Toilet Training

Toilet training is a challenge that few of us look forward to, however follow the tips below for a (slightly!) less stressful experience:

• Prepare yourself: begin this stage at a time that you have no added pressures and are mentally prepared for the inevitable accidents and extra laundry
• Talk to your child about using the toilet, explaining that it’s something we all do. If they have older siblings, show them how they use the toilet too.
• Be prepared for setbacks; regression is normal in any development stage, and toilet training is no different. They may seem to have the hang of it then have a few bad days; keep encouraging them and reminding them that they can do this
• Praise & lots of it! Encourage them, praise their efforts (the results will come with practice). Use a reward chart if that helps too

Signs your child is ready for toilet training include pooing at the same time each day and going about 90 minutes without needing a wee. 

They also need to be able to sit on the potty/toilet independently and to be able to get off again too. 

Pull-ups may not help as they don’t feel too different to nappies. Buy your child pants and build up some excitement about wearing ‘grown-up’ pants. They will have accidents to begin with but this stage will pass.