Becoming Toilet Trained: How you can help your child and the planet

Our Vision on Toilet Training

Around the age of 18 months, children may start showing the first signs of readiness for toilet training. From that moment on, we gently encourage the process. We believe it is important for children to become toilet trained at their own pace and in a calm and safe environment. A child must be able and willing. Feeling safe is an essential condition.

As soon as children show early signs of toilet readiness, we respond to this at the daycare. We also work closely with parents so we can support the process together and maintain a consistent approach.

The First Signs of Toilet Training Readiness

After birth, babies are usually put straight into nappies. As they grow, they become more aware of their own bodies. From around the age of one, children may start noticing when their nappy is full or tell you when they have done a poo. This is one of the first signs that your child may be ready for toilet training.

Other signs include:

• Wanting to watch you go to the toilet.
• Pointing to their trousers or indicating they have done a wee or poo.
• Wanting to take off the nappy and wear pants instead.
• Becoming aware of the feeling of needing to go.
• Being able to pull their trousers up and down independently — enjoying dressing and undressing.
• Having a dry nappy for longer periods and copying other children or adults.
• Occasionally wanting to sit on the potty or play with it.
• Being able to say “no”, which shows growing independence.

The Benefits of Early Toilet Training

Becoming toilet trained early has many advantages. Here are a few:

• More independence: Children learn to listen to their bodies and feel proud when they can ‘do it themselves’.
• More comfort: Children often prefer feeling dry, reducing the risk of nappy rash and irritation.
• Less waste and lower costs: Fewer nappies mean less rubbish and savings on nappy expenses.
• Healthier: The likelihood of constipation and bladder issues decreases.
• Lower workload for childcare staff: Changing nappies takes more time than guiding children to the potty.

Playful Ways to Start Toilet Training at Home

Ready to start at home too? These tips can help:

• Let your child watch you go to the toilet — seeing is learning!
• Offer opportunities to sit on the potty or toilet, but avoid forcing it. During nappy changes, ask whether they’d like to try the potty, especially if they show signals.
• Give a gentle compliment when things go well. For example: “Well done!” Positive experiences are crucial. Avoid overly enthusiastic reactions, as they can create pressure and sometimes have the opposite effect.
• Create regular toilet‑try moments, such as before meals, naps, or outdoor play. Also watch for signals like:
  • Pausing during play
  • Fiddling with their nappy or trousers
  • Hiding in a corner
  • A red face (especially before a poo)
  • A ‘poo stance’ — standing still or squatting
  • Pointing to their nappy, trousers, or potty
  • Becoming restless or irritable before weeing or pooing
  • Saying words like “wee”, “poo”, “yucky”, or “nappy”
• If your child reliably wees in the potty or toilet and stays dry, you can gradually allow them to go independently.
• During nap time, it is still wise to use a nappy. Once several naps in a row remain dry, you can try sleeping without one.
• In toilet training, wee usually comes before poo. Many children find pooing more difficult — it can physically feel like ‘losing’ part of themselves, which may cause anxiety.
• An accident? No problem — stay positive.

Becoming toilet trained is a process built on trust, patience, and teamwork. Together, we can make it enjoyable — and contribute to a more sustainable world!