There is no set age for when to stop using nappies, but children usually show signs they are ready to use a toilet or a potty between 18 months and 3 years.
Some of the following are signs that your child may be ready.
Remember all children are different in learning this new skill, so be patient. Your child may be really quick to learn or take a little longer. This is normal.
Where Do I Start?
Start by talking to your child about weeing and pooing so they understand what is happening. They have probably seen you using the toilet and may have started asking questions themselves.
You could look at books about toileting together, the library have books you can borrow.
Choose a time to start when there are few other changes happening for your child. Events like moving house, a new baby arriving or starting nursery or pre-school, can be tricky for your child. Trying to potty train at the same time may be too much.
Encourage your child to sit on the toilet or potty so they get used to it. You could do this in the morning when they get dressed or as they are getting ready for the bath or shower. Explain what the potty is for and how to use it.
Try and notice your child’s signs of needing the toilet. This might be fidgeting, going quiet, moving to a certain part of a room. As potty training progresses you will start to notice the signs!
Remember to give lots of praise to your child as they make progress. Mistakes and accidents will happen and that is ok too. Go at your child's pace.
Talk to your child about the PANTs underwear rule.
Take a look at this video of a parent sharing their experience of potty training.
Common Issues
If your child doesn’t want to use a toilet or potty or keeps wetting their clothes, that is okay and a sign they are not quite ready. Try again a few weeks later.
Your child may not always want to stay sitting on a toilet or potty even if they are showing signs of being ready. You can try to distract them using books or a favourite toy. Your child should only sit on the toilet or potty for a couple of minutes at a time.
If your child was dry and is now wetting again it may be caused by one of the following:
Take time to get back on track. If you are worried contact Just One Number and a member of the team will be able to offer advice and support.
Night Time
It is important that your child is dry during the day before moving on to not wearing a nappy at night. It may take some children longer to become dry at night. Try without nappies for at least a week before you decide they are not ready.
Steps to follow
If your child has additional needs it might take longer for them to master using the toilet or extra support may be needed.
The following links provide useful information from ERIC, the Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity.
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
You can also contact the ERIC Helpline on 0808 8010343 (charges apply) from Monday to Thursday 10am to 2pm or email helpline@eric.org.uk for support and advice.
To speak to other Norfolk parents and carers, you can join our online community forum below.
