Potty Training: When to Start and What Actually Matters

My son has just turned one, and for some reason, I started to panic that I’d left it too late to start potty training.

Potty training is one of those things I really wanted to nail (I can’t quite tell you why). Maybe it’s the idea that I don’t want him starting school still in nappies — or maybe it’s just that nappies seem to get harder to deal with the older they get. In my slightly naïve mind, I figured I’d just crack it early and be done.

So, as soon as the panic set in, I dove into researching everything I could about what I “should” be doing at this stage. Turns out, what I should have been doing… is absolutely nothing.

It seems the timing depends entirely on your baby or toddler — not a set age. The general consensus (even if the Karens of the world might disagree) is that every child is different. That said, there’s growing concern about children starting school before they’re properly potty trained.

So, when is the best time to start?

Apparently — when they’re ready.

I say “apparently” because my boy isn’t there yet, so we haven’t started. But every expert, podcast, and blog I’ve looked into says the same thing: watch for the signs.

While I’m waiting for those signs, I’ve gathered everything I’ve learned so far — here’s my little summary to save you the late-night Googling.

🚽 Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for Potty Training

• Tells you when they’ve done a wee or poo

• Starts telling you before they need to go

• Tries to take off their nappy

• Puts their hands in a dirty nappy (gross but common — they’re trying to get it off)

• Asks to sit on the potty or toilet

  
  

💡 Top Tip #1

Try putting a folded piece of kitchen towel or toilet roll in their nappy so they can feel when they’re wet, rather than the nappy absorbing all the moisture. It helps build awareness of what’s happening.

Keeping Potty Training Calm and Positive

From everything I’ve read and listened to, reducing anxiety is the key to avoiding potty training meltdowns — yours and theirs.

Keep it simple. Guide them gently, rather than turning it into a big decision or power struggle.

And if there’s an accident (because there will be!), try not to react too strongly. Calmly clean up, reassure them, and remind them that accidents are part of learning.

If your child starts to seem anxious or resistant, take a break for a few days — or even a few weeks — and completely drop the topic. You can always come back to it later when they’re ready.

💡 Top Tip #2

Keep a pot of bubbles by the potty or toilet. Blowing bubbles relaxes their body — and they can’t “hold on” while blowing! It’s a gentle and fun way to help things along.

🩷 Over to You

If you’ve already tried potty training and come across any hurdles, I’d love to hear about them. I’m always looking into the challenges other mums face so I can share more helpful advice.

Leave a comment below — or if you’d rather share privately, feel free to send me a message.