Potty Training: Top Picks & Tips

Here's another rite-of-passage that gets almost as much comment as the great breastfeeding debate. Everyone eventually ends up cracking potty training, but it can sometimes seem like the only rule is: there are no rules. Because every child is different and there's no 'right time', our Potty Training collection is here as and when the time for ditching nappies feels right for you.

“Many parents want a cookie-cutter version of potty training. There’s no such thing. It doesn’t exist.”
Jamie Glowacki

Errrr....a potty!

It's a pretty essential part of the party, but a fairly basic piece of kit. You will be looking at it a fair bit, though, so good looks still matter. In lovely modern shades to compliment your decor, and with cute signature Liewood ears on the backrest, the Jonathan Potty is a very appealing first 'throne'. Cut-outs on the front and back help make it easier to handle, plus silicone feet ensure grip and safety.

"We love the colours and the matt finish."
Megan, Buyer

A step stool

When they're still pretty pint-sized, a step stool gives a taste of independence, as they can reach the toilet without a helping hand. The lightweight design of the Bumbo Step Stool is easy for kids to move around by themselves, so they can use it at the sink and anywhere else they fancy a bit of a boost. The non-slip base and grippy top to ensure a firm balance.

"It’s made a huge difference to her confidence. I’m so happy with the multi-purpose nature of the step. I really like how I don’t have to worry about it slipping either."
Hannah, Parent Tester

A wet bag

Potty training can be more than a one-week adventure and a wet bag will be your new best friend. Send it with them to nursery or preschool to prevent them coming home with plastic bags full of wet clothes. The Bambino Mio Wet Bag is small enough to pack away easily or clip onto your pram and changing bag, but it opens up roomy enough to fit lots of wet kit.

"It's so versatile I could use it for swimming too."
Bev, Parent Tester

“No one cares how old your kid was when they were toilet trained, Brenda. I’m a successful adult and no-one has ever asked me when I stopped pooping my pants.”
Jen Butler

Training pants

It's important that training pants look cool as well as doing the trick to keep them dry. Or rather the floor dry :) The best ones allow kids to feel the wetness and learn how to manage it themselves. Oh - and they've got to be comfy. Really comfy.We love these Close Potty Training Pant because they tick all the boxes.

"They are super-soft & comfy around the waist and legs, plus the prints are fun - and we all want fun pants, right?"
Melanie, Buyer

A training book

It's good to be able to talk about potty training in a way your child can understand. A good story like Super Pooper and Whizz Kid: Potty Power! can really make the transition a whole load easier to comprehend. It features two potty pals in a playful adventure that will make the rite of passage a less daunting journey to get started on.

"It’s such a fun, educational book. I really like how different it is to any other potty training books. It’s really captured his imagination, he relates to the characters."
Molly, Parent Tester

Abrams & Chronicle Books Super Pooper and Whizz Kid: Potty Power!

This may surprise you

The time taken to potty train is increasing. In the 1940s, the average age was 18 months. According to a 2002 study (Schum et al), on average, baby boys in the US give up nappies at 39 months and girls at 35 months.
At the other end of the scale, some people - like parenting tutor Amber Hatch - believe that it’s never too early to potty train and that a nappy free experience for even newborn babies is possible.