Toilet Training

For many parents, embarking on toilet or potty training your toddler can be a dreaded and overwhelming task but its important to focus on the positives…no more nappies! There is no specific age at which you should train your toddler, it is really down to their readiness. Your child needs to be at a stage where they understand simple instructions and are showing some interest in the toilet or bathroom.

To start you should ensure trips to the toilet become part of their routine so bring them to the toilet when they wake, after breakfast, before and after lunch and snack times, and before bed. For this reason, if you are working, the weekend is the best time to start. Once you start the training, nappies should no longer be worn, except when they are going to bed. To keep a nappy on while toilet training may cause confusion for your toddler so make a big deal out of the fact they are wearing “big boy/girl pants”.

If your child is in the care of a crèche or nanny etc while you work, ensure they are aware when you are starting to train and how you would like training to be carried out so they too are on board to help. Some children are fully trained over the course of a weekend, and some may take weeks or even months to get the hang of it. The important thing for you is to remain patient. Your toddler needs praise every step of the way and never scold them for any accidents they may have. Whether or not you reward your child is your own decision, but aim to be consistent throughout.