A comprehensive guide for a smooth transition including kids' potty products and waterproof bed mats
Toilet training is a significant developmental milestone for toddlers, marking their transition from nappies to using the toilet or kids potty. This journey might seem daunting or challenging at first, but it can also be an exciting time for parents as it’s a sign of toddlers growing, developing and being independent. I had also overcome toilet training with 2 young boys of my own, and sharing some of the tips and tricks I picked up along the way for a smooth and rewarding experience.
What are the signs that your child is ready for toilet training?
First, seeing the signs and cues of whether your child is ready for toilet training ensures the success of it being a smooth transition. Here’s a handy checklist of whether they are ready:
- Is your child between 18m – 3 years old?
- Are they showing interest in you going to the toilet?
- Are they having longer periods without wetting their nappy?
- Do they hide when they are doing their business (wee/poo)?
- Are they showing signs of being uncomfortable with a soiled nappy?
- Are they showing interest in big kids undies?
- Can they pull their pants up and down?
Preparing for toilet training
Things that help your child with getting them ready can include:
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Reading a book or a show them a video about toilet/kids potty training – reassures them that it can be a fun process of growing up to be a big boy/girl, and lessens the anxiety, especially knowing what to expect. I did this with my older son he even sang along to the toilet training video I showed.
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Start talking to your child about toilet training and what to expect - getting them to start sitting on the toilet/kids potty. You can even let your child watch you when you go to the toilet and talk to them about the process ‘Now mummy is going to press the flush button’
Choosing the Right Equipment
Once they are ready for the journey, then you will need to be prepared with the right equipment and products. Here are some suggested ones from Little Kids Business:
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| 2 in 1 toilet trainer seat | Loo potty | Toilet Training Seat Step, Stool and Ladder |
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Bed-wetting waterproof bed mat (comes in different sizes and patterns)
Other items you may need:
- pack of underwear
- pull-up nappies
- step stools
- towels/mop, seat protectors, and coverings (for spills!)
Establishing a Routine:
It’s best to block out time on your calendar ahead of time for toilet training as consistency is crucial during toilet training. It’s best to avoid big events or changes ( e.g. moving house, birth of new sibling), and holidays can be a great time for this, or during the warmer weather when kids are not too cold in minimal clothes and washing dries quickly! Create a regular schedule for bathroom breaks, especially after meals and before bedtime. Encourage your toddler to use a training kids potty or a child-sized toilet seat, take them to the kids potty or toilet frequently and familiarise the process, praise them even if they just sit on it.
Introducing Rewards and Positive Reinforcement
Making the toilet training experience enjoyable by encouraging them and having a reward system is important. Praise your toddler for successful attempts, use stickers on a chart, or create a small reward box for them to choose a treat after each accomplishment. Positive reinforcement fosters a positive association with using the toilet. When they eventually do their business in the kids potty/toilet, get very excited!
I used this toilet training rewards chart for my children and if your child goes to childcare/pre-school, you can get educators also involved with using the chart and continuing similar positive reinforcements while they are away from you. If they are visiting other family members (grandparents) or have visitors, I found it helpful to have them similarly.
Night-time Training and Waterproof Bed Mats
Although ideally, we’d like toilet training to be as smooth and as effective as possible; and children to be toilet trained both day and night at the same time, it usually takes a little longer for night-time toilet training as overnight is a longer period, especially when toddlers might not be fully aware of their bladder signals while asleep. This is where waterproof bed mats play a crucial role in protecting your child's mattress from accidents, making changing sheets in the middle of the night easier!
Final Thoughts
Toilet training is a significant developmental milestone, and with the right approach, preparation, training equipment, and positive reinforcements, your child can have a smooth transition from nappies to the toilet or kids potty. If it doesn’t all happen in your timeline or what you expect, try and be flexible and accept that sometimes, accidents and regressions often happen! Try not to get disappointed if they don’t get it in the first go, they will eventually get there with patience and time. Each child can be so different, and they need to have the freedom to go at their own pace (as with my older child, I had started toilet training during the cooler months, and then started again in a few months when it was warmer for it to be successful). By recognizing readiness signs, establishing a routine, and incorporating essential products, you can make toilet training an exciting and successful adventure for your little one, good luck with the journey!
Other handy resources:
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toilet-teaching.html
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/health-daily-care/toileting/toilet-training-guide
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/toilet-training
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Written by Wai Lee (Little Kids Business owner and creative director), mother of 2 active young boys. Collaboration and resource guide from Angelique Woodburn - founder of The Midnight Gang |