Potty Training

Preparing Your Child to Start Toilet Training

Children often benefit from learning bathroom basics before official toilet training begins. Caregivers can introduce bathroom words like “pee,” “poop,” and “potty” early on. Using these terms in daily talk helps children connect words to actions.

Adults can point out when a child looks like they need to use the bathroom—such as crossing legs or fidgeting—and gently explain what these signs mean. Encouraging children to tell someone when a diaper is wet or dirty builds body awareness. Creating a calm, positive environment during diaper changes and avoiding negative reactions helps children feel comfortable.

Caregivers can show children where toilets are in the house or when out in public. Explaining what toilets are for and letting the child sit on a potty chair just for practice can make the idea less scary. Placing the potty chair in the room where the child spends most of their time makes it more familiar. Some children like to “potty train” their dolls or stuffed animals as make-believe practice.

Signs Your Child May Be Ready

Readiness depends on development, not just age. Some signs that a child may be ready to stop using diapers and start toilet training include:

• Recognizing and telling you when a diaper is soiled or wet.
• Having regular stools at predictable times.
• Staying dry for at least two hours at a time during the day.
• Understanding bathroom words and directions.
• Showing interest in wearing training pants or underwear.
• Wanting to use the “big kid” toilet or potty seat.
• Pulling down pants without help.
• Walking well and sitting on a potty chair on their own.
• Enjoying praise for trying new things.

If a child is showing most of these signs and there are no major family changes ahead (like moving or a new sibling arriving), it might be a good time to start. Motivation is key, so let the child’s interest and comfort lead the process.

Start Potty Training

Consistency matters. Caregivers should plan to spend dedicated time each day over several weeks helping the child adapt. Short, regular “practice runs” to the potty chair after meals, upon waking, and when the child shows signs of needing to go can set the routine. A sample daily schedule includes:

Time	Action
Morning (wake-up)	Try sitting on potty
After meals/snacks	Practice sitting
Before nap/bedtime	Potty break
Every 1-2 hours	Gentle reminders

Loose, easy-to-remove clothing helps young children use the toilet quickly. Encourage sitting on the potty for up to five minutes at a time, but let the child get up if they want. Never force or pressure a child to sit. Boys can start by sitting for both peeing and pooping, then learn to stand for peeing later.

Offer praise for effort, rather than results. For example, say “Good job for telling me you need to go,” instead of focusing only on actual success in the potty. Some families use sticker charts or other small rewards as positive reinforcement.

Teaching Good Bathroom Habits

Show children how to wipe properly and wash hands after going to the toilet to build healthy habits. Girls need to wipe gently from front to back to avoid infections. Everyone should wash hands with soap and water afterward. A simple handwashing routine:

1. Wet hands with water.
2. Apply soap.
3. Scrub all sides of hands for 20 seconds.
4. Rinse and dry.

You can make this process fun by singing a favorite song while washing hands.

Switching from Diapers to Underwear

Once a child stays dry for several hours and uses the potty reliably during the day, you can move away from diapers. At first, some children may use training pants or pull-up style diaper pants during the transition.

• Let the child help pick out underwear in colors or patterns they like.
• Training pants and pull-ups can be helpful for naps or outings.
• After a day or two of no accidents, switch to only underwear during waking hours.

Diapers or pull-up style pants may still be needed at night or for long trips at first.

Encourage Breaks and Give Support

Take a gentle, supportive approach. Practice runs or scheduled potty breaks can remind the child to use the bathroom, but never punish for accidents. If the child seems resistant or becomes upset, take a short break and try again later. Tips for staying supportive:

• Use phrases like “Everyone has accidents sometimes.”
• Focus on what the child did right, not mistakes.
• Avoid punishment or scolding.
• Celebrate small wins, like sitting on the potty or telling an adult when they need to go.

Some children respond well to special rewards such as a sticker chart or choosing a fun activity after successful potty use.

Nighttime Toilet Training Tips

Most children take longer to stay dry through the night than during the day. Bedwetting is common up to age 5 or 6, and usually is not a concern. To help the process:

• Limit drinks before bedtime.
• Remind the child to use the bathroom before going to bed.
• Protect the mattress with a waterproof cover.
• Use training pants or diapers at night until the child stays dry most nights.

Some families keep a small potty seat near the child’s bed for easy access. Encourage the child to get up and use the bathroom if they wake during the night.

Dealing with Accidents

Accidents are part of potty training for almost every child. Stay calm and avoid blaming, scolding, or showing frustration. Respond with understanding to help the child feel safe and supported. Helpful ways to handle accidents:

• Calmly guide the child to help clean up.
• Offer reassurance: “You’ll get it next time.”
• Remind the child to try again soon.
• Keep extra clothes on hand for quick changes.

Regression—when a child who was doing well begins to have more accidents—can happen, especially during changes or stress. Support, patience, and sticking to the routine usually help most children get back on track.

When to Get Extra Advice or Help

Most children succeed at potty training with time, but some may need more help. Consider talking to a health care provider if:

• The child is over age 4 and not making progress.
• There is pain, fear, or strong resistance about using the potty.
• The child suddenly starts wetting or soiling after being potty trained (and is not facing a big life change).
• There are signs of constipation, such as going less than three times a week or having hard, painful stools.
• The child continues to have trouble with nighttime wetting after age 6.

A professional can check for any issues or give advice about how to adjust the training approach.