The Do’s and Don’ts of Potty Training

Every parent knows that potty training isn’t just about teaching a child to use the toilet—it’s about timing, patience, and understanding your child’s cues. Some toddlers take to it naturally, while others resist, leading to frustration and mess that test even the most patient parents. At the same time, for many parents, it can also feel like a rollercoaster of progress, setbacks, and endless laundry.

Some children adapt quickly, while others need a little more patience and encouragement—and that’s completely normal. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are ways to make the process smoother, less stressful, and even fun.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, you’re not alone. When is the right time? What’s the best approach? How do you handle setbacks? This guide covers the essential do’s and don’ts of potty training, so you can confidently navigate this important stage with your little one.

Let’s get started!

The Do’s of Potty Training

1. Start When Your Child Is Ready
   

   One of the most important steps in potty training is recognizing when your child is ready. Every child develops at their own pace, and starting too early can lead to frustration for both parents and toddlers. Some signs that your child may be ready for potty training include:

   • Staying dry for longer periods (at least 2 hours)

   • Showing curiosity about the potty (watching siblings or parents use the toilet)

   • Expressing discomfort in a wet diaper

   • Being able to pull down and pull up their pants on their own

   If your child is showing these signs, it’s a good time to introduce them to a baby potty seat and start familiarizing them with the process. If not, waiting a little longer can help avoid unnecessary stress.

2. Create a Positive and Encouraging Environment
   
   Potty training works best when children feel supported and encouraged. Instead of treating it like a strict rule, make it a fun and positive experience by:
   
   

   • Letting your child choose their own potty seat: A colourful or themed potty can make them more excited to use it.

   • Introducing potty training books and videos: These help children understand the process in a fun and relatable way.

   • Using positive reinforcement: Praise their progress, whether it’s sitting on the potty or telling you they need to go.

   At Laadlee, we offer a variety of potty training seats online, designed to help toddlers feel comfortable and confident during this transition.
   
   
3. Be Consistent with the Routine
   

   Routine and repetition help toddlers learn new habits, and potty training is no exception. To establish consistency:

   • Set a schedule: Encourage your child to sit on the potty at regular intervals, such as after meals and before bedtime.

   • Use reminders: Gently ask them if they need to go instead of waiting for accidents to happen.

   • Stay patient: Some days will be more successful than others, and that’s perfectly okay.

   Consistency helps reinforce the habit, making it easier for your child to adapt to their new routine.

The Don’ts of Potty Training

1. Don’t Rush the Process
   

   One of the most common mistakes parents make is starting too early because of pressure from family, and friends, or seeing other kids potty train at a younger age. If your child isn’t ready, pushing them into potty training can lead to frustration, resistance, and even setbacks.
   

   Signs that you might be rushing include:

   • Your child refuses to sit on the potty or cries when you try.

   • They have frequent accidents with no awareness of needing to go.

   • They seem stressed or anxious whenever potty training is mentioned.

   If you notice these signs, pause for a few weeks and try again later. Trust that when your child is truly ready, the process will go much more smoothly.
   
   

2. Don’t Expect Immediate Success
   

   One of the biggest challenges for parents is handling accidents. It can be frustrating to clean up messes after weeks of progress, but reacting negatively can discourage your child and make them feel ashamed. 

   For example, instead of saying, “Why did you wet yourself? You should know by now!", You can try something more reassuring, like, "Oops! That’s okay. Next time, let’s try to make it to the potty in time.”

   Toddlers thrive on positive reinforcement rather than punishment. If you notice they’re struggling with frequent accidents: 
   

   • Reassess whether they are physically and emotionally ready.

   • Check if there are any stressors or distractions (e.g., a new baby in the house, or a change in routine).

   • Ensure they have enough reminders throughout the day.

   Patience is key. Even children who seem to master potty training during the day may take weeks or months before they’re fully accident-free.

3. Don’t Ignore Nighttime Training
   
   Many parents assume that once their child is potty trained during the day, they will naturally stay dry at night. But nighttime potty training is a completely different milestone. While some children develop nighttime bladder control early, others may take months or even years to wake up dry consistently. Instead of expecting instant nighttime success, support them with gentle, practical strategies:
   
   

   • Use nighttime training pants or waterproof mattress covers to minimize stress from accidents.

   • Limit heavy liquids before bedtime while ensuring they stay hydrated throughout the day.

   • Encourage a bathroom visit before sleep as part of their bedtime routine.

   • If needed, gently wake them once at night to help them use the potty, especially if they tend to have accidents at a particular time.

   It’s also important to never shame a child for wetting the bed. Instead of saying, "You’re too old for this!", try: "Sometimes our bodies take a little longer to wake up when we need to go. Let’s try again tomorrow!"

   Every child’s body develops at its own pace, and some may need more time to fully transition to dry nights. The best approach is patience, encouragement, and reassurance.

Troubleshooting Common Potty Training Challenges

Since potty training can be a journey, it’s natural for some challenges to pop up along the way. Here’s some friendly advice on how to navigate them:

• Fear of the potty: If your little one feels scared, try introducing the potty seat slowly and letting them explore it while fully clothed first. 

• Refusing to use the potty: If they’re not interested, it’s perfectly okay! Just take a little break for a few days and then try again, keeping it pressure-free. 

• Regression after making progress: It’s common for kids to go backwards sometimes, especially with new stresses or changes. Just stay patient and continue to cheer them on! 

• Constipation issues: If your child is hesitant to poop on the potty, ensure they're enjoying a fibre-rich diet and drinking plenty of fluids to help things move along.

Remember, a flexible and understanding approach will really support your child in overcoming these little hurdles with confidence!

Conclusion

Potty training isn’t just about teaching a child to go to the bathroom—it’s about helping them develop confidence, routine, and independence. While setbacks are inevitable, a positive mindset, the right approach, and quality baby products can make a world of difference. 

At Laadlee, we take the stress out of potty training by providing expert-recommended baby potty seats that support your child’s learning process. Our products are safe, comfortable, and easy to use, ensuring that your little one feels secure as they transition out of diapers.

By choosing quality baby products that align with your child’s needs, you can create an environment that encourages learning, independence, and success. With Laadlee, you’re not just buying baby essentials—you’re investing in a smoother, more enjoyable parenting journey.

Browse our selection of potty training seats online and find the perfect fit for your little one today.