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Potty training: signs your child is ready, and a calm step-by-step plan

25 October 2026 · 2 min read

Potty training goes best when your child is ready, not when the calendar or a well-meaning relative says it's time. Here's how to spot readiness and a calm plan to follow.

When to start

Readiness matters more than age. Many children show signs of readiness between 18 and 24 months, and most are trained during the day between 2 and 3 years. Some take longer, and that's normal. Staying dry at night often comes months, or even years, after daytime training. (HealthyChildren.org: toilet training)

Signs your child may be ready

  • stays dry for two hours or so, or wakes up dry from naps
  • has fairly predictable poos
  • tells you, or hides, when their nappy is wet or dirty
  • is curious about the toilet and copies family members
  • can walk to the potty, sit down and pull pants up and down (with a little help)
  • can follow simple instructions
  • wants to be a "big kid"

A calm, step-by-step plan

  1. Get ready together. A potty, or a toilet seat with a step. Read potty books, and let your child watch and copy.
  2. Pick a calm week, not one with a new baby, a move or a new nursery.
  3. Switch to pants during the day, and visit the potty at regular times: after waking, after meals, before bath and bed. Every hour or two at first.
  4. Watch for signs: wriggling, crossing legs, going quiet in a corner.
  5. Praise the trying, not just the success. Stickers can help, but they're optional.
  6. Treat accidents calmly: "Wee goes in the potty. Let's get changed." No scolding or shaming.
  7. Make handwashing part of every visit.
  8. Keep nappies or pull-ups for nights until your child wakes up dry most mornings.

Common hiccups

  • Refusal: if it's turning into a battle, stop for a few weeks and try again later. That's not failure.
  • Fear of the flush: let your child flush after they've left the room, or not at all at first.
  • Constipation: more water, fruit and vegetables help. See a doctor if poos are painful.
  • Going backwards: big changes, like a new sibling or starting school, can cause setbacks. Be patient; it usually passes.

When to talk to your doctor

Talk to your child's doctor if there's pain, blood, or ongoing constipation, if your child is over 4 and still has frequent daytime accidents, or if a child who was dry starts wetting again suddenly.

This article is general information, not medical advice.