Toddler Toilet Support at Nursery

[Patienceofatoddler]

DS starts Nursery in January - He is 3 years 1 month and completely dry in the day although we help clean him when he has done a number two.

He has tried independently but it just ends up a mess 🙈

To what extent would staff at Nursery be able to assist?

They wouldn't expect a 3 year old to completely clean themselves independently after going to the loo would they?

What kind of nursery is it? If there is 1 adult for every 8children they should be able to help with toileting but if its a school nursery with just 2 adults and 26 kids it might be harder.

It's a private nursery - It has a 1-8 staff to child ratio in the preschool 'room'.

I'm going to give them a ring tomorrow to check. But common sense tells me my son won't be the first three year old who can't clean himself independently 😊☺️ Is he? 🙈

No he won't be the only one who needs helping. Some will still be in nappies.

Will he even do a number two while there? Ours only ever seems to poo at home.

Do you really need to ring?
Can it not wait till he starts?
Just tell them he still needs help with wiping his bottom when you drop him off
If you ringvyou will get the office staff or the manager and it's the room staff you need to be talking to
Most children need help with bottom wiping at nursery so it's no big deal

They will help but he will need to learn to tell them he is going they are not mind readers and if he takes himself (if the room is set up to allow that) they won't know. Like others have said some will still be in nappies.

I'm a nursery nurse, no we don't expect them to be able to, but we do encourage them to have a try first themselves, then we check and clean if needed 😊 please don't worry.

DS2's arms genuinely couldn't reach at that age. Luckily his routine was such that he never pooed at nursery, because there's no way he'd have let his teacher wipe his bum - he didn't even like having someone in there when he peed (so they re-arranged the toilet line so he would go last and have privacy - they were lovely) - so just warn him that it's going to happen so he's not shocked about it (DS1 didn't care at all, but then he's happy to wander around naked still at 7, where as DS2 required his trousers from as soon as he could make his feelings known!)

@RestingGrinchFace

Good Point - Since he has been potty trained in the last couple of months he only tends to go at home anyway thinking about it.

@Bubblysqueak

Yes we have been talking about how he needs to let them know so they can help.

The toilets are open access from the main room so yes in theory he could disappear for a stealth visit 🙈

@Hotpinkangel19

Thank You!

It only crossed are mind as we were late to the game with potty training so havnt hugely encouraged cleaning himself yet but will do now.

Genuinely hadn't really crossed my mind until husband mentioned about Nursery.

@Patienceofatoddler Don't worry! Children that age are at all different stages with toileting so don't worry about it! Just speak to the nursery if you have any issues x

private nurseries often do but school ones tend not to know. The aim of EYFS is to prepare chidlrne for school and build independence so the more you allow a child to try the easier they will find it.
Playing games like pass the ball between you legs helps extend reach.

If he can put his coat and shoes on, be aware he needs a drink and help himself from a water jug and open cup, ask for help if needed his transition will be easier.