Wondering if your child is ready for toilet training?
Not sure whether to wait, or just go for it?
You’re not alone. It’s a question we get asked often, and the honest answer is… it depends.
Why timing matters more than anything
There’s no perfect age to start toilet training. What matters most is readiness, not timing. It can be tempting to start toilet training because:
- your child has reached a certain age
- you want them ready for preschool
- or (very understandably!) you’re just ready to be done with nappies.
However, starting too early can make things harder. As many parents discover (and I learnt this the hard way), it tends to go much more smoothly when children are actually ready, not when we are.
Signs your child might be ready
Every child is different. You do not need to see all of these, but some common signs include:
- Staying dry for longer periods (around two hours or more)
- Showing interest in others using the toilet
- Telling you they need a wee or poo (or just after!)
- Wanting to be changed out of a wet or dirty nappy
- Showing interest in underwear
- Being able to pull clothes up and down
- Sitting and being able to get up again comfortably.
Getting started
Once your child is showing signs of readiness, keep things simple:
- Choose a potty or toilet (with a stool so feet are supported)
- If it’s a potty keep it accessible, especially in the early days
- Watch for cues (wriggling, holding themselves) and act quickly
- Help them notice how their body feels and to begin to recognise their own signals.
Don’t forget…
Children need to relax to go. You can help them feel secure by making sure their feet are flat, either on the floor or a stool and the seating feels stable and safe. This makes more difference than you might think.
At home and at preschool
Consistency really helps. So let your child’s setting know what words you use (wee, shishi, potty, toilet etc) and what you are trying at home.
At Play B C, we encourage children to use child-sized toilets and will follow your lead with language and approach. We are happy for children to bring their own potty if needed (some little people can be particular).
Pull-ups or straight to pants?
This is up to you but please be aware that prolonged use of pull-ups can sometimes be confusing, as they still feel like nappies and there is not the same sensation of wetness you get with pants.
If you decide to go for it:
- Keep clothing simple (no tricky buttons or poppers)
- pack lots of spares (don’t forget socks!).
Keeping it going
As with many things when it comes to small children, toilet training doesn’t always progress in a straight line, but that’s completely normal.
A few things that can help:
- Stay positive (even when it’s frustrating)
- Treat accidents as part of the process, don’t make them a big deal
- Use small motivators if helpful (stickers, flushing the toilet, or choosing underwear)
Most importantly, if it’s not working, it’s okay to pause and try again later.
Some children take to it quickly. Others take a little longer. Again, both are completely normal.
What matters most is that children feel:
- supported
- not pressured
- confident in their own time.
Still have questions?
We’re always happy to talk this through with you, whether you’re just starting or need a bit of reassurance along the way.
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Play B C has settings in Wallington and Carshalton, and offers term-time or 48 week places with a teacher-led team, high adult ratios, excellent enrichment and a well-resourced, nurturing environment.
If you are looking for a great preschool it really is as simple as Play B C!
What to read next…
Find out what to look for in a preschool here.
