Learning how to use the potty independently and stopping wearing nappies is a big milestone for your child. You don’t need to delay potty training and wait for signs of readiness. Because today’s nappies keep children so dry, the usual ‘ready’ signs often don’t appear.
The free Potty-Training Guide has been developed by the early years sector and offers clear, research-based guidance around when and how to potty train.
The getting ready stage for potty training needs to start early, take time and be a gradual journey you go on together. Most parents find a good time to start helping their child learn potty skills is from the time they can sit up, usually around 6 – 9 months. As soon as your baby can safely sit without needing to be supported, start sitting them on a potty for a few minutes once or twice a day. They are unlikely to ‘get potty trained’ at this stage, it’s more about helping them get used to the routine of sitting on a potty.
Research shows it is better for your child’s bladder and bowel health to stop using nappies between 18 and 30 months. The longer you leave it, the harder it can be for your child to learn this new skill and accept not having a nappy on anymore.
Whatever stage your child is on their potty learning journey, stopping using nappies is a big change for them. Make sure it’s a good time for you as well as your child. It’s best to avoid doing it at a time when there are any big changes or disruptions to your child’s or family’s routine.
By starting the process early and gently, when the time comes to stop wearing nappies, your child will already have some skills to make this transition easier and less daunting for you both. It will be a lot less stressful for you both if you tackle potty training as a gradual process, rather than an event that can be completed in 3 days!
For more information visit Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train
All aboard the Toilet Train: Get ready for school campaign
Children starting at school is an exciting time, with lots of things to learn in their new environment. If they’re struggling with wee and poo issues or if they have a problem like constipation, it can be worrying, but help is at hand. Parents and carers will be able to sign up via this page to receive a weekly email from ERIC packed with helpful advice and information.
At ERIC, they have launched an intervention, ‘All Aboard the Toilet Train!’, that aims to help more children get ready to use the toilets independently at school. It’s fun with some lovely animations.
Click the link below to read their advice sheet.
Toilets and School Readiness Advice Sheet
Potty training children with additional needs
Almost all children can learn to be clean and dry. Children with special needs including delayed development and physical disabilities may take a little longer and need more support.
However, the process you need to follow is the same.
This can feel like a big challenge, but it’s important not to put off potty training for too long. The longer your child wears a nappy, the harder it may be to introduce a new place for them to wee and poo. For more information visit Potty training children with additional needs.
If you would like some support with potty training, you can also contact your Health Visiting Service. For further information and contact details visit the Dudley Health Visiting Service website.
For general enquiries and appointments please ring 01384 492615, choose Option 1
Integrated Early Years provides support to children, families and early years providers across the borough. The service have a wealth of knowledge and expertise for children with additional needs. Their main aim is to ensure that children aged 0-5 receive the right support at the right time. For more information or referral please visit Integrated Early Years Referral
The Integrated Early Years’ Service (IEYS)
Telephone: 01384 814364