NHS Guidance: Potty Training Your Child

News - 13 August 2026

Potty training is an important step for you and your child. Learning to use a potty, and then the toilet on their own takes time, practice and patience. If you're starting potty training or you want to build your child's confidence to use the toilet on their own, this page can help.

When should you start potty training?

Almost all children can be potty trained between 18 months and 2-and-a-half years old.

Starting around this age gives your child time to practice these new skills and build confidence without nappies.

The best thing to do is to start the training. You do not need to wait for your child to show signs or ask to use a potty before you start.

They may be aware of needing wees and poos. For example, your child may tell you when they are wet or need changing, or when they are having a wee or poo. But they may not do this, and that's completely normal.

Waiting for the perfect time can sometimes mean putting it off for longer than you need to.

Visit the NHS Website for further details on 'How to prepare' and the '5 Steps for potty training' 

Click Here

 

Cover photo: Yankrukov

Bottom photo: Sasha Kim

Interested in volunteering?

Help your local community by volunteering with us. Whether you only have a few hours to spare, or want something long term - there's something for everyone. Get in touch to find out about volunteering opportunities.

Find out more

You might also be interested in

Report: Maternity Services

The maternity services project began in July 2025 and was developed in partnership with key stakeholders. We also worked closely with NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB) colleagues to identify suitable survey questions for service users and their carers.
Report

Report: Access to and use of health and social care services by young carers in Bromley

Healthwatch Bromley is committed to empowering local residents to make best use of health and social care services. We initiated this research project to collect insights from and analyse the needs of Bromley young carers aged 11 – 19, in response to suggestions that this potentially vulnerable group might need targeted support to make better use of these services.
Report