The how to guide on toilet training your tots 1260x542
26 Mar 2012

The how to guide on toilet training your tots

2 mins to read
Toilet training is an event that can cause parents angst yet it’s a milestone most healthy kids take in their stride – even if it takes a little practice! Getting a child out of nappies during the daylight hours and later, night time as well, is a positive step towards independence and, although still a way off, adulthood. Tanya Ryan-Seggar explains.


But, forcing a child that isn’t ready or curious about the whole thing can have negative consequences. So, in the interest of family wellbeing, here are three basic steps to help get you ready to start toilet training, along with a bit of general advice on the subject.

Step one – make sure parents are ready

As parents you’ll need to be prepared to give your child extra attention and support that they’ll need during the early stages of toilet training – not to mention the increase in dirty laundry that usually comes with the territory! Encouragement and moral support, particularly during the early stages, is vital to success and avoiding a child feeling demoralised when inevitable accidents happen.
Also consider:

What equipment? Toilet or potty? Or a mix of the two? 

  • If using a toilet, will you need to buy a seat insert and footstep?
  • Have you thought about training pants or, will you go for broke?

Step two – is your child ready?

The best indicator of readiness is if a child shows interest in their own and other people’s toileting habits. Toddlerhood - usually between the ages of two to three years old, is when most kids show signs they are ready to start using a toilet although bladder control during the night often takes a few more years.
Other signs of readiness to look for:

  • Bladder/bowel control - i.e. has dry nappies for at least an hour or two at a time
  • Is able to say when doing/ just done a poo or wee
  • Can follow basic instructions
  • Does not like soiled or wet nappies
  • Has regular, normal, bowel movements
  • Can sit still for short periods

Step three – relax

Avoid setting specific timeframes on when a child must be trained by (such as the arrival home of a new baby or starting preschool), it’s likely to add pressure, which could delay things. The best indicator is a child’s general behaviour and responsiveness to the idea of using a toilet or potty. An easy-going, relaxed approach will make the experience more fun for you and your child.

1-2-3- Farewell nappies!

If you’ve ticked most of the boxes and think you’re ready to start the process of saying bye-bye to nappies for good here’s a checklist of things to help you on
the way:

  • Stop using nappies - at least during the daylight hours
  • Dress your child in appropriate clothing i.e. fussy zips or overly tight fitting clothes are best avoided
  • Don’t worry too much about accidents, especially in the early days – they will happen and are best dealt with in a relaxed manner
  • Avoid making kids sit on the toilet or potty for any length of time– they may start thinking it’s a form of punishment
  • Get kids into a hygienic routine from the outset – show, and if need be, help them wipe bottoms (until the skill is mastered), wash hands and flush the toilet
  • Ask or remind them about going to the toilet but avoid being too forceful
  • If a child is refusing to cooperatetry to work out if there is another issue at play, then take a break and revisit later.
  • Regression (in the form of accidents or losing interest) can happen but try not to lose heart and deal with calmly.

References available upon request



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