - Some families encourage their child to sit on the potty every 30 minutes or so. It's also important to regularly ask whether they need the toilet, helping them learn to recognise the feeling of needing a wee or poo.

• 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.

• Expect accidents - Accidents are a normal part of potty training. 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.

How can nursery and preschool help with potty training?

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).