Toilet training tips - Part One - Preparation

We have three pages on toilet training tips. This is part one which gives you some general advice on preparing to begin toilet training. 

Consider a good time to start toileting​

  • The first sign that a child might be ready to start toilet training is when they start to become aware of needing to go to the toilet. This may be shown in:
    • changes in behaviour patterns
    • they may appear distracted or start fidgeting when they are wet or soiled themselves
    • or they may tell you when they need changing.
  • For parents, allow enough time for the toilet-training. It may be helpful to begin over annual leave or holidays. Commitment and consistency are key. This is a long process. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. 

Start documenting your child’s urination and bowel habits​

  • Keep a toileting diary or chart​.
  • Keep note of when your child has done a pee or poo in their nappy.

Start introducing the potty or toilet to your child:

  • When changing your child’s nappy, do this where the toilet is so they can start relating toileting activities to the bathroom.
  • Use language and prompts (gestural or visual), for example, Lámh sign​
  • Use social stories or a visual sequence​
  • Model ​how to use the toilet yourself or with a teddy or doll
  • Use YouTube videos (for example, sitting on the potty song; episode of Peppa Pig that talks through using the potty)​
  • Use objects of reference (an object that will tell your child it is time to go to the toilet. For example, handing them toilet roll)​.
  • Some children’s books make reference to toilet training, they can be a nice opportunity to introduce the concept of toilet training in a positive way

See here for examples of a social script, visual schedule, visual aid, and social story from the ERIC website (Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity)

Involve your child, so they can:

  • Pick out their new underwear​
  • Choose a potty with their favourite colour​
  • Add fun stickers to their potty
  • Use a social story involving the child​
  • Include your child’s interests or what they are motivated by. 

Get yourself set up well ​

  • Your child’s clothes​: an elasticated waist or loose-fitting trousers which are easy to pull up and down​
  • Equipment​: Decide whether you are using a potty or the toilet. Consider a transportable option that you can bring with you (for example, if visiting relatives or going to the shopping centre). If using a potty, the potty is required. If using the toilet, you may need a toileting insert or step. It is important for the child to have good toileting posture (for example, their feet supported and hips above their knees) as this helps with relaxing their body and makes going to the toilet easier (especially poos). 
    • Change can be difficult for autistic children, therefore it may be easier to introduce toilet training using a toilet rather than introducing a potty and then transitioning to a toilet at a later stage
  • Location​: The toilet area needs to be a nice place where your child feels safe, relaxed, and happy to go.
  • The potty is ideally kept in the bathroom, as children learn by association​ (bathroom = pee or poo)​. Place items needed within reach​ (for example, toilet roll; see also our calm environment section in Part Two, Starting the Process)​.
  • Have plenty of spare clothing options available as there may be accidents.
  • If you are using visuals, keep them nearby and in a place that is easy to see.
  • Involve other important people in the process (for example, grandparents, school staff, childminder) and agree on a plan together.
  • Try to use positive language about toileting and use praise for each step your child tries on their toileting journey even it may seem like a small step

Tips on goal setting for toilet training

  • Maybe your goal is that:
    • your child can help with drying their hands after the toilet
    • maybe they will help only to pull up their pants
    • maybe you would like them to tolerate just sitting on the toilet for 30 seconds at the start.
  • Whatever stage your child is at, set a series of small goals for toileting at the start and be clear what you want your child to do.
  • Reward your child when they do an action you are teaching and ignore negative behaviours.
  • This will help support your child towards more independence with toileting.

 

Further information