Are Children Really Toilet Training Later?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve noticed a growing trend, more children are starting nursery and even school while still in nappies. This shift has sparked discussions among parents, teachers, and childcare providers, prompting us to explore why this is happening and how we can better support families through the toilet training journey.

A recent Toilet Training Census gathered feedback from over 2,000 parents on nearly 3,400 children, and the results confirmed what many of us suspected. Children are potty training significantly later than before. Interestingly, the type of nappy used may be playing a big role in this delay.

What Did the Toilet Training Census Reveal?

1. Toilet Training is Happening Later
In 2004, 95% of children were toilet trained by 2.5 years. Today, that number has dropped to just 61%, with 7% of children starting school still in nappies. This delay places added pressure on both parents and early years settings.

2. Nappy Choice Influences Training
The type of nappy children use seems to affect how quickly they toilet train. The census found that:

• 72% of children using reusable nappies were trained by 2.5 years, compared to only 54% of disposable nappy users.
• By age 4, 95% of reusable nappy users were dry versus 91% of those using disposables.
• Parents who practiced Elimination Communication (EC),a method of responding to a baby’s natural signals, reported even earlier success, with many children achieving daytime dryness by 18 months.

Why Are Children Toilet Training Later?

• Busy Lifestyles & Parental Work Commitments: With more families having both parents working, it’s often difficult to maintain consistent toilet training routines at home and across childcare settings. Parents also mentioned the challenge of coordinating between home and nursery schedules.

• Convenience of Disposables: Disposable nappies, while convenient, keep children feeling dry, making it harder for them to connect the sensation of wetness with the need to use the toilet. Marketing of pull-ups and later training by big brands may also contribute to keeping children in nappies for longer.

• Conflicting Advice & Lack of Support: Parents reported receiving mixed messages about when to start potty training. Many were advised to wait for ‘signs of readiness,’ which led to unnecessary delays. Some families also felt a lack of guidance from health visitors and professionals.

• Impact of COVID-19: Children born during the pandemic experienced delays in social and developmental milestones, which has also impacted toilet training for many. Limited social interaction and increased screen time may have contributed to these delays.

How Does Late Toilet Training Impact School Readiness?

Currently, only 90% of children are potty trained before starting school, significantly lower than 20 years ago. We understand that school readiness includes developing independence in toileting. When children are not fully toilet trained, it can create additional challenges for teachers and affect a child’s confidence in a new learning environment.

What Does This Mean for Parents?

Toilet training doesn’t have to be a stressful journey. With the right support and a consistent approach between home and nursery, children can develop independence and confidence. If you’re considering making the switch to reusable nappies, we are here to help!

How Can Tops Help?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we work closely with families to support toilet training, ensuring consistency between home and nursery. Our practitioners provide gentle encouragement, celebrate small successes, and offer practical advice tailored to each child’s needs.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we encourage the use of reusable nappies. Not only do they reduce waste and benefit the planet, but they also help children recognise the sensation of wetness, making the transition to potty training smoother.

Let’s work together to set children up for success, both in the bathroom and beyond!