Potty Teaching: A Supportive Approach

We believe that potty teaching is not about pressure or rushing. It is about giving children the chance to grow in independence at their own pace, supported with kindness and consistency both at home and in nursery.

We have found that by gently introducing the potty once a child can sit up independently, it soon becomes part of their everyday routine. Over time, children begin to feel comfortable and confident, and many reach toilet independence between 2 and 2.5 years, which is earlier than the national average of around 3.

Why early potty teaching matters

• Familiarity builds confidence: When the potty is part of daily routines, it feels natural instead of new or strange.
• Supports healthy development: Early potty use helps children connect with their body signals, build self-regulation and take pride in their progress.
• School readiness: Toilet independence gives children dignity and confidence when they begin school. They can join in fully without the worry or embarrassment of accidents
• Changing trends: In recent decades, children have been reaching toilet independence later, with some not starting until after age 3. Studies suggest that later training can sometimes make it harder for children to master toileting and can affect their confidence.

 

The Tops approach

• Start early: Once your child can sit without support, offer the potty at nappy changes. At first it is about familiarity rather than results.
• Make it routine: Try after meals, before bath time and when waking up, so it becomes part of the daily rhythm.
• Use simple words: Short phrases like “wee in the potty” or “potty time” help children connect actions with language.
• Celebrate every step: Even sitting on the potty is progress. Encouragement and calm praise go a long way.
• Work together: Children learn best when home and nursery follow the same approach. Consistency builds security.
• Stay relaxed: Every child develops at their own pace. Potty teaching should feel positive and safe.

 

Washable nappies and body awareness

We encourage the use of washable nappies, which can support potty teaching in several ways:

• Children feel wetness more clearly, which helps them recognise body signals.
• Washables are often changed more regularly, creating more chances to try the potty.
• They reduce waste and protect the environment, supporting our sustainability ethos.

This simple step often helps children link their sensations with toileting more quickly.

What about children with additional needs?

Every child’s journey is unique. Some children with additional needs, may need extra support and smaller steps.

This might mean:

• Using visual prompts or picture cards
• Building routines more gradually
• Offering specialist potties or toilet seats

What matters most is that children feel safe, understood and supported. Families are never alone in this. The charity ERIC offer excellent advice for children with additional needs.

Potty teaching and school readiness

Becoming confident with toileting is a key step towards independence. When children can manage this skill before school, it helps them:

• Feel secure in a new environment
• Join in with learning and play without worrying about accidents
• Avoid embarrassment that can affect self-esteem or friendships
• Grow in confidence knowing they can care for their own needs

By introducing the potty early, and keeping the approach consistent between nursery and home, children view toileting as a normal and positive part of life. This helps them move into school with pride in their independence.

Tops Tips for Potty Teaching

Tops Tip 1: Start early and include potty time in the daily routine.

Tops Tip 2: Use simple, consistent words both at home and nursery.

Tops Tip 3: Celebrate attempts, not just successes.

Tops Tip 4: Washable nappies can help children recognise body signals sooner.

Tops Tip 5: For children with additional needs, take smaller steps and use visual supports.

Tops Tip 6: Remember every child is different, and progress looks different for each one.

A final thought from Tops

Potty teaching is about so much more than leaving nappies behind. It is about helping children build confidence, pride and independence in a way that feels safe and supported. By starting early, keeping routines consistent and celebrating progress, families can make this an empowering step in their child’s journey.

At Tops, we are proud to partner with families on this journey and to make potty teaching a positive and achievable milestone for every child.

 

Potty Teaching: Step-by-Step Routine

We believe potty teaching is about confidence, not pressure. This simple routine is designed to help families make potty time a calm and positive part of everyday life. You can stick this guide on the fridge as a quick reminder of the steps.

Step 1: Once your child can sit independently, begin offering the potty at each nappy change. At first, it is about familiarity, not results.

Step 2: Include potty time in your daily routine. Try after meals, before bath time, and when waking up.

Step 3: Use simple and consistent words such as ‘potty time’ or ‘wee in the potty’.

Step 4: Celebrate every attempt, even just sitting on the potty. Calm praise builds confidence.

Step 5: Work together with your nursery team to keep routines and language consistent.

Step 6: As your child becomes more confident, encourage them to use the potty before they feel wet, building awareness of body signals.

Step 7: When ready, move to pants during the day, and continue to offer the potty regularly.

Step 8: Support independence by helping your child learn the full routine: pulling down clothing, sitting on the potty, wiping, flushing, and washing hands.

Step 9: For children with additional needs, take smaller steps and consider visual prompts or special equipment. Every step forward is progress.

Step 10: Stay calm and patient. Potty teaching is a journey, and every child will progress in their own time.

Remember, potty teaching is not about rushing. It is about helping children build confidence, independence, and pride in their own abilities.

If you need extra support, the charity ERIC have excellent resources.