Baby Potty Training Mommy | Practical Tips & Guides for Parents

Potty Training Regression: Why It Happens and Exactly How to Handle It

My Child Was Doing So Well — And Then This Happened

I remember the exact moment it started. My son had been using the potty independently for nearly two months. We had celebrated, donated the last of the nappy bags, and told everyone we knew. And then, one Tuesday morning, he had an accident. Then another. Then three in one day.

My heart sank. Had we done something wrong? Was there something wrong with him? Were we back to square one?

If you are reading this, you have probably been there too — or you are there right now. I want you to take a deep breath, because potty training regression is one of the most common things that happens to toddlers, and it does not mean failure. Not yours, not your child's. It is simply a normal part of the process that nobody warns you about nearly enough.

In this post I am going to walk you through exactly why regression happens, how to recognise the signs, and most importantly, what you can do to get back on track without making the situation worse.

What Is Potty Training Regression?

Potty training regression is when a child who has been successfully using the toilet — sometimes for weeks or even months — starts having accidents again. It can happen gradually, with just the odd wet accident here and there, or it can feel like an overnight reversal where your child seems to have completely forgotten everything they learned.

It is important to understand that regression is not your child being naughty or deliberately difficult. In almost every case, there is an underlying reason — and once you identify it, handling the situation becomes much more manageable.

Why Does Potty Training Regression Happen?

In my experience and from everything I have read and talked about with other parents over the years, regression almost always traces back to one of these causes:

1. A Big Life Change

Toddlers are deeply sensitive to change, even changes that seem positive to us as adults. The arrival of a new baby is probably the most common trigger — suddenly your child is competing for your attention and may unconsciously regress to more "babyish" behaviours as a way of reclaiming some of that closeness with you. But other changes can trigger it too: starting nursery or a new school, moving house, a change in childcare, travel, or even a significant disruption to the daily routine like a parent returning to work.

2. Stress or Anxiety

Even things that seem minor to adults — a new sibling's arrival, tension in the household, a change in their friendship group at nursery — can create significant anxiety for a toddler. When children feel anxious or overwhelmed, they often regress to earlier developmental stages as a form of comfort. Accidents become a way of expressing an emotion they do not yet have the words to articulate.

3. Illness

When a child is unwell — even with something as straightforward as a cold, an ear infection, or a stomach upset — their ability to tune in to their body's signals is reduced. They may simply not notice the urge to go until it is too late. In the case of urinary tract infections (UTIs), children can feel a sudden, urgent need to urinate with very little warning, making accidents almost unavoidable. If regression comes on suddenly and is accompanied by complaints of pain when weeing, unusual frequency, or a fever, always check with your doctor to rule out a UTI or other medical cause.

4. Constipation

This is one that surprises many parents. Constipation in toddlers is incredibly common, and it is closely linked to toileting accidents. When a child is constipated, the build-up of stool in the bowel puts pressure on the bladder, making it harder for them to hold on and increasing the likelihood of wetting accidents. If your child is also having difficulty with bowel movements, is complaining of tummy aches, or goes several days without a poo, constipation may be contributing to the regression.

5. They Are Simply Testing Limits

Around the ages of two and three, many children go through phases of testing boundaries in every area of life — and toileting is no exception. Some children who have been independently using the potty start having accidents simply because they are absorbed in play and do not want to stop to go, or because they are experimenting with control and autonomy. This is developmentally normal and tends to be shorter-lived than regression with a deeper emotional trigger.

6. The Novelty Has Worn Off

In the early weeks of potty training, the sticker charts, the big celebrations, and the novelty of the whole process keep many children highly motivated. Once that initial excitement fades, some children need a fresh boost of motivation to maintain the habit consistently — especially if the reward system has gradually been phased out.

Signs That Your Child Is Experiencing Regression

Regression can look different from child to child. Here are the signs to watch for:

Daytime wetting accidents after a period of dryness
Refusing to use the potty or toilet when they previously did so willingly
Asking for nappies or pull-ups back
Frequent small accidents rather than fully emptying the bladder — sometimes a sign of holding on too long or a UTI
Bowel accidents after successful bowel training
Becoming upset, clingy, or anxious around toilet time
Seeming unaware of accidents until after they have happened

If you notice several of these together, particularly if they came on suddenly, it is worth thinking about what has changed in your child's world recently — even something that happened a week or two before the regression began.

What NOT to Do When Regression Happens

Before I get to the solutions, I want to talk about the reactions that can accidentally make regression worse — because in those first exhausting days of mopping up accidents, it is very easy to react in ways that backfire.

Do Not React with Anger or Frustration

I know this is easier said than done. When you are on your fifth outfit change of the day and you can see the potty sitting right there unused, it is genuinely hard not to show your frustration. But expressing anger at accidents — even if you immediately feel guilty and apologise — creates anxiety around toileting, which almost always makes regression last longer. Your child is not having accidents at you. They are struggling with something, and they need you to be their safe landing place.

Do Not Shame or Embarrass

Comments like "You're too old for this," "Only babies have accidents," or "Your friends don't do this" feel harmless in the moment but can cause real harm to a child's confidence and create shame around a basic bodily function. Shame does not motivate toddlers — it disconnects them.

Do Not Go Straight Back to Nappies Full Time

Unless your child is deeply distressed and clearly not ready, going back to full-time nappies can confuse the process and prolong the overall training journey. Pull-ups as a temporary bridge can be appropriate in some situations — particularly for night-time or long outings during a difficult phase — but as a general rule, maintaining the expectation of using the toilet during the day is helpful.

Do Not Make Toileting a Power Struggle

If your child is going through a limit-testing phase and they sense that accidents get a big reaction from you, they may continue for longer simply because of the attention and control it gives them. Try to keep your response to accidents calm and matter-of-fact — clean up with minimal fuss, restate the expectation gently, and move on.

What TO Do: How to Handle Potty Training Regression

Here is what I have found works — both from my own experience and from the collective wisdom of parents who have been through this.

1. Stay Calm and Respond Without Drama

Your reaction to accidents sets the emotional tone for the whole process. A calm, neutral response — "Oh, you had an accident. That's okay. Let's get you changed and try the potty next time" — keeps the situation from becoming charged and keeps the lines of communication open.

2. Look for the Underlying Cause

Ask yourself: What has changed? Has there been a big event, a new stress, a change at nursery or home? Has your child been unwell? Are they eating enough fibre and drinking enough water? The sooner you identify the root cause, the sooner you can address it. Sometimes just acknowledging to your child that you know things feel different right now — "I know it's a big change having a new baby in the house. It's okay to feel funny about it" — can help enormously.

3. Go Back to Basics Temporarily

There is no shame in temporarily reintroducing the structures that worked early in training. Bring back scheduled potty trips every 90 minutes to two hours. Sit with your child during potty time rather than sending them alone. Reintroduce verbal reminders before activities, after meals, and before leaving the house. Think of it as a refresher rather than starting from scratch — because it is.

4. Reintroduce Positive Reinforcement

If the sticker charts and small rewards have faded away, now is a good time to bring them back — even if they felt unnecessary a few months ago. A simple reward chart where your child earns a sticker for every successful trip to the toilet can re-engage their motivation quickly. Keep the bar achievable: reward any attempt at the toilet, not just complete successes, while regression is actively happening.

Some parents find that switching up the reward system helps — if stickers have lost their novelty, try a marble jar, a stamp on the hand, or choosing a special book at bedtime after a good day. Small, immediate rewards work best for toddlers because they live very much in the present moment.

5. Address the Underlying Cause Directly

If a new baby is involved: Carve out intentional one-on-one time with your older child every day — even just 15 minutes of play where they are the sole focus. Involve them in baby care in small ways so they feel included rather than replaced. Acknowledge their mixed feelings openly and without judgment.

If starting nursery or a change of setting is the trigger: Talk to the key worker or teacher about the regression so they can support consistent toilet routines during the day. Make sure your child knows exactly who to tell if they need the toilet, and that the adults there will respond kindly.

If constipation is a factor: Increase water intake, add more fruit and fibre-rich foods (pears, prunes, and kiwi fruit are particularly effective), and encourage plenty of movement. In persistent cases, speak to your doctor or health visitor — they can advise on appropriate short-term treatment.

If illness is the cause: Simply wait it out, maintain as much routine as possible, and do not introduce new expectations while your child is unwell. Most children return to their previous level of independence relatively quickly once they are well again.

6. Give Extra Physical Affection and Reassurance

This sounds simple, but it is genuinely powerful. A child who is going through regression is often a child who is feeling unsettled and in need of more connection. Extra cuddles, more time reading together, and more verbal reassurance — "I love you and I know you are going to get the hang of this again" — address the emotional root of the regression in ways that no reward chart can.

7. Keep Your Expectations Realistic

Regression rarely resolves in a day or two. Most episodes last anywhere from one to four weeks. If regression has been going on for six weeks or more without any improvement, or if it is accompanied by significant emotional distress, bedwetting in a previously dry child, or physical symptoms, do discuss it with your GP or health visitor.

When Will It End?

This is the question every exhausted parent wants answered, and I wish I could give you a precise timeline. What I can tell you, from personal experience and from over fifteen years of writing about potty training, is this: it always ends.

With patience, calm consistency, a bit of detective work to find the cause, and a generous helping of grace for both yourself and your child, regression passes. Your child has not forgotten how to use the toilet — they are simply navigating something difficult, and they need you in their corner.

You have been there before. You will get through this too.

A Quick Summary: Handling Potty Training Regression

Stay calm — your reaction matters more than the accident itself
Find the cause — change, stress, illness, constipation, or limit-testing
Go back to basics — scheduled trips, reminders, and structured routines
Reintroduce rewards — sticker charts, stamps, or a reward jar
Address the root cause — one-on-one time, diet changes, nursery communication
Give extra affection — connection is the fastest route back to confidence
Be patient — most regression resolves within one to four weeks

Have you been through potty training regression with your little one? I would love to hear what helped you in the comments below — your experience might be exactly what another parent needs to read today.

And if you are still in the thick of the initial potty training journey, you might find these posts helpful too:

Written by Baby Potty Training Mommy — a mom sharing real-world potty training advice since 2010. Read more about me here.

Potty Training Boys: 7 Tips That Actually Work

My Tips for Potty Training Boys Successfully

Understanding the Importance of Potty Training for Boys

Potty training has been a significant journey for me and my son, marking a crucial developmental milestone. It signifies his growth from relying on diapers to embracing independence in using the toilet. This process has instilled a sense of autonomy and self-assurance in him, laying the groundwork for healthy habits and behaviors as he continues to grow.

Recognizing Signs of Readiness in Boys for Potty Training

Physical and Emotional Indicators

Through my experience, I've learned to observe physical cues such as extended periods of dryness, the ability to sit and walk independently, and an expressed interest in imitating adult behaviour. Additionally, understanding emotional readiness, like a willingness to cooperate and follow instructions, has proven essential for a successful training journey.

Assessing Cognitive Milestones

Understanding my boy's cognitive milestones, such as his ability to communicate basic needs and comprehend simple instructions, has been crucial in determining his readiness for potty training. It's been important for me to be mindful of his cognitive development and adjust my training approach accordingly.

Creating the Perfect Environment for Effective Potty Training

Choosing a Personalized Potty Seat

I've found that selecting a potty seat that suits my child's comfort and preferences has played a pivotal role in creating a successful training experience. Ensuring the seat is inviting and easily accessible has encouraged my son to use it confidently and comfortably.

Establishing a Supportive and Nurturing Atmosphere

By fostering a positive and encouraging environment, I've played a vital role in motivating my son during his potty training journey. Acknowledging his efforts, offering reassurance, and celebrating each small achievement have boosted his sense of accomplishment and kept him motivated.

Developing a Consistent Potty Training Routine

Strategic Timing for Effective Training

Implementing a consistent routine that aligns with my son's daily schedule has significantly enhanced the learning process. Encouraging regular potty breaks, especially after meals and naps, has reinforced his habit of using the toilet regularly.

Using Positive Reinforcement Techniques

My experience has taught me that utilizing positive reinforcement methods such as verbal praise, small rewards, or a personalized sticker chart has been instrumental in celebrating successful toilet trips. This positive feedback has encouraged my son to persist in his efforts and grasp the training process more effectively.

Communication Strategies: Encouraging My Boy through the Process

Employing Positive Language and Motivational Techniques

Using positive language and offering words of affirmation and appreciation has boosted my son's confidence and created a positive association with potty training. Encouraging him with motivational phrases has fostered a healthy attitude towards learning this new skill.

Tackling Communication Challenges Together

By being patient and understanding during moments of communication challenges, I've created a supportive environment that encourages open communication. Providing clear instructions, demonstrating the steps, and offering reassurance have helped address any concerns or uncertainties my son has faced.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Setbacks

Addressing Anxiety and Fear

In my experience, I've come to realize that it's common for boys to encounter anxiety or fear during the potty training journey. Creating a safe space for my son to express his concerns and providing the necessary reassurance and support has been crucial in alleviating his fears and building his confidence.

Strategies for Handling Regression

In cases of regression, I've maintained patience and understanding while identifying the underlying causes. Going back to the basics, reinforcing positive habits, and offering additional support and encouragement have been essential in helping my son regain his confidence and motivation in his potty training progress.

Encouraging Independence and Confidence

Promoting Self-initiated Potty Trips

Encouraging my son to recognize his body's signals and take the initiative to use the potty independently has empowered him to communicate his needs and take charge of his potty training routine. This has fostered a sense of independence and responsibility in him.

Fostering a Sense of Autonomy

Nurturing my son's self-assurance and autonomy by allowing him to actively participate in his potty training journey has been key. Providing him with opportunities to make choices, celebrating his accomplishments, and fostering a positive attitude towards mastering this essential life skill has been an enriching experience.

Celebrating Every Step: Maintaining a Positive Outlook

Acknowledging Each Milestone

Recognizing and celebrating each milestone achieved during the potty training process, no matter how small, has been integral. Encouraging my son's efforts and expressing pride in his progress has instilled in him a positive outlook and reinforced his confidence and self-esteem.

Embracing Learning from Mistakes

Normalizing the occurrence of mistakes and accidents during the training process has been crucial. Encouraging a forgiving and understanding environment that emphasizes growth and learning has allowed my son to develop resilience and perseverance as he navigates this new experience.

In hindsight, the potty training journey has taught me the significance of patience, understanding, and consistent support as a caregiver. By creating a positive and nurturing environment, encouraging effective communication, and fostering independence, I've guided my son through this crucial milestone with confidence and positivity, paving the way for a successful transition to independent toileting and hoping these 7 tips for potty training boys have been helpful to you.

How to Potty Train a Maltipoo: 5 Steps That Actually Work

If you are the proud owner of a maltipoo, you might be wondering how to potty train your adorable furry friend. Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle, and they are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affection. However, they can also be stubborn and easily distracted, which can make potty training a challenge. But don't worry, with some patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your maltipoo to do its business in the right place. Here are some tips to help you potty train your maltipoo:

1. Choose a designated potty spot. Whether you want your maltipoo to go outside or use a litter box or a pee pad indoors, you need to pick a specific spot and stick to it. This will help your maltipoo associate that spot with going potty and avoid confusion. Make sure the spot is easily accessible, clean, and comfortable for your maltipoo.

2. Establish a routine. Maltipoos thrive on routine and structure, so it's important to set a regular schedule for feeding, playing, and pottying. Generally, you should take your maltipoo to its potty spot first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after playtime, and before bedtime. Try to keep the intervals between potty breaks consistent and avoid changing them too often.

3. Use a crate. Crate training can be a useful tool for potty training your maltipoo, as it can prevent accidents and teach your maltipoo to hold its bladder. Maltipoos are den animals and they don't like to soil their sleeping area, so they will try to avoid peeing or pooping in their crate. However, you need to make sure the crate is the right size for your maltipoo: it should be big enough for your maltipoo to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not too big that it can use one corner as a bathroom. You also need to make sure you don't leave your maltipoo in the crate for too long: as a rule of thumb, you can leave your maltipoo in the crate for one hour per month of age, plus one hour. For example, if your maltipoo is three months old, you can leave it in the crate for four hours at most.

4. Reward success. Positive reinforcement is the key to potty training your maltipoo. Whenever your maltipoo goes potty in the right spot, praise it enthusiastically and give it a treat or a toy. This will make your maltipoo feel happy and motivated to repeat the behavior. On the other hand, never punish or scold your maltipoo for having an accident: this will only make your maltipoo fearful and anxious and may cause more problems in the future.

5. Be patient and consistent. Potty training your maltipoo may take some time and effort, but don't give up or lose hope. Every dog is different and learns at its own pace: some may master potty training in a few weeks, while others may take months. The important thing is to be patient and consistent with your maltipoo: follow the same routine every day, use the same commands and cues, and reward every success. With enough love and guidance, your maltipoo will eventually learn where to go potty and become a well-trained companion.

How to Potty Train a Yorkie Puppy: The Complete Owner's Guide

If you have a baby yorkie, you might be wondering how to potty train them. Potty training is an essential skill that will make your life easier and your pup happier. In this blog post, I will share with you some tips and tricks on how to potty train your baby yorkie in a fun and effective way.

First of all, you need to understand that potty training is a process that takes time and patience. Your baby yorkie is still learning and developing, so don't expect them to be perfect right away. You need to be consistent, positive and supportive of your pup throughout the training.

One of the most important things you need to do is to establish a routine. Your baby yorkie needs to know when and where to go potty. You can use a crate, a playpen, or a designated area in your house as their potty spot. Make sure it is clean, comfortable and accessible for your pup. You also need to take them out regularly, especially after they wake up, eat, drink or play. A good rule of thumb is to take them out every hour or two

When you take your baby yorkie out, use a cue word or phrase like "go potty" or "let's go outside". This will help them associate the word with the action and make it easier for them to learn. Praise and reward your pup when they do their business in the right place. You can use treats, toys, or verbal praise as rewards. Make sure you do it immediately after they finish, so they know what they did right.

If your baby yorkie has an accident in the house, don't scold or punish them. This will only make them scared and confused. Instead, calmly clean up the mess and take them out to their potty spot. If you catch them in the act, interrupt them with a clap or a firm "no" and take them out right away. Then praise and reward them when they go potty outside.

Remember that potty training is not a one-time thing. You need to keep reinforcing the behavior until it becomes a habit for your pup. You also need to be aware of any changes in your pup's environment or schedule that might affect their potty routine. For example, if you move to a new house, travel with your pup, or introduce a new pet or family member, you might need to adjust your potty training accordingly.

Potty training your baby yorkie can be challenging but rewarding. With some patience, consistency and positivity, you can help your pup become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. I hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy potty training!

Sharing Photos of Your Child Online: Risks Every Parent Should Know

If you are a parent, you might have wondered whether it is safe to share pictures of your children online. Maybe you want to show off their cute outfits, their achievements, or their funny moments. Maybe you want to keep in touch with your family and friends who live far away. Maybe you want to document your children's growth and development. Whatever your reasons are, sharing pictures of your children online can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. But it can also come with some risks and challenges.

In this blog post, I will explore some of the pros and cons of sharing pictures of your children online, and offer some tips on how to do it safely and responsibly.

Pros of sharing pictures of your children online:

- It can help you connect with your loved ones. Sharing pictures of your children online can help you stay in touch with your relatives and friends who might not see them often. It can also help you meet new people who share similar interests or experiences as parents. You can exchange advice, support, and feedback with other parents online, and create a sense of community.

- It can boost your self-esteem and happiness. Sharing pictures of your children online can make you feel proud and happy about your parenting journey. It can also help you appreciate the positive aspects of your life, and celebrate the milestones and achievements of your children. You might receive compliments, encouragement, and appreciation from your online audience, which can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

- It can create a digital scrapbook for your children. Sharing pictures of your children online can help you preserve the memories of their childhood. You can create a digital album that showcases their growth and development over the years. You can also add captions, stories, or comments to the pictures, to give them more context and meaning. You can revisit these pictures anytime you want, and share them with your children when they grow up.

Cons of sharing pictures of your children online:

- It can expose your children to privacy and security risks. Sharing pictures of your children online can make them vulnerable to identity theft, cyberbullying, harassment, or exploitation. Some people might use the pictures for malicious purposes, such as creating fake profiles, stealing personal information, or targeting them for scams or abuse. Some pictures might also reveal sensitive details about your children's location, school, hobbies, or preferences, which could put them in danger.

- It can affect your children's consent and autonomy. Sharing pictures of your children online can infringe on their right to privacy and consent. Your children might not want their pictures to be shared online, or they might not understand the implications of doing so. They might feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or violated by the exposure of their personal lives. They might also resent you for making decisions for them without their input or approval.

- It can create unrealistic expectations and comparisons. Sharing pictures of your children online can make you feel pressured to present a perfect image of your family life. You might edit, filter, or stage the pictures to make them look more appealing or impressive. You might also compare yourself and your children to other parents and children online, who might seem more successful or happier than you. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction, or envy.

Tips on how to share pictures of your children online safely and responsibly:

- Ask for your children's permission before sharing their pictures online. If they are old enough to understand what it means to share pictures online, you should respect their wishes and opinions. If they are too young to give consent, you should consider whether sharing their pictures online is in their best interest or not.

- Choose a secure and private platform to share your pictures online. You should avoid posting your pictures on public or open platforms that anyone can access or download. You should also check the privacy settings and policies of the platforms you use, and make sure they protect your data and rights. You should also limit the number of people who can see your pictures online, and only share them with people you trust.

- Be careful about what you share online. You should avoid sharing pictures that show your children's faces, names, birthdates, addresses, schools, or other identifiable information. You should also avoid sharing pictures that show them in compromising or inappropriate situations, such as bathing, sleeping, or crying. You should also think about how the pictures might affect your children's reputation or future opportunities.

- Delete or archive the pictures when they are no longer relevant or needed. You should not keep the pictures online forever, as they might become outdated or unwanted over time. You should delete or archive the pictures when they are no longer useful or meaningful to you or your children. You should also ask the platforms you use to delete or archive the pictures from their servers.