Children don’t always show clear “readiness signs” because modern nappies keep them feeling dry, so families may not notice obvious cues.

Most children can begin practicing toilet skills once they can sit securely with support. Many are ready to start using the toilet when they:

• notice when they are doing a wee or poo
• stay dry for around an hour between wees
• can sit on and get up from a potty or toilet with support

Toilet training is a gradual process, not something that happens in one day. Patience and consistency help children feel confident.

More support:

• How to start and best age to potty train - ERIC

You can help your child feel comfortable long before they stop wearing nappies. 

Try:

• letting them sit on the potty or toilet for a short time each day
• encouraging handwashing after nappy changes
• practicing pulling trousers up and down
• talking calmly about going to the toilet to make it familiar

What you’ll need:

• a potty (or more than one), and/or a toilet training seat with a step
• a step high enough for knees to be slightly higher than hips
• spare pants or reusable cloth training pants

More support:

• Preparing for potty training - BBC Tiny Happy People

When you feel ready to begin:

• choose a calm week without big changes
• dress your child in clothes they can manage
• offer regular trips to the toilet or potty
• keep the mood positive and reassuring

Accidents are completely normal. Praise all attempts, this helps children feel safe, confident, and in control.

Training pants or pull ups can help when starting out, but encourage your child to use the toilet regularly and keep them dry.

Tips

Change nappies promptly

This helps your child learn it feels comfortable to be clean and dry. Changing nappies in the bathroom can also build helpful routines.

Introduce the potty or toilet gently

Try potty books, letting toys have a “turn,” and encouraging your child to sit for short, positive experiences.

Build up regular sitting practice

A few minutes after meals or before baths can help create routine.

Encourage a healthy diet

Include fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains. This helps avoid constipation, which makes toilet training harder.

Offer water regularly

Aim for 6–8 drinks spaced throughout the day. Water is best once solids are introduced.

What to expect

Remember:

• many children learn daytime toileting before age 3
• setbacks are normal, especially during illness or change
• staying calm helps your child stay confident
• toileting takes time, every child is different

Night-time dryness usually develops later and separately from daytime training. Many children stay in nappies or night-time pants for longer, this is completely normal.

You can help by:

• encouraging a toilet trip at bedtime
• avoiding drinks in the hour before bed
• keeping a calm, consistent bedtime routine
• avoiding lifting or waking your child to wee (this trains them to wee while asleep)

If your child is not dry at night by age 5, speak to your health visitor, school nurse, or GP for support.

Constipation can make toilet training difficult. Signs include:

• hard or painful poos
• soiling or accidents after being dry for a while

If you think your child may be constipated, speak to your health visitor, Family Hub, or GP before stopping nappies. Treating constipation early supports children’s success with toilet training.

More support:

• Constipation in children - NHS

Almost all children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), can learn to be clean and dry with the right support.

Children with SEND may need:

• more time to learn routines
• visual cues or step by step prompts
• sensory friendly approaches

Ask your health visitor, early years setting, or SENCo for support if needed.

More support:

• Toileting - a guide for parents and carers
• Potty training children with additional needs - ERIC
• Toileting - BeyondAutism

If your child spends time with nursery, preschool, a childminder, grandparents, or other carers, talk about how you will support toilet training together.

You can:

• agree simple, shared steps
• provide spare clothes
• update each other on signs your child may need the potty or toilet

Consistency helps children learn more quickly and confidently.

More support:

• Potty Training - When to potty train, how to start potty training, potty training regression and bedwetting - BBC Tiny Happy People

Seek advice from your health visitor, GP, or early years setting if:

• accidents are very frequent
• your child seems anxious about using the toilet
• progress seems to have stopped
• you have concerns about constipation

Local support

If your child is under 5 and you need advice on issues such as toileting, feeding or behaviour, you can contact the Telephone Advisory Service (TAS):

• Find support - Telephone Advisory Service (TAS)

Local Family Hubs can offer practical advice, workshops, and toilet training support, see:

• Family Hubs Webinars

Well Child Clinics across Worcestershire offer support with toileting as well as help with sleep, feeding, development and growth, to book:

• phone: 01905 520032