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:

Your child notices when they are doing a wee or poo, or when they think they need the toilet
If they are able to sit down on a toilet or potty and get back up again
You notice that your child stays dry for 1-2 hours or longer.
Remember all children are different in learning this new skill, so be patient

What you can do to help

Communicate and educate

Talk to your child about weeing and pooing so they understand what is happening
Look at books about toileting together
Choose a time to start when there are few other changes happening for your child (moving house, new baby, starting nursery or preschool)
Talk to your child about the PANTS underwear rule *Click Here*
Encourage your child to sit on the toilet or potty so they get used to it
Give praise to your child as they make progress

Notice the signs

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.

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.

Was dry, now wetting

If your child was dry and is now wetting again it may be caused by one of the following:

Wee infection, constipation, or threadworm
Change in routine such as starting nursery or preschool, being on holiday or staying at a new place
Emotional change such as a new sibling or an illness or death in the family.

Keeping dry

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.

Things you can do to help:

Make sure your child has their last drink an hour before bed. It is still important to have 6-8 water based drinks during the day
Get your child to use the toilet or potty before bed
You could use a waterproof sheet to protect the mattress
Make sure your child knows where the toilet or potty is and can get to it in the night
Use a gentle night light so they can get to the toilet safely
Give lots of praise.

Who can help?

If you’re worried about your child, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support. You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation. If your aged 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635 443

**Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**

Need More Information?

ERIC, the children’s bowel and bladder charity

ERIC, potty training resources

Easy read and translation

If you need help reading our website or require a translation click the Easy Read and Translation button at the top of the page.

For more help with using Easy Read and Translation visit our dedicated page

Delivering excellence in Children and Young People’s Services:
a partnership between Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council

Toileting