Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

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Time to toilet train

We offer support and advice about toilet training.

Toilet training is a big milestone in a child’s development. It can be a frustrating time for parents and carers, who can feel under a lot of pressure to get their child toilet trained. Remember that every child is different and will learn skills at different paces. Most children will learn this skill in their own time. It is important to stay calm and be patient.

Why is toilet training important?
Most children are ready to be potty-trained between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old. 9 out of 10 children will be dry by the age of 3 years old. And most children with will be reliably dry by the age of 4 years old.

It is a really important skill to develop and maintain. Children who struggle with the toileting can have problems with friendships and joining in normal childhood activities. This can be distressing for a child and for a parent.

Things that parents can do to help:

  • Help your child to develop a good and safe toilet routine
  • Make sure that your child drinks enough each day and maintains a healthy diet

More information:

  • Visit the ERIC website for information on how to start and the best time to potty train
  • Watch the video below:

ChatHealth Logo

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-5 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a health visitor within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the service reopens.

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

This page was last reviewed on 23-11-2022

This page will be next reviewed on 23-11-2025