Potty Training 101: when to start, what you’ll need & how to get through It

Potty training can feel like a rite of passage. There’s the mess, the mystery, and the moment when you wonder if nappies were all that bad. Whether you’re here for the first time or back in the thick of it with child number two or three, this guide will walk you through it all.

We’ll cover when to start, how to begin, what you’ll need and how to stay calm. Even when your toddler insists the floor is the perfect place for a wee.

My Carry Potty My Carry Potty First Impression

At MORI, we’re here for all of it, especially the messy parts.

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🌱 Is Your Child Ready? Signs to Watch For

There’s no perfect age, but most children will start showing signs when they’re ready. Here are a few things to look out for:

- Staying dry for at least two hours

- Interest in the toilet or bathroom habits

- Hiding to wee or poo

- Following simple instructions

- Telling you when they’ve gone

If a few of these sound familiar, your little one might be close to ready. You can use our Potty Readiness Checklist to help confirm the signs and build your confidence.

⏳ When Should You Start Potty Training?

Most children are ready between 18 and 36 months. Some earlier, some later. Here's a quick guide by age:

18 to 24 months
Start introducing the idea with books or bathroom chats. No pressure, just curiosity.

2 to 2.5 years
This is often the sweet spot. Many children can communicate, follow routines and are eager to please.

3 years and beyond
Still perfectly normal. If they resist or regress, don’t panic.

You can read more in our blog on potty training challenges.

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🪜 How to Start Potty Training (Step-by-Step)

If you're thinking “this might be our moment”, here’s how to begin:

Introduce the potty - let them explore it at their own pace, sit on it fully clothed, maybe decorate it with stickers or name it something silly. Make it feel like a friend, not a chore.

Read books together - stories like “Pip and Posy: The Little Puddle” or “Potty” by Leslie Patricelli are lovely, light-hearted ways to normalise the process and get the giggles going.

Pick your moment - a few calm days at home is often all you need to give it a real try, with no pressure to get it right straight away.

Ditch the nappies - easy-off pants or a bare bum around the house can help build awareness and reduce those in-between delays.

Celebrate the little wins - claps, cuddles, a special song, or a wiggly “we did a wee” dance can turn even a dribble into a triumph.

For a more detailed approach, head to our guide on how to start potty training.

🧺 What You’ll Need

No need for fancy Pinterest baskets. These are the things that truly help:

- A child-sized potty
- A step stool and a toilet seat
- Comfy, easy-off pants
- Mattress protectors (highly recommended)
- A portable potty for outings
- Rewards if that works for you. Stickers, songs or a chocolate button

Keep it simple and set yourself up for success. Need help picking the right gear? Our blog on potty training essentials has you covered.

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CHANGING ACCESSORIES

😮‍💨 How to Keep It Calm (Even When You’re Not)

There will be accidents. Some surprising. Some hilarious. Some on your new rug.
To keep your cool:

- Don’t shame the mistake. Reassure, wipe, move on.

- Use gentle reminders every 30 to 45 minutes.

- Stay consistent, but know when to pause if it gets stressful.

You’re human. So are they. Need help with regressions or refusals? Read our guide to common potty training struggles.

❓ What If They’re Just Not Getting It?

It might sound familiar:
“My three-year-old refuses to sit on the potty.”
“They were doing great, and now they’ve stopped.”
“They’ll wee but won’t poo.”

Completely normal. You’re not doing anything wrong. Potty training isn’t linear.

Trust that your child will get there in their own time, especially with kindness, routine and plenty of spare pants.

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🌙 What About Night-Time?

Night-time dryness doesn’t always arrive with daytime success. It often comes months or even years later. Look for signs like waking up dry or holding wee for longer stretches. Until then, it’s perfectly fine to stick with nappies at night. Many children do until four or five.

For more support when you’re ready, explore our night-time potty training guide.