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Potty Training
When and how to start
Potty training is a big milestone for your child, and it is a skill that needs to be taught, just like teaching them how to walk, talk and use a knife and fork!
Prepare your child for potty training when they can sit independently (usually around 6 months)
Make it a gentle and gradual process
From 18 months, most children are ready to start mastering potty training
The longer toilet training is delayed, the harder it can be to achieve
Children with additional needs may need more support with toilet training
Rule out constipation before starting potty training
Talk to your child about wee and poo! Make it fun, the sillier, the better! Talking helps children understand the language we use for the toilet and how our bodies may feel
Let them watch you go to the toilet, and talk to them about each step you are doing
Avoid any fluids that can irritate the bladder and make your child wee more frequently.
Change nappies or pull ups as soon as they are wet or soiled
Fluids that are good for the bladder
- Water is the best option
- Diluted cordial or diluted juices
- Many fruit or herbal teas
Fluids to avoid
- Fizzy drinks
- Caffinated drinks including decaffinated tea and coffee
If your child can stand, do nappy, and pull up changes stood up and encourage your child to clean up and flush the poo down the toilet
Let your child have regular and short periods without a nappy or pull up, try doing this for 30 minutes after they have had a wee or a poo. It will get them used to not wearing one and they are less likely to have an accident during this time
Try putting in a washable cloth flannel into their nappies or pull ups so that it feels wet when your child wees. Make sure to remove the cloth as soon as it gets wet to avoid nappy rash
Sit your child on the potty or toilet shortly after they wake up, after mealtimes and anytime they might show that they need to go to the toilet. For example, some children crouch to poo or hide behind the sofa!
All children should sit down on the potty when they are doing a wee or a poo. We empty our bladder better when sitting down and it prevents constipation.
Most children are dry in the day by the time they are three years old and at night by the time they are five. Children should be encouraged to start potty training from 18 months of age
We recommend the 3-step potty training approach
To help your child become potty trained, the most important thing you can be is calm, confident and consistent!
For more information, fun videos and lots of free resources check out the ERIC website!
