Is My Child Ready for Toilet Training?
This is the question everyone asks, and the answer isn’t always clear-cut. You might be getting those subtle hints like hiding behind the sofa to do a poo or pulling at their nappy after they’ve peed, or simply telling you that they need to go!
And while it’s tempting to start early and get it over with, it doesn’t quite work like that. The earlier you start, the longer you’ll probably be training. What you really want is for your child to be physically and emotionally ready, not just going through the motions because you’ve decided it’s time.
There is no finish line. There’s no prize for being the first at nursery to rock up in dinosaur pants. Starting when your child is ready means they’ll pick it up faster, with fewer tears and less carpet cleaning.
Choosing Your Toilet Setup: The Options, Pros, and What Actually Worked
Let’s talk about where they’re going to go. You’d think this would be simple, but the toddler toilet aisle says otherwise. There are four main options, and each has its place. Here’s what to know.
1. Toilet Ladder Seat
This was our go-to. It’s a toddler seat with handles and a built-in ladder so your child can climb up and go all by themselves. My daughter loved the independence. Once she got the hang of it, she didn’t even tell me she was going. She just popped off mid-play, did a wee, and came back like nothing happened.
Pros: Encourages independence, no need to empty anything
Cons: Takes up a bit of bathroom space
2. Toddler Toilet Seat with Step Stool
Another popular choice. You just pop the smaller seat on top of your regular toilet and add a step so they can reach. Great for keeping things compact.
Pros: Minimal equipment, blends into your bathroom
Cons: Some kids need help balancing, so not fully independent at first
3. Classic Potty
You can’t go wrong with a simple potty. They’re easy to move around, your child can pick their favourite design, and they’re the most familiar option for a lot of families.
Pros: Toddler-friendly size, no fear of falling in
Cons: Needs to be emptied and cleaned every time. Will need to transition to the toilet eventually
4. Toddler Training Toilets with Sound Effects
Yes, they exist. These little standalone toilets flush, sing, and some even light up. Great fun, if you’ve got the budget and space.
Pros: Super engaging for little ones, encourages practice
Cons: Pricey and bulky, and you’ll eventually need to transition to the real toilet
Must-Haves for Home Toilet Training
Here’s what made life easier for us:
- Fun soap: Something they actually want to use. Bonus points for foam.
- Carpet spot cleaner: If you have carpets, this is essential. I had it on standby the entire first week. I found it to be a pretty good investment for other spills and accidents along the way.
- Floor wipes: For the tiled bits. Quick, easy, and no bucket required.
- Books or visuals: Something to keep them entertained while they sit there, waiting for a poo that may or may not arrive.
How We Did It: The 3-Day Toilet Training Method
We used the three-day method, and while it wasn’t exactly relaxing, it was effective.
Day 1: No trousers, no pants, no shame
We started with a completely bottomless day. Yes, there were accidents. Yes, she weed on the rug. Twice. But with nothing in the way, she quickly started recognising the feeling of needing to go.
Day 2: Pants on, still staying home
We introduced pants but no trousers. There were fewer accidents, and she seemed more aware. She started telling us when she needed to go, which made everything feel much more manageable.
Day 3: All dressed, still on track
Now she was in full clothes and going independently. I still gave her the occasional reminder, but she didn’t rely on it. This is where that toilet ladder really earned its place. She could go without needing us to lift or help her, and it gave her so much confidence.
Out and About: What You Actually Need
Once we were sorted at home, we had to face the real world. Here’s what helped us feel prepared:
Travel potty: We kept one in the car boot for emergencies. It saved us more than once, especially when we couldn’t find a toilet quickly.
Foldable toddler seat: Public loos are big and unfamiliar. This helped her feel secure and made things far less stressful for everyone involved.
Portable urinal bottle: Not glamorous, but practical. It fit in the buggy and was a quick fix for unexpected situations, especially in the park.
Training pants: We used these while out and about during the early weeks. She could feel if she was wet, but it didn’t mean a complete outfit change every time.
Car seat protector: Just knowing the seat was protected made me feel more relaxed about longer trips.
When Things Don’t Go to Plan
Poo fears and constipation
Some kids will happily wee all day, but when it comes to poo, they freeze up. It’s common, and it can quickly lead to constipation.
Here’s what helped us:
Bubble wands: Blowing bubbles helps relax their body. I have no idea how or why it works, but it does.
Books in the bathroom: Poo often takes a bit longer, and toddlers aren’t exactly known for patience. A good book can be just enough of a distraction.
Speak to a GP or health visitor: If they’re holding it in, don’t wait it out. Stool softeners can help, and it’s better to get on top of it early.
Regression
Even when you think you’ve cracked it, there might be a few setbacks. Illness, holidays, changes in routine—it all plays a part. Keep calm, avoid pressure, and trust they’ll get back to it.
Fear of flushing
Toilets can be loud and unpredictable. If your child is nervous, let them flush it with you a few times so it doesn’t seem so scary. Or just do the flushing yourself for now.
Hand dryer drama
Public toilets often mean terrifying hand dryers. Try using tissues or pack a little towel in your bag. Some toddlers just need time before they’re ready for the roaring wall machines.
Too busy to stop
Sometimes they’re just too wrapped up in playing to notice they need a wee. A simple reminder like “let’s do a quick toilet stop before we go outside” can save your flooring
Final Thoughts
Toilet training doesn’t always go smoothly, but it also doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. With a bit of planning, the right kit, and a good sense of humour, it’s completely doable.
Your child might surprise you. One minute they’re hiding behind the curtains to poo, and the next they’re toddling off to the loo like a pro. It’s a big milestone, but with the right support, they’ll get there, and you’ll both feel pretty proud when they do.
