If your toddler is starting to show some of the signs of readiness for potty training then there are a few things you can do in preparation for the big day:

Talk about poo!

If your family hasn’t already got words for wee and poo (wee and poo are fine by the way) then develop some potty vocab by talking about it as often as possible. Let your child see you on the loo and explain what you’re doing. Or start changing his nappy in the bathroom and show him how you empty it into the toilet.

Make friends with the potty

Have a potty or two around well before you need them so your child can get comfortable with the look and feel of it. Show them how to sit on it or practise with a willing teddy. Sitting on the potty fully clothed is fine but also try it before bath-time so they get used to the feeling of it on bare skin.

Have a poo diary

Make a mental note of when your toddler usually has his bowel movements. It will be easier to make it to the potty or toilet in time if you know roughly when it’s coming. As for wees, there are some key times to catch these too: put your child on the potty:

• as soon as he wakes up in the morning
• before bedtime
• before nap-time
• 10 minutes after eating
• when you see him crossing his legs or hopping from foot to foot

Go pants shopping

For potty training parents, pants with Iggle Piggle or Roary the Racing Car are a godsend. Make it a Big Boy or Big Girl Shopping Trip and let your child enjoy choosing which colour or character they want. Let them practise putting the new pants on and taking them off. Oh and buy plenty of pairs…

Dress them in less

Potty training is the time to say goodbye to dungarees, tights, Batman costumes and one-piece PJs for a while. These are just too fiddly to undo when you’re dashing for an emergency wee. Give your child every chance of making it in time.

A mum’s view

Bryony, Gemma’s mum says:
“Before we started potty training Gemma, we started potty training all her dolls. It helped her learn a little routine and by the time she was ready to use the potty herself she was able to talk herself through all the stages and actions.”

The expert view

Paediatrician and author Vincent Iannelli, M.D .says

“Even if your child isn't totally ready to begin potty training, there’s plenty you can do to become aware of their bodily functions. Whenever he urinates or has a bowel movement, change his nappy and ask him if he wants to use the potty next time. If your child has begun to tell you about having a dirty nappy praise him for telling you and encourage him to tell you earlier next time.”