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Flowchart – Toilet Training
By the time they start school, it is possible for most children to be confidently wearing pants and independently managing all aspects of toileting, including wiping. This can only be achieved through timely potty training. Potty training is a huge milestone in any child’s life, and preparation for it starts the day the child is born. For it to be successful, the child needs a healthy bladder and bowel.
Training events
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Promote healthy bladders and bowels in all children from birth
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of constipation
- Be aware that healthy wee is dilute, almost colourless and never smelly
- Encourage adequate and appropriate fluid intake for age
Advice About Children's Bladders and Bowels, from Birth, to Potty Training, to School
Introduce the potty
- Most children can start to learn potty skills from the time they can sit up, usually around 6 - 9 months.
- Follow the evidence-based 3 stage approach to toilet training:
- Stage 1 – Preparation
- Stage 2 – Practice
- Stage 3 – Stopping Nappies
Opportunity created to highlight any concerns regarding potty training or any bladder or bowel issues
Assessment and advice
- Demystify, reassure, educate
- Work through the 4 steps to a healthy bladder
- Work through the 5 steps to a healthy bowel
- Work on increasing fluid intake if required - offer Drinking Reward Chart and tips on how to get kids to drink more
- Look for withholding behaviours: Poo withholding, and wee withholding
- Consider bathroom environment and sensory needs
- Consider toilet anxiety
- Consider children who will only poo in a nappy and other toilet avoiders
Bowel or bladder issue identified?
YES
NO
YES
If difficulties persist…
Reassure that functional daytime bladder problems are common in children under 5. Most spontaneously resolve as the bladder matures.
Further information can be found here: children's bladders
If the problem is a bowel issue further information can be found here: children's bowels