"Ready or Potty?" – What No One Told You About Toilet Readiness

Her Story & Co.
Apr 30
2 min read

Ah, toilet readiness. That magical, mysterious milestone that seems to sneak up on you… or drag its feet for months (and months). One minute you’re happily changing nappies on autopilot, and the next you’re Googling “toddler won’t poo unless hiding behind the sofa.”

Welcome to the wild world of toilet learning.

Let’s Get One Thing Straight: This Isn’t a Race

Despite what your mum’s friend’s neighbour’s sister says, there’s no prize for potty training early. Research from Pediatrics and others tells us that starting when your child shows readiness signs leads to quicker, smoother success—not when we adults decide it's time based on nursery pressure or social media timelines.

We say it all the time in our workshops:

Toilet learning is like walking. Some kids sprint, some toddle—but they all get there in the end.

So… What Is Toilet Readiness?

Great question. It’s less about age and more about developmental signs. Things like:

Staying dry for an hour or two

Showing interest in the toilet or potty

Communicating about wet/dirty nappies

Pulling pants up and down

Predictable bowel movements

Wanting privacy (yes, that behind-the-sofa business is legit)

No one said it’d be glamorous.

What If They’re Not Ready?

Then you wait. Yes—wait. And we say that with love. Because starting too soon can make the whole thing harder and more stressful (for everyone). Supporting body awareness through gentle routines, reading potty books, and using encouraging language is plenty for now. We promise: You’re not “behind.”

What About… Naps? Nights? Leaving the House?

Ah, yes. The real-life stuff. Our favourite.

Out and About: Start small. Think short trips, with a travel potty or seat insert, spare clothes, wipes, and nerves of steel. Celebrate every “we made it through Tesco dry!” moment.

Nap & Night Time: These come later—and that’s totally normal. Most kids aren’t dry overnight until after age 4. Use pull-ups guilt-free. You’re not “failing.” You’re parenting.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

That’s where we come in. Our Toilet Readiness Workshop is an online session packed with tips, real-life strategies, and humour (because if you can’t laugh at wee and poo, what can you laugh at?).

We’ll cover: