For parents of toddlers, the New Year can feel like the perfect time to introduce a potty training routine and start getting rid of nappies. While potty training can feel daunting, the good news is that with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be stressful or rushed. A calm, confident potty training routine can help your toddler feel secure and proud of this big milestone.
Here is how to approach potty training in a way that supports your child’s independence and makes the transition out of nappies achievable for the whole family.
Start with readiness, not pressure
One of the biggest misconceptions around potty training is that it is tied to age. In reality, success is more about readiness. Signs your toddler may be ready include staying dry for longer periods, showing curiosity about the toilet, disliking wet nappies, or being able to follow simple instructions.
If your New Year goal is to ditch nappies, think of January as a gentle starting point, not a deadline. Creating familiarity and confidence early on sets the foundation for success later.
Create a calm potty training environment
Toddlers are highly sensitive to their surroundings, so the environment you create matters more than you might think. A potty that feels stable, comfortable, and unintimidating can make all the difference.
We love the bestselling potties from Kindsgut for their stylish minimalist design, neutral colours, and non-slip bases. They look great in any bathroom while being ergonomically designed to support your toddler’s posture. With a cute whale design, the brand also donates to internationally renowned organisation whales.org with every potty sold. A well-designed potty also helps children feel safe and in control, which is key for building confidence during potty training.
Place the potty somewhere accessible and familiar, such as the bathroom or playroom, so it becomes a normal part of your little one’s day rather than a big event.
Build potty time into your daily routine
Toddlers thrive on routine. Introducing regular, low-pressure potty moments, such as after waking up, before bath time, or before leaving the house, helps potty training feel predictable and manageable.
Rather than asking, “Do you want to use the potty?” which often invites a firm “no”, try gentle prompts such as, “Let’s sit on the potty before we go out.” Keeping the tone relaxed helps remove performance anxiety and encourages cooperation.
Make comfort and independence a priority
Confidence comes from feeling capable. Look for a potty that allows your toddler to sit independently, with feet flat and legs supported. Features like a high backrest, smooth surfaces, and easy cleaning, like the designs from Kindsgut, make the experience physically comfortable.
Kindsgut’s potties support little ones through early potty practice right up to confident independent use. Let your little one practise sitting on the potty fully clothed at first, and it can help to bring a favourite book along. These small steps help normalise the experience without pressure.
Calm potty training tips
- Start slowly, familiarity comes before success
- Keep language positive and neutral, and avoid talking about “accidents”
- Dress toddlers in easy-to-remove clothing
- Praise effort rather than outcomes
- Choose a potty your child feels confident using
- Remember that consistency matters more than speed
Celebrate progress, not perfection
Accidents are part of the process and completely normal. Staying calm and reassuring helps your toddler understand that mistakes are not failures. Saying things like, “That is okay, we will try again next time,” help your little one feel more confident.
If your toddler shows resistance, take a step back rather than pushing forward. Remember potty training isn’t always a linear process and often, a short pause can lead to a smoother return.
Transition away from nappies gently
If your aim is to get rid of nappies this year, gradual transitions can help. Start with nappy-
free time at home, then move to daytime outings, and finally naps and nights when your child
is ready.
A potty that your little one loves can support this transition by making them feel proud of their
setup. Kindsgut’s durable, thoughtfully designed potties make the journey smoother. You can find more helpful advice in Kindsgut’s helpful potty training guide.
Once your child feels confident using the potty, the transition to the big toilet can feel like the
natural next step. Kindsgut also offers a beautifully-designed toilet training seat, honoured with the German Design Award, which helps toddlers sit securely and comfortably on the
toilet. This way, your little one can keep building independence at their own pace.
“At the end of potty training, there is much more waiting than simply saying goodbye to diapers. It’s a milestone that can give your child a deep sense of confidence and independence.” says Corinna Links (founder of Kindsgut and mother).
Trust your child and yourself
Potty training is not a race and every child gets there in their own time. By creating a calm routine, choosing supportive tools, and keeping expectations realistic, you are giving your toddler the confidence they need to succeed.
And if this is the year your family says goodbye to nappies, taking a gentle, well-prepared approach can make that milestone feel empowering rather than overwhelming for everyone involved.
This is a Paid Partnership with Kindsgut
