Potty training can feel like a big deal – for your child and for you. But at heart it's fairly simple: every child learns this in the end, at their own pace. Your job is mostly to be there, cheer them on and stay patient. So breathe out, take it one step at a time, and let it take the time it takes.
From Emelie: This isn't expert advice – just what I've picked up as a mum of three. The short answer if you just want to get started: begin when your child shows signs of being ready, usually somewhere between 18 and 24 months, though it varies. There's no rush and no "best before". If you're ever unsure about your own child's development, your child health centre (BVC) or 1177 is always the best place to ask.
Want to skip ahead? Signs your child is ready · How cloth nappies can help · How to get started · Potty training at night · FAQ
Spotting the signs your child is ready
Before you begin, it's worth looking for signs that your child is starting to be ready. A few to watch for:
- Your child can stay dry for at least two hours.
- They show interest in the potty or the toilet.
- They can follow simple instructions.
- They seem uncomfortable when the nappy is wet or dirty.
- They like doing things themselves and want to be more independent.
The more of these you recognise, the better the odds the timing is right. But it's not about ticking every box – use them as a rough guide, not a checklist.
How cloth nappies can help potty training
One thing many people don't think about: cloth nappies can actually make potty training easier. Many modern disposables have a dry top layer that wicks moisture away so effectively that the child barely feels when they've wet. That makes it harder to connect the feeling with needing to go.
In a cloth nappy – especially with an absorbent side like bamboo against the skin – the child feels the wetness more clearly and picks up the signal sooner. It's more natural feedback than the colour-change strip on some disposables; the child feels it for real, on their own body. Quite a few parents actually start with cloth at this stage, or choose it to avoid throwing away more disposables towards the end.
If you have one of our Cover/All-in-one nappies at home, you can turn the absorbent side against the skin as potty training gets closer – so your child notices. If you have a pocket nappy, you can lay the insert outside the pocket rather than inside, so it sits directly against the skin – then your child feels the wetness straight away, while the shell still protects their clothes. A simple way to practise the "wait" feeling without buying anything new. If you'd like to read up on how it all fits together, there's the complete guide to cloth nappies.
How to get started
Once the signs are there, you can ease into it. A few steps that tend to help:
Create a positive mood. Potty training should be allowed to be a nice thing. Put the potty out as a natural part of everyday life and let your child sit on it with their clothes on at first, just to get used to it. Praise every little step.
Build in routines. Routines make it easier. Let your child try the potty at set times – after meals, before and after naps and before bedtime. Be reasonably consistent, so it becomes predictable and reassuring.
Potty or toilet – let your child choose. Not every child wants a potty. Some would rather go straight to the toilet with a child seat (ideally with a step stool under their feet so it feels stable). Both routes are perfectly fine – follow what your child is drawn to, and it'll be easier for you both.
Meet your child where they are. Potty training doesn't have to live in the bathroom. If you can, keep the potty out when you're playing in the garden in summer – then it's close to hand in the moment and becomes a natural part of the play. And if you're heading out, a little travel potty is worth its weight in gold: it means your child recognises it even away from home and doesn't lose the thread just because you're on the go.
Be patient. There'll be days when it goes back in the nappy, and that's completely normal. If an accident happens, clean up without making a big deal of it. Let your child know it's okay to miss and try again.
Potty training at night
Dry days and dry nights are two different things – and night almost always takes the longest. Being dry at night is tied to the body's maturity, not to how much you practise, so it can't be rushed. Many children need a nappy at night long after the days are sorted, and that's exactly as it should be.
In the meantime, a really absorbent night-time solution is worth its weight in gold for everyone's sleep. In our guide to dry nights with a cloth nappy we go through how to build an overnight nappy that lasts the whole night without leaks.
When it's hard going
Potty training rarely runs in a straight line. With the right approach you can help your child past most of the bumps.
Fear of the potty. It's not unusual for children to find the potty or toilet a bit scary – it's a big change. Never force it. Instead, make the potty something safe and fun: read a book or sing a little song while they sit. Let your child see you or an older sibling use the toilet, so it feels everyday.
Resistance. Sometimes a child simply refuses, full stop. Maybe they're not quite ready, maybe they just don't want to right now. It's completely fine to back off, give it a few weeks and try again. Potty training shouldn't become a battle.
Setbacks and regression. A child who's cracked the potty can suddenly start missing again – often around something new: a sibling, a house move, starting nursery, or just a tough patch. It's nearly always temporary. Keep calm, keep the routines, and it usually settles by itself.
Potty training FAQ
When should I start potty training?
There's no exact age. Most children start showing signs somewhere between 18 and 24 months. If you'd like to explore the potty earlier, you can read about baby-led pottying (EC) for younger babies.
How long does potty training take?
It varies from child to child. Some learn in a few days, others need several months. The main thing is to stay patient all the way through.
What do I do if my child refuses to use the potty?
Take a break and try again in a few weeks. Sometimes a little more time is all that's needed.
How long is a nappy needed at night?
Often a good while after the days are dry – it's governed by the body's maturity. Let it take its time and use a reliable overnight nappy in the meantime.
Can cloth nappies help potty training?
Many parents find they do, yes. Because the child feels the wetness more clearly in a cloth nappy, it's easier to understand the signal for when it's time. See the How cloth nappies can help section above.
Potty training is one of those milestones that feels big while it's happening and small afterwards. With patience, calm and a bit of the right support, you'll help your child all the way to a nappy-free everyday life. Celebrate every little step – every win counts.
A little reminder: this is our own everyday experience, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child's bladder, constipation or development, do get in touch with your child health centre (BVC) or read more at 1177. That's where the right help is.
By Emelie, founder of Time Ahead Sweden — mum of three, curious about how we as parents can make thoughtful everyday choices.