A guide to the first 4 days of potty training

Before you start

• Ensure your child is showing signs of readiness
• Do not begin if your child is experiencing a UTI or constipation
• Read stories about potty training
• Let them pick their new pants and decorate their potty with stickers

Day 1

• Remove the nappy, except for nighttime
• Many children respond best to going bare bottoms for a few days
• Stay at home
• Show your child their potty or the toilet seat if preferred
• Offer regular potty opportunities
  Encourage fluids
• If your child has an accident simply say ‘maybe next time’ and point to the potty and clean them up
• Lots of praise if the potty is used

Day 2

• Remain consistent
• Remain bare bottom if your child is comfortable with this
• Remind your child where the potty/toilet seat is
• Offer regular potty opportunities
• Encourage fluids
• If your child has an accident simply say ‘maybe next time’ and point to the potty and involve them in
  cleaning up. Try to remain calm – accidents are normal and to be expected
• Lots of praise if the potty is used

Day 3

• Remain consistent
• Start the day bare bottoms but offer big boy/girl pants in the afternoon.
• Many children respond well to
  their favourite cartoon characters.
• Practice pulling them up and down.
• Encourage liquids
• Remind your child where the potty/toilet seat is
• If your child has an accident simply say ‘maybe next time’ and point to the potty and clean them up
• Lots of praise if potty used

Day 4

• Offer pants from the start of the day
  Perhaps consider a short journey away from the home – do not forget your Potette
• When out and about remind your child to ask for the Potette if needed
• Lots of praise if it is used.
• If they have an accident show them the Potette and say ‘maybe next time.’

Things to be aware of

• Accidents are normal – never punish or scold for such
• If a child shows signs of constipation or UTI in the first few days – stop the process
• If a child does not like going bare bottom, then start with pants
• Most children still require a nappy at night time
• If a child begins to hold urine or poo stop the process