A Gentle Potty Training Guide

Potty Training Tips: A Holistic, Gentle Approach

Potty training can feel like a big step — for your little one and for you. Whether you’re wondering when to start or how to make the process as gentle as possible, know that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. As a holistic sleep consultant and parent, I believe that just like sleep, toileting is a developmental milestone that works best when we follow our child’s lead, stay calm, and trust the process.

Our Potty Training Journey

My daughter recently started using the toilet, and I thought I’d share a few things that helped us along the way.

A few months ago, I bought a second-hand potty on vinted (trying to reduce our plastic consumption like so many families). I kept it out so my daughter could get used to seeing it — but she showed very little interest. I even bought the Bing Bunny: All Aboard the Toilet Train book (she loves Bing!) but she wasn’t fussed.

Then, completely out of nowhere, she decided she wanted to use the potty. For about a week, she sat on it when she woke up in the morning (milk in hand, watching an episode of Bing) and again in the evening before bed.

I had actually planned a week in July for potty training — I’d even put it on the calendar. I thought the warm weather and my husband being off work would make it easier. But because she showed interest earlier (and nursery mentioned she was ready), we decided to go for it! The timing wasn’t ideal — my husband was working long days and we were flying to Greece the following week — but she did brilliantly. Within a few days she got the hang of it with minimal accidents.

When Is the Right Time to Start Potty Training?

Every child is unique. Most little ones start showing signs of readiness between 18 months and 3 years, but there’s no rush. Waiting until your child is ready makes the process far less stressful.

Signs your child may be ready include:

• Showing interest in the toilet or potty

• Staying dry for longer periods

• Letting you know when they’ve done a wee or poo

• Wanting to wear pants

• Following simple instructions

  
  

If your toddler isn’t showing these signs yet, that’s absolutely fine. Like with sleep, developmental readiness is key — forcing it too soon can cause frustration or resistance.

Top Tips That Helped Us With Potty Training

Here are a few practical things that made our experience so much smoother:

1. Start when your child is ready. Don’t feel pressured by what other families are doing.

2. Follow their lead. Take them to the toilet when they ask — even if they’ve just been. Enthusiasm helps!

3. Use rewards and praise. We used stickers and lots of positive reinforcement.

4. Try a timer. I set a timer every 50 minutes for the first few days, gradually increasing the time. It stopped me from constantly asking, “Do you need the toilet?”

5. Get out and about. We went for short local trips — to the park or a café — to help her get used to different toilets. She even managed a poo on the aeroplane a week later!

6. Keep nappies for naps or travel. Encourage the toilet when possible, but use nappies when practical.

7. Make toilets fun. I found potties a bit gross, so I encouraged Ivy to use the toilet by making it inviting — we added a small book box and stickers on the wall.

Creating a Calm, Supportive Environment

Children thrive on connection. Keep things relaxed and reassure your toddler that accidents are normal. Avoid pressure or shame — stress can make them resist using the potty altogether.

If your child has setbacks (and most do), take a break for a week or two and try again. The calmer you are, the quicker they’ll regain confidence.

Potty Training and Sleep

It’s common for potty training to temporarily affect sleep. Your child’s body and brain are learning something new, and this can mean extra wake-ups or bedtime resistance.

Gentle ways to help:

• Offer a final toilet trip before bed

• Keep a soft night-light on

• Avoid major routine changes during early potty training

• Reassure your toddler if they have accidents at night

Night-time dryness often develops months (or even years) after daytime control. It’s completely normal for children to wear a night nappy for a while.

When to Ask for Support

If your toddler becomes distressed, withholds wees or poos, or seems frightened of the potty or toilet, speak to your health visitor or GP. Occasionally, constipation, sensory sensitivities, or anxiety can make potty learning harder — and early support can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Potty training is a journey, not a race. By following your child’s lead, creating a calm environment, and offering consistent, encouragement, you’ll help them build confidence and independence — at their own pace.

Just like with sleep, your connection and responsiveness are what matter most. Celebrate small wins, be patient through the setbacks, and trust that they’ll get there when they’re ready.

If you have found this gentle potty training guide useful, why not share it with a friend?

Need Gentle Guidance With Sleep or Routines?

If you’d like holistic, evidence-based support for sleep or daily routines alongside potty training, explore my online courses or 1:1 consultations — designed to help your family rest and thrive with confidence.