Potty training

[jlh276]

Hi,

My DD is 3 in February and is still in nappies. If I mention the toilet or the potty she says no no no and becomes upset. She isn't telling me when she's done a wee. We read books about not wearing nappies and her potty/toilet seat is always available.

Does this sound like she isn't ready just yet?

Thank you

I wouldn't worry too much about the not saying she's done a wee – lots of children don't do that until potty training is started – but I would worry about the 'no, no, no' and becoming upset. She needs to be comfortable with it. Do you have any idea how/when that started or what it is she doesn't like about it?

The currently popular way of potty training is very all-in, but it's not the only way. You might find she's better suited to a gradual approach, maybe sitting on the potty for a moment before getting in the bath (zero pressure to actually do anything!) or sitting on it whilst you use the toilet or something, and then build up from there. If you can gently get her into a routine of using the potty first thing in the morning and after nap (if she still naps), those can be some 'easy wins' for her.

At 3 unless any medical issues your little one should be ready for potty training - Eric is a good site to go to for advise. I would start a potty routine i.e. sit on the potty before putting a nappy on in morning before dressing, bath time and bedtime and then if any success expand into some nappy free time. You can also try putting a loose nappy over the potty so it feels more familiar to start with.