Potty training

Potty training information and tips from the experts to guide you through the process of getting your child out of nappies and into pants for good.

Every child is different; they learn to walk and talk at different times and they learn how to use the toilet at different times too. However, most children are ready to be potty trained between 18 months and 3 years.

Potty training: FAQs

Our helpline advisors deal with many enquiries about potty training. See their answers to some common questions. Read more

When to start potty training

To start potty training, your child needs to be physically ready and able to follow instructions. There are also things you can do to prepare them to learn. Read more

Top 10 potty training tips

Top 10 potty training tips from the experts in toileting. Use these tips to successfully teach your child to use the potty. Read more

Potty training children with additional needs

Children with additional needs can often be potty trained too. We outline some things to consider before toilet training kids with extra needs. Read more

Parent and carer workshops

Our award-winning training enables parents and carers to help their child achieve independent toileting skills and maintain good bowel and bladder health for life. Read more

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Latest

Emma's poem 'Through my eyes'

ERIC provides a safe place for families to speak openly and honestly about how difficult dealing with bladder and bowel problems can be. Watch this short film where a mother imagines how it feels to be a child who is struggling with wetting and soiling accidents.

Toilet Training, including Children with Autism and other Additional Needs - London

Course, aimed at health and education professionals, looking at how to train children in bowel and bladder control with particular attention given to children with learning difficulties and additional needs.

Managing continence issues at nursery, school and college

ERIC have teamed up with Bladder and Bowel UK to produce comprehensive, clear guidance for school leaders, proprietors, governors, staff and practitioners across the UK. Practical information, regarding all aspects of bladder and bowel issues and toileting in schools.

ERIC and BBUK launch best practice guidance for education settings

Guidance on bladder and bowel issues and toileting for nurseries, schools and colleges.

Guides to children's bowel and bladder problems

Resources and leaflets to help with potty training, daytime wetting, bedwetting and bowel problems.

Top 10 potty training tips

Top 10 potty training tips from the experts in toileting. Use these tips to successfully teach your child to use the potty.

How to treat constipation

Childhood constipation is treatable. The earlier it’s recognised, the easier it is to treat. Find out how laxatives, diet, toilet routine & anal irrigation help.

Bowel problems: FAQs

Answers to common questions about children's bowel problems covering constipation, faecal soiling, laxative treatment and children with additional needs.

Children who will only poo in a nappy and other toilet avoiders

Insisting on wearing a nappy to poo is normal for kids who are potty training, but some would happily poo in a nappy for years. Break the habit with these tips.

A Parent's Guide to Disimpaction

If your child has been constipated for more than a few days your doctor or nurse may recommend a disimpaction regime. This means giving laxatives in sufficiently large quantities to ‘clear out’ all the accumulated poo. Read our Parent's Guide to Disimpaction.