Toilet (potty) Training

Children will be ready to use the potty from around 18 months old. Using a potty is a new skill for your child to learn. 

You may want to start introducing sitting on a potty as part of your child's normal day at around 18 months to 2 years. Remember you cannot force your child to use a potty if they are not ready. In time they will want to use one and most children will not want to go to school in a nappy. 

Some people find it easier to start in the summer when there are fewer clothes to take off. 

You can try to work out when your child is ready, there are a number of signs that your child is starting to develop bladder control:

  • They know when they are wet or dirty
  • They may tell you that they are doing it
  • They may go somewhere quiet or hide.

Start to potty train your child in the day time. Prepare your child for potty training by talking to them about it, and share some books on potty training.

If you start and your child is not ready for potty training stop and try again a few weeks later.

Remember all children are different and will do it when they are ready. 

 

Toilet training children with additional needs

Toilet (potty) training a child who has additional needs—such as developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, or physical challenges—can take a little more time and patience, but the core steps remain the same. In this video we offer practical tips, and share strategies tailored for children who may need a bit of extra guidance.