Potty Training: A Parent’s Guide

Potty training is one of the most important milestones in your child’s Early Years. It marks a step toward greater independence, self-awareness and confidence. But it can also feel daunting, for both parents and children. That’s why it’s essential to approach it with patience, preparation and support from everyone involved in your child’s care. At Fennies Nurseries, we work closely with families to ensure this transition is as smooth and positive as possible.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to potty training. The tips shared in this guide are based on methods we’ve found helpful at Fennies Nurseries, but they may not work for everyone, and that’s okay. This is just one of many ways to support your child through this stage, and we always encourage parents to adapt their approach to suit their individual child’s needs.

Choosing the Right Time to Start

Timing plays a huge role in potty training success. It’s best to begin during a calm and settled period in your child’s life, when there aren’t any major disruptions like moving house or welcoming a new sibling. Just as importantly, both parents and the nursery team need to be on the same page, ready to maintain a consistent approach.

When nursery and home environments work together, children feel more secure, which often results in quicker progress. We always recommend having an open conversation with your child’s key person at nursery before starting, to agree on strategies and routines that will be used in both settings.

Is Your Child Ready?

There’s no universal age for potty training, but most children show signs of readiness between 18 and 30 months. Rather than focusing on age, look out for developmental signs such as:

• The ability to communicate basic needs like “wee” or “poo.” 
• An awareness of being wet or soiled, sometimes even telling you when it happens. 
• Showing interest in routines like getting dressed or copying adults using the toilet. 
• Staying dry for longer periods (especially during naps). 
• Willingly sitting on a potty or toilet seat, even just to explore. 

If your child shows a few of these signs, it’s a good indication that they might be ready to start.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Preparation is key. Having the right equipment at home and in nursery can help your child feel confident and in control. Here's what we suggest:

• A potty or child-friendly toilet seat with a step.
• Several pairs of easy-to-remove trousers or leggings (elasticated waistbands are perfect).
• Lots of low-cost underwear (aim for 7–10 pairs to start).
• Waterproof shoes such as Crocs, especially in case of accidents.
• Socks, spare clothes and vests without poppers.
• A travel potty for days out or longer journeys.
• A few fun potty training books or reward stickers to help keep your child motivated.

We advise against using pull-ups during training. Although they seem convenient, many children associate them with nappies, which can delay their ability to recognise when they need to go. Switching to regular pants helps children tune into their body’s signals and speeds up the learning process.

For more helpful tips on what to bring to the nursery during this stage, take a look at our Nursery Essentials Checklist.

Helping Your Child Prepare

Once you’ve decided to begin potty training, it’s important to prepare your child in advance. Talk about the change in a positive, reassuring way. Use clear, simple language such as, “You’re going to start using the toilet like a big boy/girl!” You can also use dolls, toys or storybooks to help explain the process.

Encourage your child to sit on the potty during regular routines, even if they don’t go. Praise them for trying, this helps to normalise the experience and builds confidence. Most importantly, make sure everyone involved in their care, parents, grandparents and nursery staff, is using the same approach and language.

At Fennies, we embed potty training naturally into the daily routine, particularly in our Discoverers rooms. Our toilet facilities are attached directly to the rooms, allowing children to build independence while still feeling safe and supported.

Establishing a Routine

Consistency is one of the most important parts of successful potty training. Once your child has started using the potty, try to build it into their daily routine at regular intervals. At Fennies, we typically encourage children to use the toilet every 30 to 60 minutes when they’re first learning, as well as after meals and drinks. This proactive approach helps children learn the rhythm of their bodies and reduces the chance of accidents.

If you're potty training at home, try to mirror the nursery’s schedule where possible. Having a similar routine across both environments reassures your child and reinforces what they’re learning.

You could even use a gentle timer at home as a visual or auditory cue, which can make it more engaging and help the child feel in control of the process. Praise and positive reinforcement go a long way, celebrate the small wins with a high five, sticker, or even a “well done” dance!

Being Patient and Staying Positive

Potty training is not a race. Every child develops at their own pace, and it's completely normal for progress to vary day by day. Some children take to it quickly, while others may need a few weeks, or even months before they’re fully trained.

We always recommend approaching potty training with patience, empathy and a sense of humour. Accidents will happen, especially in the first couple of weeks. Many children have three to six accidents a day during this time, and that’s entirely expected. The key is to avoid pressure or punishment, which can create anxiety or resistance.

Sometimes, children might master weeing before they’re comfortable with doing a poo on the toilet. This too is normal and just part of the learning curve. Stay calm, keep encouraging them, and trust that they’ll get there in their own time.

If your child shows signs of distress, or if there’s little progress after a few weeks, it’s okay to pause and try again in a couple of months. Readiness isn’t just about physical cues, it’s also about emotional confidence and comfort. At Fennies, we always support families through these ups and downs, offering gentle reassurance and professional guidance along the way.

Night-Time Potty Training

It’s important to remember that night-time potty training is a separate developmental stage. Even if your child is fully toilet-trained during the day, staying dry overnight can take significantly longer. For some children, this can come naturally within a few months, while others might take a year or more.

Signs that your child might be ready for night-time training include regularly waking up with a dry nappy and being able to get out of bed independently. If you decide to try it, make sure your child’s bed is easily accessible and that they have a clear path to the toilet.

Protect the mattress with waterproof covers and be prepared for the occasional accident, it’s all part of the process. At Fennies, we recommend starting this phase only when your child shows clear signs of physical and emotional readiness, without rushing.