The short answer:
Yes, you can absolutely potty train in winter. It might feel harder with thick jumpers, chilly mornings, and a toddler who needs eight layers just to go outside. But with the right approach, a warm house, and a little bit of planning, winter potty training can still be successful, calm and even enjoyable.
Potty training is a big milestone. And doing it when the temperature drops can make everything feel slightly more complicated. Clothes take longer to get off. Drinks are forgotten. Outings become mini expeditions. It is enough to make any parent wonder if they should wait until spring.
But if your toddler is showing signs that they are ready, winter does not have to hold you back. Here are a few simple tips to guide you through the winter potty training journey.
Top Tips for Successful Winter Toilet Training
- Start with a readiness check
- Dress for success
- Keep the fluids flowing
- Balance the winter treats
- Choose the right moment
- Be prepared for winter outings
1. Start with a readiness check: is your child ready for toilet training?
There is no one size fits all when it comes to potty training. Every child develops at their own pace and the right moment often depends on a mix of their readiness and yours. Some toddlers dive in with confidence, while others need a little more time, comfort and routine before they start recognising what their body is doing.
There are a few signs that can suggest your child may be ready for potty training:
- They stay dry for longer periods
- They wake up dry after naps
- They notice when they need to go or have already been
- They tell you when something feels different
- They show interest in the potty or toilet
Remember, these signs are guides, not a checklist you must complete. Feeling prepared yourself is just as important. But if both you and your little one both feel ready, winter does not have to slow you down.
2. Dress for success: what should your child wear for winter potty training?
Winter clothes are cosy, but they can also get in the way when your toddler suddenly needs the potty. Thick jumpers, tights, zips and layers can turn a quick dash into a bit of a scramble. Starting the toilet training journey at home in a warm environment makes things much easier. Keep your child warm but stick to clothing they can manage.
When you do head out, choose outfits that keep them snug without slowing them down. A warm coat paired with easy-to-remove trousers works well and can make those urgent moments much less stressful. The simpler the layers, the smoother the potty training.
3. Keep fluids flowing: hydration still matters in winter
Cold weather has a sneaky way of making everyone forget to drink, and toddlers are no different. Even though they might not feel thirsty, staying well hydrated really helps during potty training and can make the whole experience a lot more comfortable.
Try offering drinks regularly throughout the day, even when they are busy doing something far more exciting. A cup with their favourite character, a silly straw or a bright bottle they get to choose themselves can turn drinking into something they actually enjoy rather than something you have to remind them about.
4. Balance the winter treats: what should your toddler eat during potty training?
Winter has a way of filling the house with all kinds of tempting extras. There are party nibbles, special treats from grandparents and those little festive snacks that seem to appear out of nowhere. It is all part of the fun, but it can sometimes make potty training feel a bit more challenging.
Keeping things balanced can really help. Offering fruit, veggies and fibre-rich foods alongside the seasonal treats can keep your toddler feeling comfortable and confident as they learn. Pears, berries, whole grains or even a bowl of warm porridge can fit easily into winter days without making things feel restrictive. You do not need a perfect menu. Even small swaps can make a noticeable difference. Food is not the star of the potty training show, but it can support everything running a little more smoothly behind the scenes.
5. Choose the right moment: when is the best time to potty train in winter?
You do not need the perfect week to start potty training, but choosing a quieter patch of days can make things feel a lot easier. Half term, a long weekend or a few calmer days at home can give you the space to slow down and really tune in to what your toddler is doing.
Winter brings plenty of excitement and that can sometimes make it harder for little ones to focus on learning a new skill. Visiting family, festive lights and fun outings are wonderful, but they can be a lot for a toddler who is still figuring out the potty. If everything feels a bit too busy, there is nothing wrong with pressing pause for a day or two until things settle again.
Potty training tends to go most smoothly when the pace is steady and relaxed, not squeezed between activities or rushed through. A calm start can make a big difference for both of you.
6. Be ready for outings: how do you potty train on the go?
Getting out and about in winter while potty training can feel a bit nerve-wracking. Coats, boots and chilly winds never seem to line up with a toddler’s sudden “I need to go!” moment. But with the right tools, those out-of-the-house trips do not have to derail your progress.
The Potette® Plus 2-in-1 can be a real confidence booster for both of you. It works as a potty at home, becomes a trusty portable potty when you are out and about and doubles as a toilet seat trainer when you reach a proper bathroom. For little ones learning something new, having the same setup everywhere helps them feel safe, steady and in control.
And the best part? It folds down small and slips easily into a changing bag, pushchair or the car. That means no frantic searching for toilets, no last-minute panics and no interruptions to your toddler’s new routine. With the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 by your side, winter outings feel much more manageable and your child can stay confident wherever the day takes you.
Potty training in winter might take a bit more planning, but it can still work smoothly with the right approach. Keeping things simple at home, staying consistent and having a plan for when you are out can make all the difference. Remember that your child is learning a completely new skill, and that takes time. Focus on the small steps, notice the little wins and try not to worry if things are not perfect.