How to Start Potty Training

What Age to Start Potty Training?

Let’s start with the question on the tip of every toddler parent’s tongue…what is the best age to potty train? Perhaps reassuringly, there is no set answer for this, though the NHS suggests you may want to introduce sitting on a potty as part of your child’s normal day when they’re around 18 months to 2 years, though some prefer to wait a little longer.

Tip: Plan to start potty training when no significant changes are coming up in your family’s routine, such as moving house, going on holiday or the arrival of a new sibling.

Signs of Readiness

Another common question is whether you should wait for signs your child is ready to start potty training; again, there is no universal answer. Signs of readiness can include:

• Staying dry for longer periods—at least an hour without a wet nappy
• Fidgets or hides when they need a wee
• Knowing when they’ve got a wet or soiled nappy
• Knowing when they need to wee and telling you so in advance or when doing it
• Showing interest in using the potty or toilet and knowing what they are for
• Being able to sit on the potty and get up from it
• Being able to follow simple instructions or sustain concentration for several minutes at a time

But it’s important to remember that every child is different, and you know your child best. So, while some may show signs, others may need more time and encouragement to start learning—and practising—the skills required.

Essentials Potty Training Supplies

Before you get going, you’ll need some potty-training essentials and aids to help your child make the transition.

First up, a potty. Some parents like to have two of these, especially if the bathroom is upstairs. This way, you can keep one in the bathroom to normalise going to the toilet in that space and one downstairs so your little one can quickly get to a potty when needed. Potties are also easily portable, so they’re perfect for taking with you on days out or when your child is being cared for by others, like a grandparent, so that they can keep the training up.

How to Start Potty Training

Whether your little one is showing signs of readiness to start potty training or not, there are steps you can take to prepare them for success when the time is right:

• Start talking about the potty and its purpose long before you begin training. Read books, watch videos, or even let your child observe you using the bathroom to normalise the concept.
• When changing your child’s nappy, talk to them about what you are doing so they understand what wee, poo and a wet nappy means.
• See if your child is happy to sit on the potty for a few moments to get used to it, especially when you are getting them dressed for the day or ready for bed.

Use a doll or soft toy to demonstrate how the potty is used.

Taking The Plunge

With your essentials and prep in place, you’re ready to start potty training. The main thing to remember is there’s no magic method, but the following day-time potty training tips might help make the switch from nappies to potty that bit easier:

• Keep a potty in plain sight so your little one knows where it is and can easily reach it.
• Make sitting on the potty part of their daily routine, perhaps when they get up or when you change their nappy.
• Dress them in clothes that are easy to remove when they want to sit on the potty, like bottoms with elasticated waistbands, skirts or dresses.
• Encourage your child to sit on the potty after mealtimes—having a book or toy to hand may help them sit still a little longer.
• If your baby often does a poo at a particular time each day, try taking their nappy off around that time and suggest they use the potty instead.

Rewards and Motivational Strategies

A reward strategy can make starting potty-training fun for your little one and keep them engaged throughout. Encouraging independence during potty training is essential, and one effective way to do this is by offering praise whenever they tell you they need to go, even if they don’t always succeed. This builds their confidence and reinforces positive behaviour.

A reward sticker chart can be a fantastic motivator—children love earning stickers for each successful attempt or milestone. Not only does it help keep them excited about potty training, but it also creates a sense of accomplishment with each sticker they collect.

Night-Time Potty-Training Tips

Children usually take longer to learn to stay dry through the night than the day. So, once you’ve mastered the daytime training, here are some handy night-time potty-training tips to help with the final stage:

• Reduce drinks in the run-up to bedtime.
• Ask your little one to use the potty before they go to bed.
• Make sure they know where the potty is and that it’s nearby so they can use it, if needed, during the night.
• There will inevitably be a few accidents, so it’s wise to invest in a waterproof cover to protect their mattress.
• Have some spare pyjamas to hand in their room for swift changes when those little accidents occur.
• As with day-time potty training, praise your child for their achievements and don’t make a big deal out of any regressions.

Above all, try to remain patient and positive through the process. Potty training takes time, and little accidents are inevitable. Celebrate successes, stay calm during setbacks and remember the wondrous effects a ‘well-done’ sticker can have!