Toilet Training Tips For Mums & Bubs

Toilet training is a huge milestone for your little one and something that fills many parents with excitement… and others with dread! For some children, toilet training is a quick and easy process, while for others, it can take a little longer (and a little more encouragement). But there’s nothing to fear when it comes to teaching your little one to use the toilet.

When to Start Toilet Training

There’s no magic cue for when to start toilet training your little one. The toilet training journey will be led by your child’s readiness to start, and they’ll give you some clear physical, emotional and developmental signs they’re ready for this step. It’s important not to start toilet training or force your child to use the potty if they don’t want to or before they show signs of toilet training readiness. Putting pressure on a child to use the toilet or potty before they’re ready or when they feel anxious or upset is likely to cause problems and make the toilet training process take longer.

Recognising your child’s readiness signs is key to making the toilet training experience smooth and successful. By tuning in to these cues, you can support your child at the right time and create a positive foundation for learning. Here are some of the common signs that your child may be ready to begin toilet training:

Physical signs

Your child may be ready for toilet training when they:

• Can walk steadily without help.

• Stay dry through naps or for periods of up to two hours (this shows that their bladder muscles have developed enough to hold urine)

• Have regular, fairly predictable bowel movements and well-formed stools.

• Have the ability to pull their pants up and down themselves.

• Show physically that they recognise the need to go. For example, wiggling around on the spot, grasping at their crotch, making funny facial expressions or going to a secret area to poo.

Cognitive signs 

Your child may be ready for toilet training when they:

• They understand and can use language for ‘wee’ and ‘poo’, and may talk about them when you change their nappies.

• They can follow simple instructions (e.g. ‘Go and get the book’) and understand the concept of putting things where they belong.

• They understand the signals that they need to go and can communicate them to you before it happens.

• They are aware of having a dirty nappy and tell you or complain about it. Some tots may even try to take it off themselves after they’ve gone!

Emotional signs 

Your child may be ready for toilet training when they:

• Can sit still for a minute or two without being distracted. 

• Show interest in others’ toilet habits, such as watching you on the toilet or wanting to wear underwear like you or their siblings do, or even outright asking for these things. 

• Start to show a desire for independence and to do things on their own (you might hear them say, ‘I do it!’ more often than not).

• Takes pride in the things they do, and responds well to praise.

• Isn’t resistant or going through an uncooperative developmental stage.

Timing advice on toilet training

One of the best tips for toilet training from Aussie parents? Time it for late spring or early summer (if you can). During these months, the days and nights are warm enough that accidents aren’t as big of a deal, and your child won’t get cold if they wet their pants or bed. We’re lucky to live in a country where advice on toilet training evolves largely around child readiness, and by extension, parent readiness, too. There’s no rush to begin toilet training until everyone is ready.

Essential Toilet Training Tips for Success

• Accidents always happen during toilet training. Stay calm, and make sure your child knows that accidents are okay! There’s nothing for them to worry about.

• If your little one shows signs of needing to go, take them to the toilet or potty as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of accidents. Similarly, if they say they need to go, don’t delay.

• It often takes longer to train for wees than poos – in fact, there can be up to a year’s difference.

• Boys tend to toilet train more slowly than girls.

• If your child isn’t progressing or shows no interest in toilet training, don’t force them. Put it to one side for now and try again when they’re a little older.

• Minimise accidents by making sure the potty or toilet is easy for your toddler to get to.

• If your little one is doing something they enjoy, they may forget about the toilet (or not want to stop!). If they haven’t gone in a while, remind them they may need to and can return to what they’re doing.

Choosing the Right Toilet Training Pants & Nappies

Toilet training pants and nappies are great transition tools that can help your child recognise and understand going to the toilet. In Australia, there are many different types to choose from depending on your training methods and personal preferences.

Disposable toilet training nappies

Many parents begin the transition with pull-up style nappy pants. They’re made from the same absorbent materials as regular nappies, only with a design that makes it easy for your little one to pull them up and down. This allows them the independence to begin using the toilet while still providing complete protection from leaks and accidents. Even once toilet-trained, they can be useful for overnight protection until your little one has complete confidence.

Try:

• Huggies Nappy Pants

• Babylove Sleepy Night Pants

• Joonya Pull Ups

Reusable toilet training pants

Toilet training pants are designed to look and feel like underwear. They’re fitted with a protective lining for security against leaks, but usually one that still allows your child to feel wetness to encourage toileting awareness. Stretchy waistbands make them easy to pull on and off, and most are made from absorbent and waterproof materials that are washable and reusable.

Try:

• Bonds Whoopsies

• Pea Pods Reusable Bamboo Toilet Training Pants

Selecting the Best Toilet Training Toilet or Seat

Enabling easy access to the toilet is a key step for toilet training success. Some parents like to start with a potty, while others make adjustments to the regular toilet to make it more kid-friendly (ie, toilet seat and step stools). Which one you choose will be dependent on your child. Younger toddlers may feel more secure starting with a potty at ground level – like the OXO Tot Potty Chair – so it’s easy to get to and they can feel stable with their feet on the ground. You can even get potties and toilet training toilets that flush, like the Skip Hop Made for Me Potty. For older toddlers or those keen to use the ‘big toilet’, keep a step stool nearby so they can reach the top easily and consider fitting a toddler toilet trainer seat (that can easily be removed or lifted when used by adults). Or go for something like the Baby U Cushie Set-Up, which combines a step and seat in one.

Troubleshooting Common Toilet Training Challenges

Even if you follow all of the best tips for toilet training, there'll still be plenty of bumps along the way. Accidents are to be expected, and while each child is unique, it’s not uncommon for some to resist sitting on a potty or be scared of the toilet. Here are some tips to help navigate these challenges:

• Stay calm and positive when accidents happen. Never use punishment as a training tool.

• Verbally offer potty breaks every 1-2 hours. 

• Maintain good nutrition, with a balance of nutrient-dense solids and liquids. A happy belly is the first step to happy toileting.

• Establish a routine of going to the potty/toilet at certain times, such as after naps, after meals, and before leaving the house.

• Make the toilet fun. Let them choose a book, sing a song or use a toy specifically reserved for going to the toilet/potty.

• Remove fear of the toilet by desensitising slowly. Model going to the bathroom or have them observe their siblings (if appropriate). Let them sit on it fully clothed. Take away the pressure of using it to ‘go’ until they’re more comfortable.

• Use rewards and praise. For example, a sticker chart for wees on the toilet with bigger/flashier stickers for poos. Or keep it simple yet effective by rewarding them with their favourite snack.

• Cover your child’s mattress with multiple layers of waterproof mattress protectors and fresh sheets for quick accident changes and clean-ups at night.

If you need help navigating a toilet training roadblock, speak to your healthcare professional! 

 

Each child is unique and will respond to toilet training differently. The most important thing is to remain positive, patient and supportive throughout the process. Look for signs of readiness and don’t rush it. Although the thought of no more nappies is exciting, you’ll have a smoother journey with fewer setbacks if everyone is ready and willing.