Toilet Training

Teaching a toddler to use the potty can take time. It can often take between 3 and 6 months but every child is different.

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.

The BBC's Tiny Happy People's potty training tips list the key things to consider and why communication is the key to success.