Toilet Training Together
Readiness Signs, Tips & Sensory-Friendly Support
Toilet training can feel like a significant milestone — exciting, nerve-wracking, and sometimes a little overwhelming. Every child takes their own unique path, and there is no "right age" or perfect formula. What matters most is creating a calm, supportive environment where your child feels safe, confident, and encouraged.
At JettProof, we know that many families in our community have children with additional needs. Their toilet training journey may look a little different, and that's completely okay. With patience, the right tools, and plenty of reassurance, every child can succeed in their own time. This guide brings together practical tips for all families, plus extra support for children who benefit from sensory-aware approaches.
Understanding Readiness: Signs Your Child May Be Ready
Before diving in, it's essential to recognise whether your child is ready for toilet training. While some children show signs early, others may take longer — and both are perfectly normal.
Here are some common readiness signs:
- Staying dry for more extended periods
- Showing interest in the toilet or bathroom
- Noticing (or disliking) a wet nappy
- Telling you when they are going, or have just gone
- Beginning to recognise body cues
Readiness isn't just physical — emotional and developmental readiness matter too. You'll often find progress is smoother when your child feels secure, supported, and involved in the process. If the signs aren't there yet, there's no need to rush.
Creating a Supportive Toilet Training Environment
A calm, predictable environment helps children feel safe and in control. Small changes can make a big difference:
Make the bathroom child-friendly
Keep a footstool, child seat, or small potty available. Let your child explore at their own pace so the space feels familiar.
Use simple, positive language
Short, precise phrases like "Let's sit on the toilet" or "Time to try" can help build understanding without putting pressure on the child.
Create predictable routines
Regular toileting times — after meals, before bath, before bed — help build habits.
Encourage independence
Let your child pick undies or choose a favourite book for toilet time. These little choices help them feel involved and capable.
Reduce sensory overload
Bright lights, cold floors, or loud flushing can feel overwhelming for some children. Adjusting the environment can help them stay calm and focused.
Step-by-Step Toilet Training Tips for All Families
While no two journeys look the same, these practical strategies support most children:
1. Start with sitting practice
Encourage your child to sit on the toilet (or potty) regularly, even if they don't go. This toilet time helps build familiarity and confidence.
2. Use modelling and visuals
Show your child what happens step by step. Picture charts, songs, or social stories can make the process more transparent and more engaging.
3. Keep routines consistent
Predictability helps children understand what's coming next — especially those with additional needs.
4. Celebrate the small wins
Every try counts! Praise effort rather than success. It keeps motivation high without adding pressure.
5. Stay calm through accidents
Accidents are an expected part of learning. A gentle "That's okay, let's clean up together" helps maintain confidence.
6. Encourage hydration
Drinking regularly helps children recognise the feeling of needing to go and gives more practice opportunities.
Supporting Children with Additional Needs
Many families in the JettProof community have children with Autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, or developmental delays. These children may approach toilet training differently — and that's perfectly okay. Their challenges often relate to interoception (the recognition of internal body cues), sensory sensitivities, communication differences, or anxiety around new routines.
Here are some gentle, effective strategies:
Use visual supports
Step-by-step picture charts or schedules provide structure and predictability.
Try social stories
Simple, personalised stories help children understand what to expect and reduce uncertainty.
Allow gradual exposure
Let your child get used to the bathroom environment before expecting them to sit or try.
Support sensory needs
Soft lighting, familiar scents, or soothing sensory clothing can help your child stay regulated.
Repeat steps often
Children with additional needs may require more time and practice. Repetition builds comfort and confidence.
Above all, remember: toilet training isn't a race. Progress looks different for every child, and every small step forward is something to celebrate.
How JettProof Products Can Support Toilet Training Success
While no product replaces patience and encouragement, the right tools can make toilet training gentler and less stressful for the whole family. Many families use JettProof products to support body awareness, reduce anxiety, and manage accidents along the way.
JettProof Shorts
Our compression shorts provide calming sensory input while helping support body and bladder awareness. Some children with sensory needs have difficulty recognising the feeling of needing to go — compression can help sharpen these internal cues. The shorts are also comfortable under clothing and great for daytime wear during training. They are also great for kids who wriggle or fidget.
JettProof Suits
Made with easy-to-open crotch fastenings, JettProof suits make nappy changes simpler during the transition phase. They're also ideal for children who undress unexpectedly or seek deep pressure input. These suits help keep nappies secure while supporting comfort and regulation.
JettProof Singlet
One of our most loved products, the JettProof singlet, provides gentle compression that helps regulate the nervous system. A calm, regulated child is often more aware of their body cues and feels more settled during routines — including toilet training. Many families find that when their child feels grounded, they're better able to notice the sensations associated with needing to go.
Encouraging Confidence, Patience, and Positivity
Toilet training can test patience, especially when progress feels slow or inconsistent. Keeping the experience low-pressure and supportive helps children stay confident and motivated.
A few gentle reminders:
- Focus on effort rather than outcomes
- Avoid comparing your child's progress with others
- Use calm, encouraging language
- Celebrate every small step
- Stay flexible — some days go better than others
When parents stay positive, children tend to feel more secure and capable.
Nighttime Toilet Training: What to Expect
Nighttime dryness usually develops later than daytime readiness — sometimes months or even years later. This delay is entirely normal.
Helpful tips include:
- Limiting drinks close to bedtime (without restricting hydration)
- Encouraging a toilet visit before sleep
- Using waterproof bedding for stress-free nights
- Keeping spare pyjamas and bedding nearby
Nighttime training takes time, and many children need their bodies to mature before they can stay dry through the night.
When to Seek Extra Support
If toilet training is causing distress for your child or family, or if you're unsure whether your child is ready, support is available. Speaking with your GP, an occupational therapist, paediatrician, or continence nurse can help identify strategies tailored to your child's needs.
There's no shame in asking for help — it simply means you're supporting your child in the best way you can.
Every Child Gets There in Their Own Time
Toilet training looks different for every family, and that's part of what makes the journey so personal. Whether your child races ahead, takes small steady steps, or needs extra support along the way, each milestone is worth celebrating.
With patience, encouragement, and the right tools, your child will get there — in their own time and in their own way. And JettProof is here to support you through every stage of the journey.
References
Department of Community and Justice
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or treatment. While we aim to provide accurate information and personal insights to support our valued customers and community, we strongly advise consulting with a Doctor, Psychologist or other qualified medical professionals.