Potty training made easy

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You're under pressure because your toddler's still in nappies and she won't be allowed to start nursery unless she's toilet trained.

All the other mums seem to have cracked it, so why can't you? Follow our simple advice on what to do...

Your 7-step plan to potty training your tot

1. Use your instinct.

You'll know when they're ready. Look out for the signs - talking about a wet nappy, telling you they want the loo or pulling off nappies.

2. Relax.

If you're tense about the toilet - your toddler will be too. Choose a week that's good for you to make this a priority.

3. Really go for it.

Dispose of the nappies. Challenge yourself to keep your nerve - and them in pants.

4. Make a decision

Decide if you want to use a potty or go straight to a trainer toilet seat. If you use a potty, put it in the bathroom - not the TV room.

5. Accidents will happen.

Don't be negative and make a fuss. This is all new for them too.

6. Good habits are caught not taught.

Let them go to the toilet with you and sit them on the potty or toilet at times they usually fill their nappy.

7. Excite them

Use a sticker chart for when they go to the toilet - and letting them choose 'big boy' or 'girl pants' will motivate them to stay dry.

Lorraine Thomas, childcare expert

More help and advice on potty training

- Potty training made simple
- The difference between the sexes in potty training
- Potty training takes patience
- Expert advice on potty training
- Do you have your own experiences? Share them in Chat

By Lorraine Thomas, childcare expert

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Cassandra, 2 months

i have a soon who is five nw.... looking back, i can remember that he refuses the potty that looked like a car, so i went out and got him onbe that looked exsectly like the "BIG TOILET'' and it took me exactly 2 days en we wre home and dry and i enrolled him for day care the follpwing week....i cant wait for my next child

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anna, 12 months

my son will be 3yr's old next month,& he is still in a nappy,im worried because he starts school soon & my doctor said he should be out of nappy's.but i've tried him on the potty a few week's ago & he was doing really well going a wee on it,but he wont go a poo on it & now he wont go on it full stop.& whenever i take his nappy off so he can try & use it he get's upset & starts crying till i put him back in a nappy. I NEED HELP & FAST.has anyone got any usefull tip's for me 2 try.

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hannah, 12 months

I started potty training my 19 month old boy because he was telling me when he was having a wee and a poo and seemed interested in it so I thought he was ready. He now uses the potty happily in the house when he has no nappy and no trousers on but obviously I cannot take him out naked from the waiste down and it is freezing so I want him to wear his pants and tracksuit bottoms but whenever I put these on he wees through them. Should I put him in nappies when we go out or is this confusing him? If not I will have to take him out and let him wet through his clothes and keep changing him. Should I just give up for now and start again later or will this just confuse him?

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CLAIRE, about 1 year

Hi, my daughter is two, a wet or dirty nappy does not bother her but i want to start potty training, she knows what i mean wen i ask he if she needs a wee or poo. i have absolutely no idea what to do to potty train. I have bought a potty and last night and this morning she sa on it and did a wee and poo for which i praised and give her a treat, i am a busy mum and so dont know wat to do when we go out as she doesnt say when she needs a wee? when do i stop using pull ups?? i need step by step instructions to do this. Thank you

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elaine, about 1 year

my son will turn 3 in February, he uses the potty all day to pee, but still wont do a poo in it, when he needs one he asks for his nappy, this seems to be the hardest part of training for me.

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didi, about 1 year

i think you just have to set some time aside and go for it, sapphire. does your child know words for going to the toilet? can she tell you? if he cant then perhaps you need to find parents of other autisitc children who can help you. good luck

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sapphire, about 1 year

it all seems easy but its not , i have a child whos autistic and is now 4 he still toilet training now can anyone in the same boat give some advice

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Lisa, about 1 year

I had exactly the same problem with my daughter who was 2 in January. I just left it for a couple of weeks and tried again. I explained that she needed it go on a potty/toliet to be able to go to playschool like her friends. This did the trick and i have only had 2 accidents since i started again 3 weeks ago and have had no more crying for a nappy. They all are ready at diffrent times, i think it's just trial and error till they are ready.

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sam, about 1 year

my little girl turned 2 in december she will were her 'bid girl' pants but wont go on the potty or the toilet when she wants to wee or poo she cries for her nappy back on

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Potty training made easy