The short answer
At 25–30 months, some children show readiness for toilet learning and others do not. Look for signs such as noticing the urge, staying dry for longer and getting to the potty or toilet with help. Keep attempts short, praise effort, avoid punishment, and speak to a health professional about painful constipation.
In this guide · 8 sections
Keep in mind
- Readiness means your child can take part, not that every sign appears at once.
- Feet supported on the floor or a stable step can help your child feel secure and pass poo comfortably.
- Night-time dryness often develops later than daytime learning; do not require both at once.
How can you tell if your child may be ready?
Your child may stay dry for longer, hide or tell you before going, dislike a wet nappy, or walk to the bathroom. Readiness also includes tolerating the potty and communicating needs in some way. If the toilet causes strong fear, poo is hard or painful, or there is a major life change, consider addressing that first.
How can you set up the first days?
Let your child’s feet rest on the floor when using a potty; use a secure step with a toilet seat. Offer brief chances after waking, after meals and before bath time. If nothing happens after a few minutes, let your child get up. Long sits or screens are not required.
Choose easy-to-lower clothes and give your child time to try independently. Agree on simple words with other carers or nursery to reduce confusion.
What can you say after an accident?
Stay brief and neutral: “Your wee came; let’s get changed.” Helping with clean-up in an age-appropriate way is not punishment. Praise attempts and communication, not only success.
How can you spot poo withholding?
Clenching legs, hiding, standing on tiptoe or refusing to poo can be signs of withholding. Hard stools can create a pain-and-holding cycle. Reduce pressure and speak with your child’s GP or health visitor if there is pain, blood or ongoing difficulty; do not start medicines on your own.
When should you pause?
If every attempt becomes a struggle, your child is clearly afraid, or family life is changing significantly, ease off for a few weeks while keeping a calm routine. A pause is not failure; it gives you a chance to notice readiness again.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Pain when passing urine, fever, blood, very frequent urination or unusual thirst.
- Hard or painful poo, blood in poo, a swollen tummy, vomiting or prolonged inability to poo.
- Severe fear, loss of previously established control or toilet difficulties disrupting daily life.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – The Right Age to Potty Train
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Potty Training Readiness: Thinking, Language & Developmental Milestones – 31 Temmuz 2026
- www.nhs.uk — regional guidance
- www.england.nhs.uk — regional guidance
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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