The Ultimate Guide to Potty Training: Tips, Tools and Confidence for Every Parent
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- Bambino Mio
- 14 / 08 / 2025
Potty training is a major milestone for toddlers and their families but it can also feel like one of the trickiest. At Bambino Mio, we’re here to help you through the ups and downs of toilet training with a mix of expert guidance, real parent experience, and practical solutions like Revolutionary Reusable Potty Training Pants.
Our recent joint research with Cheeky Wipes revealed that:
- Over 30% of children are starting school without being potty trained.
- 66% of parents feel confused or unsupported during potty training.
- Disposable nappies are contributing to delayed potty training because they keep babies feeling dry—making it harder to learn.
Reusable nappies and training pants do the opposite—they help toddlers recognise the sensation of being wet, which supports faster and more intuitive toddler potty training.
Revolutionary Potty Training Pants
Two Approaches to Potty Training
1. Parent-Led Toilet Training
Also called elimination communication, this method involves offering the potty at routine times - after naps, meals, or before bed. It’s about building consistency and connecting potty time to your child’s daily rhythm.
- Introduce the potty early and regularly.
- Especially when they are very young, use sound cues (like “pss pss”) to build awareness.
- Allow nappy-free time when possible.
- Keep things low-pressure with plenty of praise, even if it comes with an accident.
2. Child-Led Potty Training
This method is based on waiting until your child shows signs of readiness. Most children are ready between 18 months and 3 years, but every child is different.
Look for signs like:
- Staying dry for 2+ hours or during naps
- Telling you they need to go
- Copying your toilet habits
- Disliking feeling wet or soiled
- Showing independence with dressing
While this approach works well for many, UK children’s charity ERIC encourages parents not to wait too long. You don’t need to wait for all these signs—introducing the potty early helps normalise it.
Why Reusable Potty Training Pants Work
Unlike pull-ups, reusable training pants help your child feel when they’ve had an accident. This sensory feedback is essential for learning how to manage toilet trips independently.
- Boosts body awareness
- Eco-friendly and reusable
- Supports quicker potty learning
- Encourages confidence and routine
What is the best age to start potty training?
There’s no one-size-fits-all age. Starting as early as you can is ideal. You don’t have to wait for readiness signs - introducing the potty early can help normalise it and reduce stress later on. Many children start between 18 - 36 months, but many children cope very well at an early age, especially when using a parent-led approach.
How do you know if your child is ready for potty training?
You might have heard from family or friends that you need to wait for signs of readiness before starting potty training—but this thinking is now considered outdated. New research and expert guidance suggest that the earlier you begin, the better the outcomes often are.
Rather than waiting, you can take the lead. Building a consistent routine and introducing the potty early—before any pressure is involved—can actually help your child develop awareness and skills more naturally over time. You’re in control, and if you feel ready to start, that’s a great place to begin.
But if you do want to wait for signs of readiness, these may include: staying dry for 2 or more hours, telling you when they need to go, copying bathroom behaviours, disliking wet nappies, or beginning to pull clothes up and down independently.
How long does potty training take?
It depends. Some children take a few days, others a few months. With a positive routine and the right tools, most children find their rhythm naturally.
Potty Training Pants for Boys & Girls
What are the best potty training methods?
Both parent-led and child-led approaches can work. We recommend starting as early as you can, ensuring consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement.
What do you need for potty training?
- A potty or Toilet Training Seat
- Our Reusable Potty Training Pants
- Easy-to-remove clothes
- Wipes and a waterproof mat
- Patience and praise!
How do you deal with potty training regression?
Regression is common—especially during changes like starting nursery or a new sibling. Revisit your routine, stay calm, and reinforce success with kindness and support.
Should you use pull-ups or potty training pants?
Disposable pull-ups can delay progress because they feel like nappies. Reusable potty training pants support faster learning by helping your child feel when they’re wet—making the connection with the potty clearer.
How do reusable potty training pants help?
They offer just enough absorbency for small accidents while letting toddlers feel dampness. That awareness builds independence and toilet confidence.
What are common potty training mistakes to avoid?
- Waiting too long to start
- Being inconsistent with routine
- Reacting negatively to accidents
- Over-relying on pull-ups
- Using too many rewards or bribes
Support Every Step of the Way
Whether you're starting early or following your child's lead, we're here with eco-conscious products and judgement-free support. Check out our potty training collection and find everything you need to make the process positive, practical and personal to your family.
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