Potty training is an important milestone in your child’s development, and every child reaches it in their own time.
At KatieB Kids, we support families through this stage with care, patience and understanding. Our approach is gentle and responsive, helping children to feel confident, secure and ready as they take this step towards independence.
We believe this is not something to rush, but something to support, building confidence gradually through positive experiences.
Is my child ready?
There is no exact age or single sign that tells you when your child is ready for potty training. Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace.
Current NHS guidance suggests that many children begin to show readiness between 18 months and 2 years. For some, starting later can feel easier, but there is no “right” time.
Potty training is not a race, and it is not a measure of intelligence or ability. What matters most is that your child feels supported and confident.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready
Your child may be developing awareness and control of their bladder and bowels if you notice some of the following:
They tell you when they are wet or dirty
They recognise when they are weeing or pooing (some children may go off to another room or hide behind furniture)
They can stay dry for an hour or more
They tell you they are about to go
You don’t need to see all of these signs. A few is often enough to suggest it may be time to give potty training a try.
Preparing for Potty Training
Before starting, introduce a potty into your home environment and leave it out for a couple of weeks so it becomes familiar.
Talk about it in a relaxed and positive way. Some children will use it straight away, while others may play with it or ignore it at first — both are completely normal.
At nursery, we support this by creating calm, predictable toileting environments with visual cues and routines to help children understand what is happening.
Getting Started
When you feel ready:
choose a time when you can be at home and unhurried
let the nursery team know so we can support consistency
encourage your child to sit on the potty or toilet regularly
look out for signs they may need to go (wiggling, squirming, becoming quiet or still)
offer plenty of drinks to support awareness and routine
At nursery, we follow your child’s lead and provide gentle encouragement, helping them to feel safe and supported.
If your child manages to use the potty or toilet, gentle praise is enough — encouragement goes a long way without making it feel pressured.
Most importantly, if your child becomes distressed or upset, it’s absolutely fine to pause. Put the nappy back on, leave the potty around, and try again in a few weeks.
Children often learn simply by watching others in the household use the toilet. A relaxed, playful approach will always be more effective than pressure — a stressed child can take much longer to get there than one who is enjoying the journey.
Accidents are part of learning
Accidents are a normal and expected part of the process.
Responding calmly and reassuring your child helps them to feel safe and reduces any anxiety. Children learn best when they feel relaxed, not pressured.
Please ensure your child has plenty of spare clothes at nursery (including socks), so we can support them comfortably throughout the day.
We support children to:
develop independence at their own pace
understand what is happening through simple language and routines
feel comfortable and secure in the environment
celebrate their achievements, no matter how small
Some children may need more time, reassurance or consistency, this is completely normal.
Working together
Toileting can be an emotional time for both children and parents. At KatieB Kids, we work in partnership with you, sharing updates, supporting routines and adapting to your child’s needs. If you ever feel unsure, please speak to us — we are here to help.
You may also find additional support through the ERIC website, which is recommended by the NHS.
A gentle reminder: If your child becomes upset or resistant, it is absolutely okay to pause.
Taking a break and returning to it later can often lead to a more positive experience. Children learn best when they feel ready and supported.
Our approach is simple
We follow the child, support their confidence, and create a calm, consistent experience — because these are the foundations that help children succeed not just in toileting, but in life.
Further Support and Helpful Resources
There are lots of excellent resources available to support you:
Your local library – picture books about using the toilet can be reassuring and fun to read together
ERIC – The Children’s Bladder and Bowel Charity – highly recommended for practical advice, including support for children with additional needs
The NHS website – clear guidance on potty training and common challenges
Finally, please remember that your child’s key person has lots of experience supporting children through potty training. They know your child well, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek reassurance — we’re here to help.