TOILET TRAINING

Kid's

Toilet Training

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Not sure how or when to start toilet training?

Are you looking for advice on toilet training?

Was your child toilet trained and now they have regressed and having poo or wee accidents?

Does your child have a Physical Disability such as Cerebral Palsy or sensory processing disorder such as Autism and you are keen on a more personalised toilet training program?

Are you looking for some tips, advice and products to assist with toilet training? 

When should I start toilet training?

 Your child needs to be able to tell you that they have done a poo or wee  in their nappy. This generally occurs from 18 months to 3 years. This can be in the forms of gestures or verbal. For example, your child may go and get a clean nappy and bring it to you, pull at their wet nappy or try and take it off or they may say "Mumma poo" or "Mumma nappy".


You child can follow simple 1-2 step instructions such as, sit down, pull your pants down, wipe your bottom.


Your child needs to be interested in the toileting process, i.e. your child follows you to the toilet, watches you, wants to help in the process such pulling toilet paper off, flushing the toilet.


Your child has the ability to have a dry nappy for 2 hours and/or wake up dry from their lunch nap.

How do I start toilet training?

Talk about poo and wee! It's a normal body process. When you are changing your toddlers nappy, tell them what you find, "Sam you have a wet nappy, you did a wee", this will help them with their language and understanding of toileting.


Allow them to watch you or a trusted parent or guardian use the toilet. This helps them see the process of toileting.


Make it fun! take them shopping, let them pick their own undies, have a potty party, let them put stickers on their potty, pick a poster to put in the toilet to help them feel like its a fun and exciting place to go.


Lots of encouragement and praise regardless of the outcome on the toilet. Avoid any negative comments and punishment for accidents or refusal to sit. Just try again later.


Practice on the toilet every 1-2 hours for 1 minute per their age. Set an alarm, remind them it's toilet or potty time and we are going to see if we can do a wee or poo.


It can take time for toddlers and preschoolers to get the idea of toilet training. 


If your child has a setback in the training, be positive with them. Tell them accidents happen, let's clean you up and we will put on new undies and pants and try for a wee/poo in the toilet later.

How can my Physiotherapy services help you?

Physiotherapy can help your child with toilet training. I work with all types of children and families and I have experience in working with the NDIS.


If you find that your child is not responding  to toilet training or you're having difficulty knowing where to start I am here to help you.


 I will provide you with an individualised assessment and treatment plan for your child's toilet training.


Treatment may include:

  • Real time ultrasound every appointment to assess bladder capacity, constipation
  • Advice and education on toilet training specific to you and your child's needs
  • Behavioural therapy advice which is CHILD and GOAL FOCUSED
  • Bowel/constipation management if needed


Pregnancy and Pelvic Health Diaries

Do you want to know more about your toilet training?

By Cara Richmond October 15, 2022
What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that are about as thick as the palm of your hand and they create the “floor” of your pelvic attaching from your pubic bone at the front to your coccyx bone at the back. What does the Pelvic Floor do? The pelvic floor helps to maintain control of your poo and wee, they also help to support your pelvic organs (bladder, bowel and uterus), helping to prevent them falling down into your vagina (prolapse). The pelvic floor also helps your sexual function, contributing to orgasm and arousal. How to contract your Pelvic Floor Muscles? These muscles are hidden inside our body and it can be very hard to know if we are actually contracting the muscles the right way. A lot of women actually perform the wrong movement which results in straining and pushing down of the muscles. To contract your muscles the right way I suggest the following: Sitting down on a chair, feet and back well supported Let your belly relax Palms facing up Now imagine that you are trying to stop your wee, squeeze and lift your pelvic floor muscles If the muscles are being squeezed the right way, you should feel a very small movement of your vagina lifting up from the chair Try and hold for 2-3 seconds and then relax the muscles As you relax the muscles you should feel your vagina drop into the chair Repeat this 10 times Other cues for contracting your pelvic floor muscles Imagine holding in wind Imagine drawing a tampon up your vagina Remember to not hold your breath, avoid clenching your inner thighs, jaw and buttock area

Take the next step in your pelvic health journey

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