How to deal with potty training regression?

7 Steps to help with potty training regression

1. Find the cause

Potty training regression can be caused by a new sibling, starting school, moving a house or illness.

2. Remain calm

While it might be frustrating, adding stress to the whole situation won't help. Try having a chat with your child to find out how they feel about the potty training regression and assure them it will pass. It might be helpful to go back to the start of potty training routine.

4. Visit a GP

If there were no recent changes in your child's life, it's worth taking them to a GP to make sure the potty regression is not caused by constipation or urinary infection.

5. Let them be independent (within a reason)

If your child has an accident, encourage them to tidy it up and change themselves. This might also speed up the process of potty training this time, as they will not want to waste their time on tidying up! If you do it for them, they might not be interested in taking a break from playtime to go to the toilet, as they know you will clean it up for them anyway.

6. Don't put them back in nappies or pull-ups

While it might be a tempting, easy solution, it will only prolong the regression and confuse the child. Some children might think that they no longer need to go to the toilet, as it's just easier and faster to do it in a nappy.

7. Make them familiar with a new home (if relevant)

While moving home is exciting, it can also be scary for children. After all, the toilet is in a different place and perhaps looks completely different! If your child is scared of the 'new toilet', there are a few things you can do:

• go together

• place one of their favourite toys or posters in the toilet so they will look forward to going there OR get a 'brave toy' that will always accompany them to the toilet

• light the way to the loo

If there was a toilet downstairs in the old house and now there isn't, place a potty downstairs. This is not permanent but will reduce the number of accidents. If you have carpets, you can protect them from accidents and potty spillages by placing a PeapodMat under the potty.

We hope that you find these tips helpful and you will be back on track very soon!