How to potty train - your helpful guide

Teaching your child how to use a potty is a process that requires time and patience. It's a new skill for your child to learn, so it may take a while for them to get the hang of it.

Find out how you can best support them and what you can do to help make potty training a fun, exciting stage for your child.

See our pick of the best disposable nappies and find our which brands parents rate.

When to start potty training

Most children show signs of readiness between the ages of 18 months and three years old, depending on their individual needs and development patterns. 

There can be a lot of peer pressure surrounding when to start potty training, but it’s important not to force your child to start using a potty until they’re ready.  If you try to start potty training too early, the process can be drawn out and difficult for both you and your child.

Look out for the following signs to help you decide whether your child is ready to begin potty training:

• They can recognise when they've got a wet or dirty nappy
• They can stay dry for at least an hour
• They can verbalise or otherwise signal that they need to go to the toilet.

Potty training tips

Following the tips below will help make the potty-training process as smooth as possible for you and your child.

• Give gentle positive reinforcement when they use the potty. You may want to consider using a sticker chart.
• Deal with accidents calmly and offer reassurance to reduce any feelings of anxiety around using the potty.
• Make it a fun experience by using potty training activity books, or letting them personalise their potty with stickers.
• Avoid potty training during times of significant change or stress (such as moving house or introducing a new baby sibling).

Common potty-training challenges

Some children may take a little time to get used to a potty. It can sometimes be worth having a break from potty training and trying again a few weeks later, though you should avoid stopping and starting potty training too often as this can cause confusion.  

My child has accidents

There are bound to be a few accidents here and there while your child adjusts to using the potty. It's important not to respond negatively, as this may discourage and distress your child.

You could try using potty training pants, which are less absorbent than nappies, making it easier for your child to tell when they’re wet.  

My child doesn’t want to use the potty

Toddlers can be wary of leaving the comfort zone of nappies and moving to a potty.

You can help them overcome this by encouraging them to see it as a fun experience. For example, allowing them to pick out a potty of their choosing can create positive connotations and give them a sense of 'ownership' over the process. You can also make up games, songs and rewards to help them develop confidence using their potty.    

My child was potty trained but is now having accidents again

It's not completely uncommon for seemingly fully potty-trained children to regress a bit and start having accidents. As with the initial stage of potty training, it’s important to remain positive and supportive to help rebuild their confidence.

There may be emotional reasons, such as disruptions in routine. It could also indicate a medical issue such as a bladder infection or diabetes. Ask your GP for advice if the problem persists.  

My child doesn’t want to use public toilets

Using the toilet is already a new concept to your child, so applying this outside of the home can be a daunting prospect.

You can try and get your child used to the idea by taking them to visit new toilets without using them. It can also be helpful to let them bring their own travel potty for some familiarity.

Best reusable nappy brands

Potty training products

Potty training pants

Pull-up pants are disposable nappy pants designed to look like normal underwear. They’re more absorbent than normal pants, but less absorbent than nappies.

Pull-up pants can be handy when your child is transitioning away from nappies, especially during night-time potty training, which typically takes longer. However, there’s a risk that your child will regard them as nappies, making the potty-training process more drawn out.

Training pants are reusable cotton pants with a waterproof outer layer. They’re less absorbent than pull ups, but still offer some protection from accidents. They're also more economical than pull ups as you can wash and reuse them.

Traditional potties

Allowing your child to choose which potty they want can be a good way to motivate them.

You can buy a basic potty for around £5, with prices going up to around £40 for potties that look more like mini-toilets, with extra features such as sound effects and toilet roll holders.

When choosing a potty, consider the size, how easy it is to clean, and whether it’s comfortable for your child.

Travel potties

Travel potties, which usually cost £20-£30, are handy when you’re out and about with your child. 

Most have a foldable design with a leak-proof seal that you empty down the toilet when full. Look for something that’s light, easy to carry and small enough to fit in the boot of your car.

Toilet training seats

A training seat is a toddler-size toilet seat that sits on top of your toilet. They usually cost between £5 and £15.

Using a training seat lets you skip the potty stage altogether and take your child straight to the toilet. It’s important to make sure the seat is stable on the toilet and comfortable for your child. It’s also helpful to have a bathroom footstool to help them reach the big toilet. 

Some training seats have legs that flip down, letting you convert them into standalone travel potties. You can attach a disposable bag ready to use on the go.

Potty training reward charts and activity books

Potty training reward charts and activity books can help your child to feel excited about learning to use the potty.

You can buy potty training reward charts for just a few pounds, or you could try making one at home. There are also lots of free, printable charts available online. 

Potty training activity books typically cost around £5. They can help demystify the process and encourage children to see it as an enjoyable activity rather than a chore.

How long does potty training take?

Three to six months is the most common answer from the NHS, and the Institute of Health Visiting (IHV). 

That said, as a parent it's important to remember that there really is no definitive answer to this. Every child, parent and situation is so different and there is no strict timeline for potty training. It's worth noting, too, that schools do like to have children potty trained before starting school at aged four, according to the Department for Education. 

Some children grasp the concept in a matter of weeks, while others may take a year or longer to fully master it. ERIC, The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity, has helpful information and resources on toilet training in early-years settings. For example, its three step ‘Let’s Go Potty’ approach is broken down into stages:

1. Preparation
2. Practice
3. Stop using nappies.

What can affect a child's potty training?

There are several factors that influence how long potty training takes, including:

Age and readiness – Many children show signs of readiness between 18 months and three years old. Readiness includes staying dry for longer periods, showing an interest in the toilet, or recognising when they need to go.

Personality and temperament – Some children are eager to be independent, while others may resist change. A laid-back child may take longer than one who enjoys following routines.

Parental approach – Consistency and patience play a big role. Children respond well to encouragement and a relaxed attitude, but may struggle if they feel pressured.

Daytime versus night-time training – Night-time dryness often takes longer than daytime training, sometimes up to a year or longer.

Is my child ready for potty training?

According to the IHV, 'from about the age of 18 months your child can recognise the sensation of passing urine and opening their bowels' - so they start to notice when they might need a wee or poo.  But, there is no definitive answer to this, as every child, parent and situation is so different. Children don't just suddenly know how to use a potty or toilet - it's a social expectation, which means they need support in learning a new set of skills:

Look for readiness signs instead of focusing on age.

Use positive reinforcement such as praise, stickers, or small rewards.

Expect setbacks as inevitable, and keep calm and supportive.

Dress them in easy-to-remove clothing to set them up for success and help support independence.

On average, most children are fully potty trained between two and four years old. If progress is slow, try not to worry, as every child develops at their own pace. If concerns arise, speaking with a health visitor or GP can provide reassurance and guidance.