How do I know when it’s time to potty train?

Today we’re delighted to bring you a special guest post from Amanda Jenner potty training expert and founder of my carry potty!   

Potty Training is something that many parents dread and knowing where to start is one of the most common questions I get asked. The one thing that most parents make a mistake with is starting when they are ready, rather than starting when the toddler is ready. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure they are showing key signs of readiness.  

Potty Training is something that many parents dread and knowing where to start is one of the most common questions I get asked. The one thing that most parents make a mistake with is starting when they are ready, rather than starting when the toddler is ready. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure they are showing key signs of readiness.  

The key signs of readiness 

• Being able to understand and comprehend basic instructions is important, especially when you start potty training as you will need to give your child direction on what they need to do and for them to be able to communicate back to you when it comes to needing a wee or poo or using the potty or toilet.  
• Noticing nappies are dryer during the day is an indication that their muscles have developed which will lead to fewer accidents.  
• Removing their nappy as they feel uncomfortable when it is wet is a good sign that they are starting to feel the wetness and wanting it removed.  
• Recognising when they are doing a wee or a poo is a good sign as they are starting to understand their bodily functions.  
• If your toddler is showing independence e.g dressing and undressing, it shows they are moving onto their next key stage of development - and you will often find this really does help potty training as they are keen to do things on their own.  

When not to potty train 

• If you have had a change of circumstances in your home or have moved house.  
• If they have a new sibling this can be very distracting and can make your toddler revert to baby stages for the attention.  
• If your toddler has just started a new childcare setting this can be very unsettling and change their routine. 
• If your toddler has suffered a recent illness leave it a few weeks before you begin. 

What Next? 

When you have checked your toddler is showing the correct signs of readiness, now is the time to start reading them a potty training story book to educate them and show them what they have to do. I recommend doing this one week before you begin.  I am a great believer of getting them involved in the whole process. Taking them to choose their own potty along with a pair of fun character pants really makes the whole adventure exciting. 

Reward System 

Every toddler loves to feel special and to please mummy and daddy especially when it comes to potty training. Using rewards is a great way to encourage your toddler to sit on the potty or the toilet, this can be a reward chart and stickers or even a magical star box. It is important to reward your little one even if they try and do not perform, sometimes it can be difficult to get them to sit on the potty or the toilet and this needs a little extra encouragement. Make sure you reward them immediately, so they get the instant gratification.  

Getting everyone involved once you start and keeping it consistent is vital. Speak to your childcare setting or any other carers so you all work together with the same routine so it does not confuse the toddler.   

Do not compare your toddler’s journey or set a time limit on potty training. Rushing the process will only lead to regression, so take your time and success will follow. It takes a little bit of patience, and every toddler will learn this life skill at a different rate.  

Wishing you all the best with your potty training journey, you can do this!  

Amanda Jenner xx  

 Pura’s plastic-free, flushable baby wipes are designed for potty training. Perfect for little hands, they can be flushed just like loo roll and are certified by Water UK as Fine to Flush so won’t clog wipes or cause fatbergs.  

Check out other potty training aids at mycarrypotty.com