Potty training is a big milestone for every child — and every parent. There will be accidents along the way, but a little preparation and a lot of patience go a long way. Here are 10 practical, proven tips to help you get started with confidence.
Before you begin, stock up on some underwear — letting your child pick their own if possible — and set aside some time with no big distractions.
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Jump to:
- Timing is key
- When to start potty training
- Getting ready to start
- Off you go
- Keeping up the momentum
- No nappies or pull-ups
- Potty training at night
- If your child resists potty training
- Stay positive
- Seeking help
1. Timing Is Key
Many children start to show an interest in potty training around age 2, but potty training isn’t really age-based — every child is different. Some are closer to 3 before they’re ready, and some start earlier or later. Girls are often ready before boys, and while some children get the hang of it in a matter of days, others take weeks or months.
There’s no need to rush into it just because you feel you “should.” Starting too soon usually means it takes longer, simply because your child isn’t ready yet. Watch for the signs of readiness instead, and act on them when they appear.
If there have recently been — or are about to be — any big changes in your child’s life, such as a new sibling or a house move, it’s usually best to hold off starting for a few months.
2. When to Start Potty Training
Your child may be ready for potty training if they’re showing some or all of these signs:
- Staying dry for longer periods — two hours or more during the day
- Wanting to be changed as soon as they’re wet or dirty
- Showing interest in the potty or toilet
- Showing interest in wearing “big kid” underwear
- Letting you know when they need to go
3. Getting Ready to Start Potty Training
Before you start, make sure everything is in place so the process is as easy as possible for your child. You want them to succeed, so a little organisation goes a long way.
Let everyone who looks after your child know that you’re starting potty training, and pick up a potty or a training seat for the toilet.
Before day one:
- Encourage your child to sit on the potty or training seat, with or without a nappy
- Read some books about going to the potty together
- If they have a favourite toy, let the toy “practise” using the potty too
4. Off You Go!
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Many parents find it easier to trade regular nappies for pull-ups at this stage, but do whatever works best for your family — some go straight to underwear.
Once you begin:
- Encourage your child to sit on the potty or toilet for a short time, every 60 to 90 minutes, without a pull-up or underwear, so they get used to it
- Praise them even if nothing happens
- Talk to your child about using the potty and stay with them while they try. A book, a toy, or a little song for potty time can help
- Watch for the signs your child needs to go and get them there quickly, but calmly
- Don’t scold accidents
- Be positive and encouraging throughout
- At this early stage, it’s often easier for boys to master using the potty sitting down before standing up
- Help your child manage their clothes and pull-ups
5. Keeping Up the Momentum
To keep potty training a positive experience, an incentive can help. Use encouraging words every time your child makes it to the potty or toilet, and let them flush away the contents themselves if they enjoy that.
A reward chart works well for many families — a sticker each time they go, and a small treat, like a trip to the playground, once the chart is full. A special story or game works just as well.
Offer gentle reminders, but try not to ask every ten minutes! Accidents will happen, but over time you’ll both learn to recognise the signs.
As your child progresses, start sitting them on the potty or toilet at set points in the day — when they wake up, after meals or snacks, before naps or bedtime, and before heading out.
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6. No Nappies or Pull-Ups
After a few weeks, your child should be confident enough to swap nappies or pull-ups for underwear full-time. Take them along to choose their new underwear and make it a little celebration. Choose clothes that are easy for them to manage on their own, so they don’t get in the way of progress. Stock up on extra underwear too — accidents happen, and depending on the weather, laundry can pile up quickly!
If your child is in créche or with a childminder, make sure they have spare clothes and underwear on hand. It’s also worth keeping a change of clothes and underwear in the car for any accidents while you’re out and about.
7. Potty Training at Night
Most children take longer to master night-time or nap-time training. Pull-ups are a sensible option for sleep in the meantime. Sit your child on the potty or toilet before bed, and some parents find it helps to lift their child for a toilet trip before they themselves go to bed. Full bladder control at night can take several months to develop — this is completely normal.
8. If Your Child Resists Potty Training
If your child pushes back against potty training, or keeps having accidents after the first few weeks, it’s fine to take a break and try again in a couple of months. Pausing isn’t a step backwards — it just gives your child a bit more time to be ready.
9. Stay Positive
There will be accidents along the way. Take a deep breath and try to stay patient and positive — easier said than done some days, but it makes all the difference to how your child experiences the process.
10. Seeking Help
Every child has accidents while they’re learning. But if you’re worried about how often they’re happening, or if a potty-trained child suddenly starts having regular accidents again, there could be an underlying issue, such as a urinary infection. It’s worth checking in with your GP sooner rather than later, as early advice can help your child get back on track.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I start potty training?
There’s no single right age. Many children show signs of readiness around age 2, though some aren’t ready until closer to 3. Watch for your child’s own signs of readiness rather than going by age alone.
How long does potty training usually take?
It varies hugely from child to child. Some children get the hang of it in days, while others take weeks or months — both are completely normal.
What should I do if my child resists potty training?
If your child is resisting, or continues to have frequent accidents after the first few weeks, take a break and try again in a couple of months rather than pushing through.
How do I handle night-time potty training?
Night-time training usually takes longer than daytime training. Use pull-ups for sleep, sit your child on the potty or toilet before bed, and expect it to take several months for full bladder control at night to develop.
When should I see a doctor about potty training?
If accidents are frequent, or if your child regresses after being reliably trained, it’s worth speaking to your GP, as there can sometimes be an underlying issue worth checking.
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- Make and Do for All the Family
Save These Tips for Later
Potty training has its ups and downs, so it’s worth keeping these tips handy for the days you need a quick refresher. Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so it’s there when you need it.
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