Potty training can feel like a race to the finish line, especially when the thought of a life without endless nappy changes seems like a distant dream. But rest assured, when the time is right, you’ll finally bid farewell to nappies and, most importantly, the dreaded nappy bin!
No matter how eager you may be to leave nappies behind, successful toilet training can only happen when your child is truly ready.
According to the NHS, there are certain signs you can look out for that demonstrate your child is starting to develop bladder control:
- They know when they’ve got a wet or dirty nappy
- They get to know when they’re peeing and may tell you they’re doing it
- The gap between wetting is at least an hour (if it’s less, potty training may fail, and at the very least will be extremely hard work for you)
- They show they need to pee by fidgeting or going somewhere quiet or hidden
- They know when they need to pee and may say so in advance
Potty training tends to go more smoothly and quickly when your child can recognise when they need to wee. Starting earlier is possible, but be prepared for a slower process with more accidents as your child learns. Many children begin potty training at around 2.5 years old, but keep in mind that children become ready to hit this milestone at their own pace. There isn’t a perfect age for toddlers to start potty training, other than when they are ready.
Preparing your Toddler for Potty Training
According to Pampers, even before your child is showing signs that they are ready for potty training, there are things you can do to prepare your toddler to ensure the experience goes as smoothly as possible:
- Talk to your toddler about what you’re doing when you change his or her nappy as this will help your child understand the concepts of wee, poo and a wet or dirty nappy
- Try to change nappies in the bathroom, if possible, and your toddler may start to associate this room with going to the toilet
- Get a potty and leave it in plain view, plus explain what it’s for
- Use a doll or soft toy to demonstrate how the potty is used
- If you have an older child who already uses a potty, you may like to let your little one learn from watching his or her sibling. Letting your child see you on the toilet, and explaining what’s happening, is also helpful if you’re comfortable with it.
- See if your toddler would like to try sitting on the potty, even for a few moments. The best time for this is during nappy changes or just before getting ready for bed.
How to Start Potty Training
Here are a few of the most effective ways to introduce potty training into your child’s routine:
Post-Meal Potty: Encourage your child to sit on the potty after every meal, it could be worth giving them some books or toys to play with to encourage them to sit.
Potty Placement: Keep your potty in the bathroom. If your bathroom is upstairs, place another potty downstairs to ensure your toddler can always reach it easily.
Summer Starts: Many parents choose to potty train their child during the summer, because the warmer weather makes it easier for toddlers to wear fewer clothes, simplifying and speeding up access to the potty.
Potty Routine: If your child tends to need the toilet at the same time each day, leave their nappy off and suggest that they use the potty. If your child feels upset by this, simply put their nappy on and ask them again in a few more weeks.
Small Steps: Begin by motivating your toddler to use the potty for weeing, and as their confidence grows, gradually encourage them to use it for bowel movements as well.
Mistakes will happen: As soon as your child realises they need to wee, gently encourage them to try using the potty. If they have an accident, simply clean up and wait for the next opportunity—success may take time. By staying calm and avoiding a fuss over accidents, you can help your child feel less anxious, increasing their confidence and chances of success in the future.
Praise is Key: Your child will feel a great sense of accomplishment when they successfully use the potty, and your praise will further motivate them to keep up the good work! Consider creating a sticker chart to reward their progress—add a sticker each time they use the potty successfully, and give bonus stickers for demonstrating good hygiene habits, such as washing their hands afterwards. This positive reinforcement can make the learning process fun and engaging for your child.
Sandytots are here to support your child every step of the way as you embark on your potty training journey. To maintain consistency and help your little one succeed, we will align with the techniques and methods you use at home. Please let your child’s key worker know when you plan to begin potty training, so we can work together to create a seamless and supportive experience for your child.
