Congratulations, you’re now a potty whisperer! You’re ecstatic as you watch your little one graduate from the final phase of potty training. You have ditched those nappies and you are so proud of your little potty training star! Now you have to get ready to send your child back to nursery or a childminder.
But as you pack their bag, you can’t help but feel a flutter of butterflies in your stomach. All you wonder is…. Will the transition to nursery after potty training at home be smooth sailing? Let’s face it – potty training was hard work. And when you add in the uncertainty of nursery or preschool, it’s enough to make any parent anxious. But fear not! With a little preparation and some patience, you can make the transition from home to nursery smooth sailing. So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to conquer the day with our tips. Your little one has got this – and so do you!
Plant the Idea
Start talking to your child about using the toilet at the nursery even before they go back. Explain that they will need to use the toilet just like they do at home but in a different setting. Use positive language and reassure your child that using the potty or toilet at the nursery is a normal part of their routine.
Visit the Nursery Beforehand
Ensure that your child feels comfortable using the nursery’s bathroom facilities. If needed and possible, arrange a visit to the nursery, childminder or preschool together with your child before the official return. Explain to your child how it works there, where they need to go, who they can go with, and how to let someone know that they need to go. This can help your child become familiar with the environment, including the bathrooms, and encourage toilet use.
Team up With Nursery Staff
Communicate with the nursery or preschool staff about your child’s potty training progress and any specific routines or strategies that have been successful at home.
What is your child’s pattern?
How often do they normally need to wee and poo?
Does your child say when they need to go or should the nursery staff put them on the toilet at set times?
When did your child last wee and poo? Does your child prefer to use the potty or the toilet?
This will help the nursery staff understand your child’s needs and provide consistent support. Discuss their approach to potty training and see if they can provide similar support at the nursery.
Pack Familiar Potty Training Items
Pack familiar potty training items from home, such as their favorite cuddly toy or their special underwear, to create a sense of consistency and familiarity between home and nursery. Having these items at the nursery can help your child feel more comfortable and confident using the potty or toilet.
Pack a Number of Sets of Extra Clothing
Pack extra clothing, including underwear, pants, and socks, in your child’s nursery bag in case of accidents. For more tips, check out the ideal potty training wardrobe. Please, don’t forget to label them with your child’s name to avoid mix-ups.
Provide Clear Instructions
Teach your child how to ask for help when they need to use the toilet at the nursery. Let them know it’s okay to ask a teacher or caregiver for assistance.
Embrace Nursery Routines
Follow the nursery’s routine for bathroom breaks and encourage your child to use the toilet during those times. This will help them align with the nursery’s schedule and expectations.
Practice Patience and Support
Remember how you used to stock up on those nappies? Remember to stock up on patience just like that. Trust us, you’ll need it! Remember that just like with potty training at home, accidents can happen during this period of transition to nursery. It’s very normal that in the beginning, your child will have some more accidents at the nursery. Be patient and supportive, and avoid shaming or punishing your child for accidents, as this can negatively impact their potty training progress. Encourage them to keep trying, and reassure them that it’s all part of the learning process.
Stay Connected
Make the nursery squad your partners in potty training crime! Keep an open line of communication with nursery staff to address any concerns, progress, or setbacks. Collaborating with them can help ensure consistency and support for your child’s potty training journey.
And is your little one, not quite fully potty trained? Are you perhaps still facing some issues with pooing? Don’t worry, this is very normal. Read more about dealing with poo problems here.
Remember, each child is one-of-a-kind, so your little one might need some extra time to get cozy using the potty chair or toilet at the nursery. Keep your spirits high, stay consistent, and collaborate with the nursery team to create a nurturing space for your child’s potty adventures beyond the home front. With a pinch of patience and oodles of practice, your tiny tot will be on the fast track to nursery potty training success.
As you send your little one to a nursery, you worry about all your hard work going to waste. But rest assured, this won’t be the case. There will probably be some more accidents (even though your child is completely dry at home). This is all part of the learning process. Would you like some more tips about potty training or going out and about right after potty training? Download the Go Potty app and check out our FAQ section.