
Getting ready to potty train
The time it takes to potty train depends on the readiness of the child. Medical experts talk about there being a window of opportunity. If you recognise this and start training, the whole process can be far easier and quicker.
Starting to potty train too early or putting it off can result in the process taking longer. It may also become more stressful for both the adults and children!
Starting to potty train too early or putting it off can result in the process taking longer. It may also become more stressful for both the adults and children!
This week's activities...
Buy your toolkit
Stock up on your potty training essentials
- A potty for the bathroom and one to stick in a plastic bag when you are out and about
- Dry Like Me pads
- Lots of pairs of pants
- Wipes
- Reward chart and stickers
Are they ready?
Make an assessment if they are ready:
- Look for patterns in wet nappies to help predict when you will need to prompt them to go to the toilet
- Look for dry nappies and longer periods between wees as a sign that they are starting to gain some bladder control
Look for the signs
Spot the physical signs of readiness:
- Is your child around the age of 2
- Can they climb the stairs to the bathroom, take their trousers down?
- If your child is ill it is a good idea to delay potty training until they are better and able to focus on the task
Communicate
Are their communication skills ready?
- Can they follow simple instructions e.g. can you wash your hands?
- Can they make simple requests e.g. ask for a drink?
- Do they show signs that they know they are going to do a wee or poo in their nappy?
Routine
Put in place a good routine
- Find the bathroom
- Turn on the light
- Lift the loo seat
- Take down trousers / pants
- Sit on the potty or toilet
- Wipe with paper or a wipe
- Flush
- Wash and dry hands
- Turn off the light
Get them involved
Let your child get involved
- Help with packing spare clothing
- Picking underwear or potty
- Wash hands
- Put stickers on reward chart
Have fun
Make it exciting
- Talk positively about potty training and the freedom of not wearing nappies
- Don’t place them under any pressure
- Invent a celebration dance for trying
- Read books about potty training
- Download toilet training apps
- Introduce the idea of a reward chart or other system
- Watch TV shows about potty training