Tips on starting potty training

Leave a potty in a warm, accessible place where your child can see it and can get to know what it’s for. If you’ve got an older child, your younger child may see them using it, which will be a great help. It helps to let your child see you using the toilet and explain what you’re doing.

Training pants can sometimes be useful for some occasions but preferably introduce cotton pants as soon as possible. Help your child to learn how to pull down their pants to their ankles on their own.
If your child regularly has a bowel movement at the same time each day, leave their nappy off and suggest that they go on the potty. If your child is even the slightest bit upset by the idea, just put the nappy back on and leave it a few more weeks before trying again.
Consistently encourage your child to sit regularly on their potty at 60 minute intervals, increasing this to two-three hours.
A firm washable surface is advisable so if your child slips up, just mop it up and wait for next time. Be patient and don’t make a fuss when they have an accident, as this will only increase their anxiety, as worry can cause less success next time.
Your child will be delighted when he or she succeeds. A little praise from you will help a lot. It can be quite tricky to get the balance right between giving praise and making a big deal out of it, which you don’t want to do. Don’t give sweets as a reward, as that can end up causing more problems. When the time is right, your child will want to use the potty and they will just be happy to get it right.

Whatever you decide, don’t let it get you or your child down and don’t put pressure on them. Talk to other parents about how they coped. You also don’t want to confuse your child by stopping and starting too often. If you do stop, leave it for a few weeks before you start again.

In some circumstances delaying potty training may be indicated for example;

When a new baby arrives into their home
You are about to move house
Your child is unwell
Some other life changing event