When to Start Potty Training? 

So, you’ve hit the stage of your parenting journey where you’re asking yourself, when should I start potty training my little one? Hitting all the important milestones for children can be exciting, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Potty training can be straining not only for children but also for us parents!  

In this guide, we are going to dive deep into potty training, discuss the signals that parents should look out for in understanding their baby is ready for this step, and take a look at some of the UK’s favourite potties so you can be fully prepared on this potty training journey.  

 

How Do I Know My Baby is Ready for Potty Training?  

Every child is different; with this, they learn and develop skills at different rates. Due to this, there is no definite age range when you should start potty training your child. Typically, most parents potty train their children between 18 and 24 months, but others don’t train until 3 years old.  

So, how do you know when to potty train your baby? You need to look out for signs! There is a range of physiological signs, motor skill development, and cognitive and verbal skills to observe. Let’s look into these further so you can identify when your little one is ready for potty training.  

Physiological Signs  

The first area of development you should look for is your child’s physiological development. This is when your child becomes aware of their body. There are a few different ways your little one will signal their physiological signs, so make sure to be aware of the following:  

• The potty dance: Some babies wiggle their bodies and show signs of discomfort. 
• Red in the face:  You may find your baby tensing or squeezing, making their face red, which is another sign of discomfort.  
• Squatting and hiding: Rather than doing the ‘potty dance’, you may find your baby squatting or hiding in another room to poo.  
• Absent bowel movements: Take note of your baby's bowel movements. They may have stopped going so often, especially throughout the night. 
• Regular bowel movements: Some children start to follow a pattern and often need the toilet at specific times of the day. This is a great sign that they are ready for potty training.  
• Dry nappies: If your little one keeps their nappy dry for longer, this shows you that they have more physical control of their body.  

Motor Skill Development  

• Walking: Once your baby has started walking, they have developed an important milestone. This independence signals to you that your baby can handle taking themselves off their potty when they need it.  
• Changing: Can your baby remove their clothing? If so, this shows you that they are able to remove their pants or set themselves up to use the potty comfortably. Although this is not necessary, this is a great skill for them to have and you can help with along the way.  
• Sitting: All children learn to sit on the toilet, so if they can sit comfortably and still for at least 30 seconds, potty training will be much easier and cleaner for you as their parent or guardian.  

Cognitive and Verbal Skills 

• Communication: Can they connect their body sensations to their physical abilities? Some children might even be able to tell you that they need their nappy changing.  
• Problem Solving: Understanding they need the toilet and sitting on the toilet.  
• Understand instructions: Does your little one take instructions well? This is helpful when potty training, as they will listen and follow instructions when you tell them to go to the potty.  
• Imitating and Modelling Behaviour: Some parents take their children to the toilet with them to show them physically how to go to the toilet by modelling that behaviour.  

 

Getting Prepared to Potty Train 

Although you need to identify when your baby is ready for potty training, you must also be ready for this next milestone. Learning to potty train is like learning to ride a bike; it takes consistent practice, but they won’t look back once they have mastered it. If you cannot provide a consistent routine when training your little one to use the potty, it is advised to wait until you can, as the inconsistency can confuse your child and make it harder to train them in the long run.  

Top tip: It might be worth teaching your little one to use the potty in the summer. As parenting comes with many challenges, we want to reduce your stress level and laundry load. By training your little one in the summer, they will have fewer clothes to remove, and you will have less washing to do if there are any accidents.  

It is strongly advised that you communicate with your child whilst changing them; describing what a wet nappy is and the difference between wee and poo will quicken the process for some children as they have a different understanding of using the potty.  

Step By Step Guide to Potty Training  

1. Wait Until Your Baby Is Ready  

As we’ve already covered, the first thing to consider when asking yourself, ‘When should I start potty training?’ is to wait until your little one is ready. Once they show the physiological, motor, and cognitive skills, your baby is ready for potty training. The earlier you start potty training, the longer you will drag out the process, and we parents want an easier life... am I right?  

1. Get Everything Prepared 

While getting all the potty-training essentials together, make sure to involve your little one in the process. Communicate with them and get them excited about it. You can encourage them to be with you while you purchase their potty, like this Eco Pourty Potty, tell them the benefits, like helping the planet by using sustainable materials, and even show them videos on how it works before it arrives.  

You can use the same process when selecting their underwear. You will be doing yourself a favour if you can dress them in pants they want to wear. For example, if they love Peppa Pig or Superman, you could show them underwear with these characters on. This way, they are excited about wearing them and not wetting or dirtying them. We advise getting 2 weeks' worth of underwear to prepare for accidents.  

Why not invest in some puppy pads to place under the potty to help with cleaning if there are any messes? You can also simply get some antibacterial spray and wipes to clean up after use.  

The Bumbo Step ‘N Potty is a comprehensive 3-in-1 potty-training solution. It combines a sturdy potty seat, step stool, and toilet trainer seat all in one. So when your little one is ready to progress from a potty to sit on a toilet you are all set.

Patience, Preparation, and Progress!

Potty training is a significant milestone in your child's development and, while it can be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. By recognising the physiological, motor, and cognitive signs that indicate readiness, you can set the stage for a smoother potty training journey. Understanding the elimination process and other methods are crucial; as your child gains control over their bladder and bowel movements, they will start to recognise the sensations that signal the need to go. Remember, every child is unique and will progress at their own pace. Equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge, and approach this process with patience and encouragement. Involve your child in the preparation, create a consistent routine, and celebrate their successes, no matter how small. With time, practice, and a lot of positive reinforcement, your little one will master potty training and move confidently into their next stage of growth.