How do I start potty or toilet training? Great question! We’ve got you! Getting started can sometimes feel overwhelming but there’s actually lots parents can do before we even get to wees and poos on the toilet.
First, let’s create a sense of safety by setting up the toilet environment
We want children to feel safe when sitting on the toilet. Having a secure toilet insert seat (no big hole to fall into the toilet!) and steps so their feet are flat and supported, helps with this sense of safety.
The toilet step is super important for a couple of reasons.
- When feet are hanging it causes us to activate our core muscles (your child doesn’t want to fall off the toilet!) and this makes it harder to empty their bladder or bowels.
- The step helps children to climb on and off the toilet. Win win to have a step there!
Next, let’s support your child to understand this toileting thing!
- Let them watch: Children learn so much from watching us! Allow your child to be present when you are using the toilet. This helps them get the hang of the process and the steps involved.
- Practice sitting on the toilet: Allow your child to practice sitting on the toilet with no expectation to wee or poo. A great time can be before bath time when pants are already removed or first thing in the morning when removing the evening nappy. It begins the process of developing confidence to sit on the toilet and begins to help them to understand the steps.
- Books and videos: Read books and watch videos about the toilet. We know how important this step is which is why we’ve created our products! Head here to create your beautiful personalised resources for your child.
- Help your child notice their body. Label their body parts using correct terms and help them understand what these parts do in relation to the toilet. For example “That’s your penis. Wee comes from your penis”. We can also start to bring attention to signs we see that they are doing a wee or poo. “I can see you standing very still. Is a wee coming out?” or “It looks like you are pushing out a poop”
- Involve your child with choosing their underwear. Children love to be involved. Allow them to choose the underwear they love to help them create a sense of interest in this new skill.
Finally, we want to check that your child is eating plenty of fibre and drinking lots of water, to keep your child’s poos soft and regular. This helps to prevent constipation which can impact on toilet training. We recommend consulting with your local health care provider if you have concerns with constipation prior to starting toilet training, or during if you are concerned.
Want more? Head here to create your story. This package includes some of our top tips which have been expertly crafted by occupational therapists to support toilet and potty training.
