Toilet training
Using a potty or the toilet is a new skill for your child to learn. Try to be relaxed about it, take it slowly and go at your child's pace.
Toilet training a toddler can be frustrating, try to be patient and remember that every child is different. Try not to compare with other children in the family or your friend's children.
- most children can control their bowels before their bladder
- by age 1, most babies have stopped pooing at night
- by age 2, some children will be dry during the day, but this is still quite early
- by age 3, 9 out of 10 children are dry most days - even then, all children have the odd accident, especially when they're excited, upset or absorbed in something else
- by age 4, most children are reliably dry during the day
- 1 in 5 children aged 5 years sometimes wet the bed
Tips to consider when potty training
- wait until your child is ready, signs include knowing when they've got a wet or dirty nappy and telling you they are having a wee or poo. They might show they need the toilet by fidgeting or going somewhere quiet or hidden
- there is no perfect time. Some people find it easier to start in the summer when there are fewer clothes to take off and washing dryers more quickly
- try/toilet training when there are no great disruptions or changes to your child's or your family's routine.
They also need to be able to sit on the potty/toilet, get up from it when they're done, and follow instructions - talk about your child's nappy changes with them and try to change their nappy in the bathroom when at home
- let them help you flush the toilet and wash their hands is also a good idea
- leave a potty where your child can see it and explain what it's for. Children learn by watching and copying. Let your child see you or a sibling using the toilet and explain what you're doing. Using your child's toys to show what the potty is for can also help
- encourage your child to sit on the potty after meals, because digesting food often leads to an urge to do a poo
- having a book to look at or toys to play with can help your child sit still on the potty
- encouraging them to use the potty to wee will help build their confidence for when they are ready to use it to poo
- as soon as you see that your child knows when they're going to pee, encourage them to use their potty
- don't make a fuss when they have an accident
- put them in easy-to-change clothes and avoid tights and clothes with zips/buttons
- your child will be delighted when he or she succeeds. A little praise from you will help a lot
- focus on getting your child potty trained during the day before you start leaving their nappy off at night
- if your child's nappy is dry or only slightly damp when your child wakes for a few mornings in a row, they may be ready for night-time potty training
- ask your child to use the potty just before bed and make sure it's close by, so they can use it in the night
- a waterproof sheet to protect your child's mattress is a good idea
- a trainer seat that clips onto the toilet helps make your child feel safer and more confident
- a step for your child to rest their feet on gets your child in a good position for doing a poo
Useful websites
ERIC Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity is a national charity dedicated to improving children’s bowel and bladder health. Offering free support to families.
The Institute of Health Visiting has a useful Toilet Training Guide on making the transition from nappy to potty.
Bladder and Bowel UK have a handy guide for potty and toilet training for children with additional needs [PDF, 413KB].
The BBC's Tiny Happy People's potty training tips lists the key things to consider and why communication is the key to success.