Top Tips for Potty Training

Making the move from nappies to using the toilet is a big milestone in young children’s lives and can seem like a daunting challenge for many parents. 

Learning to use the potty or toilet is like any other skill; it takes time, so it is important to view it as a process rather than a one-off event. In the same way you support your child to develop in other areas of learning, the best approach is lots of opportunities to practice. This links with our approach in our Bee Curious curriculum of ‘rehearse and retrieve’.  

Jenny Shaw, Busy Bees’ academic lead, shares her top tips for potty training and advice on how to successfully transition to using a potty. 

Advice and Tips For Potty Training Success! 

Looking for advice for potty training your little one? We’ve got you! Read our advice and tips to ensure toilet training triumphs!? 

1. Talk to your child 

Talk to your child about using the toilet while changing their nappy. Talk about what they have done in their nappy and how soon they will be using the toilet. By doing so, you are getting them ready for potty training without forcing it. Buying a potty early on can help your child get used to having one in the house. This is all part of the toilet learning process! 

Tip! To help your child get ready, there are many fun stories around the subject of using the toilet, such as ‘I Want My Potty’ by Tony Ross or ‘Pirate Pete’s Potty’ by Andrea Pinnington.? 

2. Pick Your Moment 

When you are ready to stop using nappies choose a time when there is little else going on that may distract or get in the way such as starting nursery or moving house. Try to spend a few days at home so you’re both feeling relaxed, have the potty or toilet to hand, and spare sets of clothes in case of accidents. 

Tip! Buy another potty for your child’s favourite cuddly toy. They can then sit on their potty when your child sits on theirs! 

3. Be Prepared 

Your child is likely to have lots of accidents in those first few times using a potty, so make sure you have plenty of trousers, socks, and pants at the ready! Choose clothing that is easy for your child to manage themselves such as leggings or jogging bottoms with an elasticated waist.? 

Tip! Get your child involved by letting them choose the pants they want to wear each day. This sense of independence can often help create a more exciting and fun experience.? 

4. Plan Ahead 

If you have a day trip planned or are running errands with the family, it’s a good idea to take a travel potty with you and supplies of spare clothes, wipes, and hand sanitiser. It can be distressing for you and your child if they know they need to go but there aren’t any toilet facilities nearby. 

Tip! If your child enjoys singing, share songs and rhymes about going to the toilet. For example, to the tune of ‘Row, row, row your boat’, sing; “wee, wee, wee, on the potty, when you need a wee, then you need to wash your hands, so they’re nice and clean!”? 

5. Stay Positive 

We understand potty training can be a tricky time but it’s really important to not get cross or upset if your child has an accident. This could lead to them becoming constipated or becoming anxious about using a potty at all. Remember to reassure your child that it doesn’t matter if they have an accident, it’s all about learning! 

Tip! Understanding hygiene is an important element of potty training and independence. Make hand washing fun by encouraging your child to see how many bubbles they can make when they rub their hands together or sing a handwashing song!

Supporting Your Child’s Journey to Independence 

Potty training is a key development in your child’s independence. Here at Busy Bees, we wholeheartedly support your child’s journey to independence. 

Whenever you choose to start toilet learning, praise and positivity will help make that journey much easier. 

Take a look at our Top Potty Training Books and for more tips and advice, check out our blog.

If you’re an existing Busy Bees parent, don’t forget to check out the Busy Bees App for more toilet training tips