Top Tips for Starting Potty Training
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Time to read 7 min
Potty training is a big step for both parents and children and getting prepared can make all the difference. If you're starting to think about it, there are a few key things to consider before diving in, such as whether your child is showing signs that they might be ready and what kind of equipment could help support the process. This blog is here to guide you through those first steps, so you feel more prepared when the time comes.
Top Tips for Starting Potty Training
Top 6 Signs that your Child is ready for Potty Training 1. Can they sit unsupported? 2. Can they walk? 3. Do they let you know that their nappy is full? 4. Are they interested in the potty or toilet? 5. Do they understand yes and no? 6. Do they understand simple tasks and carry them out? Top 7 Essentials for Starting Potty Training 1. Potty 2. Toilet Training Seat 3. Seat Protector 4. Training Pants 5. Reward Chart 6. Step Stool 7. Mattress Protector
Top 6 Signs that your Child is ready for Potty Training
Before you jump into potty training, it’s important to make sure your child is ready for it. Starting too early can lead to frustration for both of you, so it helps to look for a few key signs. These indicators can give you a good sense of whether your child is physically and emotionally prepared to begin the process. Every child is different, but here are some common signs to watch for:
1. Can they sit unsupported?
Being able to sit steadily without support is an important physical milestone for potty training. It means your child has enough core strength and balance to sit on a potty or toilet safely and comfortably. If they’re still wobbly or need help staying upright, you might want to wait a little longer.
2. Can they walk?
Being able to walk confidently is an important physical milestone when it comes to potty training. It means your child has the mobility to get to the potty independently when needed. Alongside this, it’s also important that they can manage simple tasks like pushing down and pulling up their pants. These are key skills that support independence during toilet training. You can help them by choosing clothes that are easy to remove, like elastic-waist trousers or training pants.
3. Do they let you know that their nappy is full?
If your child lets you know when their nappy is wet, it’s a good sign they’re becoming more aware of their bodily functions. This awareness is an important step toward potty training, as it shows they’re starting to recognise the feeling of being wet and may even be uncomfortable with it. Encouraging your child to talk about it, or even to help with changing their nappy, can build the connection between the sensation and the need to use the toilet. This awareness is a key part of helping them take more control over the process.
4. Are they interested in the potty or toilet?
Curiosity is a great sign that your child might be ready to start potty training. If they’re watching you or older siblings use the toilet, asking questions, or showing interest in sitting on the potty—even just for fun—it means they’re starting to make the connection. This kind of interest can be a great motivator and an opportunity to introduce the idea of using the toilet like a “big kid.” Encouraging this curiosity in a relaxed, positive way can help your child feel more comfortable and confident when it’s time to start.
5. Do they understand yes and no?
Understanding “yes” and “no” is key for potty training. If your child can follow simple directions and respond appropriately, it means they’re ready to start learning the steps involved in using the potty. Potty training involves listening, understanding what’s being asked, and following through with actions like sitting on the potty or washing hands.
6. Do they understand simple tasks and carry them out?
Potty training involves a series of small steps, so it helps if your child can understand and follow simple instructions. Tasks like “sit on the potty,” “pull down your pants,” or “wash your hands” require both comprehension and the ability to act on what’s being asked. If your child can already follow basic directions in daily routines—like putting away toys or getting their shoes—it’s a sign they’re developing the listening and cooperation skills that will make potty training smoother.
Every child develops at their own pace, but if your little one is starting to show several of these signs, it could mean they’re getting ready to begin potty training. You don’t need to wait for every single box to be ticked—just enough to show they’re becoming aware, capable, and curious. Once you start seeing these cues, you can begin preparing for the next step with a bit more confidence.
Top 7 Essentials for Starting Potty Training
1. Potty
A potty is a great starting point for toilet training. It’s low to the ground, easy for little ones to use independently, and often feels safer and more comfortable than a regular toilet. When choosing a potty, avoid complicated or fussy designs—simple, sturdy, and easy to clean is best. The goal is to make potty time feel relaxed and familiar, not distracting or overwhelming.
Potette® is a practical and versatile choice for potty training. Both the 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 models can be used as a standalone potty or a toilet training seat, making them useful at home and on the go. They’re compatible with disposable or reusable liners, so you can choose what works best for your routine. The 3-in-1 model includes an integrated splashguard and comes with a hard liner, which can be especially helpful for boys. For the 2-in-1, a silicone liner with an optional splashguard can be added for extra comfort and cleanliness. Compact, portable, and easy to use, Potette® potties help you keep potty training consistent wherever you are.
2. Toilet Training Seat
A toilet training seat sits securely on top of a standard toilet seat and helps your child feel more comfortable and stable when transitioning from a potty to the “big toilet.” It reduces the size of the opening, which can make little ones feel safer and less likely to fall in.
If your child has already been using the Potette® as a potty, continuing to use it as a toilet training seat can make the transition much smoother. Because your child is already familiar with the shape and feel of the seat, they’re likely to feel more confident and secure when it’s used on the toilet. It maintains a sense of consistency and comfort, which can help reduce resistance or anxiety around moving away from the potty. The Potette®’s familiar design becomes a reassuring part of the routine, even as your child progresses to using the toilet.
3. Seat Protector
During the early days of potty training, accidents are completely normal—especially when you're on the move. A seat protector for your car seat or buggy is a simple but essential item to help protect against leaks and messes. These liners are designed to sit under your child, often with an absorbent top layer and a waterproof backing to keep the seat underneath clean and dry. They’re easy to remove, wash, and reuse, and they can save you from having to deep clean your car or pram after a small accident. Keeping one in place adds peace of mind when you're out and about.
4. Training Pants
Training pants are a helpful step between nappies and regular underwear. They’re designed to look and feel more like “big kid” pants, which can help your child feel more independent and involved in the potty-training process. Most training pants are absorbent enough to catch small accidents while still allowing your child to feel when they’re wet—an important part of learning body awareness and control.
5. Reward Chart
A reward chart can be a great way to keep your child motivated and make potty training feel like a positive, exciting experience. Each time your child uses the potty or toilet successfully, they get to add a sticker or check off a box, which helps them see their progress and feel proud of their efforts. The key is to celebrate effort, not just results. Even small steps, like telling you they need to go or sitting on the potty, deserve recognition. You can download our Potette Reward chart for free here .
6. Step Stool
A sturdy step stool can be really helpful when it comes to supporting your child’s independence during potty training. It gives them the boost they need to climb onto the toilet safely and reach the sink to wash their hands—an important part of the potty routine. Look for a stool with non-slip feet and a grippy surface to keep things safe and secure.
7. Mattress Protector
Nighttime potty training often takes longer than daytime, so a mattress protector is a simple way to protect your child’s bed from accidents. It sits under the fitted sheet and provides a waterproof barrier to keep the mattress clean and dry. Accidents are part of the process, and having a mattress protector in place makes clean-ups much easier and less stressful for everyone.
Potty training is a big step for both you and your child, but with the right preparation, it can be a much smoother and more positive experience. By watching for signs of readiness and gathering a few helpful essentials, you're setting your child up for success right from the start. Remember, every child moves at their own pace—what matters most is creating a calm, encouraging environment where they can learn and grow with confidence.
For more guidance, tips, and support, you can download our free potty training booklet [ here ].
Author - Susan Wallace
Susan Wallace is a highly experienced Baby Sleep Expert and Potty-Training Consultant, as well as a Baby Yoga and Massage Educator. As the founder of Settled Petals, she provides gentle, expert guidance to help families establish healthy sleep habits and confident potty training.
With over 20 years of experience and qualifications from Cambridge University and a Master’s in Social Work, Susan has supported thousands of families worldwide. Passionate about children’s well-being, she offers one-on-one support and professional training, empowering parents with practical, nurturing solutions for a more restful and settled start to life.
