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The Baby Bottom Timeline: What to Expect from Birth to Toddlerhood

The Baby Bottom Timeline: What to Expect from Birth to Toddlerhood

The Baby Bottom Timeline

What to expect from birth to toddlerhood.

From those very first newborn diapers to the day your child proudly uses the toilet, your little one's bottom goes through plenty of changes.

Parents often find themselves wondering:

  • Is this poo normal?
  • When do diapers become easier?
  • When should we start thinking about potty training?

The good news is that every stage is completely normal, and each one offers little opportunities to build your child's confidence along the way.

Rather than worrying about reaching the next milestone, here's what you can expect as your baby grows.

Every stage is normal.

Every diaper change is another step towards confidence.

0–6 Months

Milk, sleep… and lots of diapers

The newborn stage is wonderfully simple in one way: feed, sleep, change, repeat.

What changes can you expect?

  • Frequent diaper changes, day and night.
  • Soft, runny poo that's completely normal.
  • Breastfed and formula-fed babies often have very different-looking poo.
  • Delicate skin that benefits from gentle, breathable materials.

It can feel like you're changing diapers constantly—but this stage doesn't last forever.

Want to know more about poo?
Read our Poo Colour Guide.

Potty confidence starts here

It might sound surprising, but building potty confidence begins long before children stop wearing diapers.

These early months are all about creating calm, positive routines around changing time.

Helpful Tip

Reusable liners work brilliantly during the milk-only stage because breast milk poo washes out easily with the diaper, making laundry nice and straightforward.

Around 6 Months

A whole new world of solids

Introducing solid food brings exciting new tastes—and some noticeable changes in the diaper.

What changes can you expect?

  • Poo becomes firmer.
  • Diapers often become smellier.
  • Changes become slightly less frequent.
  • Babies become much more wriggly during diaper changes.

Many parents notice this is when changing diapers starts to feel like a full-body workout!

Helpful Tip

Disposable liners can make removing solid poo quicker and easier, although many families continue happily with reusable liners too.

A small habit that makes a big difference

As your baby grows, try talking about what's happening during diaper changes.

Simple phrases like:

  • "You've done a wee."
  • "Time for a clean diaper."
  • "Let's clean your bottom."

These may seem small, but they help children connect words with everyday experiences.

Potty confidence grows through familiarity, not pressure.

9–12 Months

Curiosity takes over

Your little explorer is becoming much more aware of the world around them, including everyday routines.

What changes can you expect?

  • Standing during diaper changes.
  • Wanting to crawl or walk away halfway through.
  • Greater awareness of routines and what's happening around them.
A Gentle Idea

Keep a potty somewhere visible in your home—not because it's time to potty train, but simply so it becomes as familiar as a highchair or toothbrush. There's no expectation to use it yet. It's simply part of everyday life.

12–18 Months

Copying everything

Toddlers love copying the people around them.

Whether it's sweeping the floor, brushing their teeth or putting on shoes, learning often starts through imitation.

The same can be true for potty routines.

Everyday moments to try

  • Sit on the potty after waking up.
  • Sit before bath time.
  • Have a try before getting dressed.

There's no pressure and no expectation. They're simply becoming familiar routines.

Building potty confidence is about helping children feel comfortable and capable in their own time.

18 Months & Beyond

Growing potty confidence

Every child learns to use the potty at their own pace.

Some show interest earlier, while others take a little longer—and that's completely normal.

By this stage, many children are becoming more aware of when they've done a wee or poo and beginning to recognise those feelings before they happen.

As confidence grows...

Many families choose to introduce reusable potty training pants alongside the potty.

Training pants allow children to feel when they're wet while still helping to contain small accidents, encouraging independence and confidence as they learn.

Because they're designed to be pulled up and down like underwear, they also help children practise managing their own clothing—an important step towards independent toileting.

Every stage is part of the journey.

From your baby's very first diaper to their first successful trip to the potty, confidence grows through small everyday moments, familiar routines and lots of encouragement. 

Every child develops at their own pace—and that's exactly how it should be.

Ready for the next stage?

Explore our range of reusable diapers, liners and reusable potty training pants, designed to support your little one from newborn to potty confidence.