Toilet training made easy: A parent's step-by-step guide

Toilet training is an essential milestone for children before they start school. It combines all the skills your child is gaining day-by-day, including understanding their feelings, using language to express needs, following instructions, co-ordination and independence.

As well as ensuring a smooth start at school, toilet training can help you build confidence, get into routines, and even save money on single-use nappies.

You and your child can start your toilet training journey from 18-months-old, you don’t need to wait for signs that they are ready. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide and scroll down to find top tips and support for every stage.

Step one: Introduce the idea

Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, talk to your child about wee and poo and start to change their nappies in the bathroom. Books, songs and videos can help to make it fun:

• Toilet Training, When a Book Might Help – Hampshire Library Services lists story books you can borrow from your local library.
• The Toilet Song, CBeebies – Watch and learn a fun and interactive song together to introduce toilet training to your child.
• Hey Duggee Potty Training Song, CBeebies – Watch and sing along with characters your child already knows – this song takes your child from telling you they need the potty, to washing their hands.

Remember: if you’re watching videos, slower and more predictable content is better for young brains. Explore screen time guidance for under 5s.

Step two: Choose the right equipment

You might need:

• A potty that is low to the ground so your child can use it on their own, it might even help to have more than one around the house.
• A children’s toilet seat and a step stool to help them relax on the toilet.
• Plenty of pants, there might be a few accidents along the way!

Step three: Show and encourage

• Let them watch you use the toilet and explain what you are doing.
• Role play going to the toilet with their favourite toys or teddies.
• Play games that develop skills for sitting and standing to help use the toilet, such as using a tricycle, space hopper, or dancing.
• Games like threading beads on a string, or pushing buttons will help develop skills for undressing, flushing, and handwashing.

Step four: Create a routine

• Tell your child what the plan is, you are on the toilet training journey together.
• Use the same phrase, sign or symbol for ‘toilet time’.
• Encourage your child to start sitting on the potty or toilet seat at regular times of day even if they can’t go or still have accidents. For example, when they wake up, after every meal, and before bed.

Step five: Use positive reinforcement

• Talk about each step as you take them to the toilet, repeating simple instructions like ‘pants down’.
• Praise and celebrate each small step. You could use a sticker chart or talk about how toilet training will help you go on more adventures outside.

Step six: Practice good personal hygiene

Make sure every toilet trip ends with wiping, flushing and washing your hands.

• How to wash your hands, BBC Tiny Happy People – A helpful video that shows you how to build extra learning into your hand washing.

Step seven: Be patient and supportive

Toilet training can be a tough journey, but it is important to show your child that you are calm and relaxed, so they can feel the same. Ask other people to support you – partners, grandparents, childminders and nursery staff can help by being consistent with toilet training, and older siblings can show younger ones what to do.

Remember that all children will develop at different stages, try not to compare your child to their friends. If you are struggling, or close to starting school and need further support, help is available:

• Best Start in Life – Get clear information and guidance online, or visit the Havant Best Start Family Hub (more will be opening across Hampshire soon)
• ChatHealth – Contact a trained specialist nurse by texting 07520 615720 (for 0-5-year-olds) or start a webchat at the bottom of the page.
• ERIC – Information, advice and a helpline on bladder and bowel issues and additional needs.

Step eight: Plan for sleep and naptimes

Your toilet training journey might be going well during the day, but not at night time. This is normal, night time toilet training can be quite different and take longer.

• Potty training at night, National Childbirth Trust – Information on when and how to start toilet training at night.
• Top tips for dry nights, CBeebies – Helpful tips on the process of night time toilet training.