Written by Hannah Love
Like with any significant change, being prepared is so important.
Let’s compare it to moving house. If you suddenly decided, “Today, I’m moving,” it would be chaos! You’d struggle to pack, organise, and manage everything. Planning ahead makes the process smoother, even if there are bumps along the way.
By succeeding the first time, you’ll minimise the chances of putting your toddler off potty training and make the process easier for both of you. I’ve seen how multiple ‘failed’ attempts can complicate things for your little one.
Take the time to prepare for potty training. Ensure both you and your toddler are ready, and it should be a straightforward and rewarding experience.
Age: Rarely will a toddler be fully ready before 24 months. Trying early often leads to frustration and accidents, which can hinder their ability to train well. Even if they do master it, they can be easily distracted, not have the muscle control to hold for long, and this can result in months of accidents and unnecessary upset for you and them. Between 24 and 36 months is a perfect time to prepare and then make the change for your toddler.
Language: Your toddler needs to verbalise their needs. If they can’t say ‘wee-wee’ or ‘poopoo’, they won’t be able to let you know they need to go.
Preparation tip: Practice saying these words, use them when doing nappy off time, when you go to the toilet, when you change them. This will help them to learn the words.
Awareness: Knowing when they are wet or dirty is essential. Around 18 months, many toddlers start recognising when they have done a number 2. Recognising wetness is trickier since disposable nappies are designed to whip away moisture quickly.
Preparation Tip: To help your toddler learn what it feels like to go, have nappy-free time. Summer’s perfect for this; let them run in the garden. In winter, you can allow nappy-free time before baths. Training pants, which hold one wee without wicking away the moisture, can also help.
Muscle Control: Potty training involves developing muscle control and brain maturation. It’s rare for those under two to have the physical and mental capacity required for this leap. Just because toddlers go ‘dry’ early, doesn’t mean they can hold it and communicate their needs. Children I have nannied have gone ‘dry’ before 24 months. However, this was because we regularly put on the potty, and when they were, they went. But, they did not know how to ‘hold,’ tell us they need the toilet and ‘go’ until they were much older.
Enthusiasm: If your toddler shows enthusiasm for the potty, that’s great!
Preparation tip: Let them sit on it during nappy-free time, say words like “are you doing a wee?” to get them used to it. Use this as a part of their gentle preparation.
If you start potty training before your toddler is ready, it could lead to frustration on both sides. Here is a useful guide on when to start potty training.
If you answered yes to these questions, you’re likely ready!
So, you’ve decided you’re ready, checked all the boxes, and it’s time to start. Clear your diary and have the potty ready.
There is No Half Measure. Many parents mistakenly remove the nappy at home but put it back on when they go out. This confuses toddlers. For successful potty training, remove the nappy as soon as they wake up and make it the last thing to put on before bed.
Dress them for success. Summer is the best time since fewer layers are needed, so they can run around without pants. In winter, opt for easy-to-remove leggings or tracksuit bottoms—no buttons or tights!
Drink Lots. Encourage hydration so they need to go more often. Offer snacks high in water content like fruit, smoothies, or ice lollies. This combats constipation, as toddlers may hold in their poo during training.
Body Language. Watch for signs that they need to go—jiggling, pausing, or looking distracted. Prompt them when you see these signs. If they’re reluctant to use the potty, offer small rewards like stickers or reading their favourite book while sitting there.
Accidents and Successes. When your toddler uses the potty, shower them with praise. A small treat or sticker can motivate them in the beginning. If they have an accident, clean it up quietly, no fussing. Just say, “Next time!”
Going Out. Always have access to a toilet. A travel potty can be a lifesaver. Keep one in the car or under the pushchair. If your toddler is ready, it shouldn’t take more than a few days to figure out wetting on the potty (pooping may take longer). Remember to praise them and ignore accidents. Telling off can lead to resistance, making the training process much harder.
Happy potty training!
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