Most children can be potty trained between 18 months and two and a half years, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Start at a calm time, keep clothes easy to pull down, and praise every try. Potties cost KES 2,500 to 3,700 at Zawadi as of September 2026.
This guide covers when to start, how to choose between a potty and a toilet seat, a simple step-by-step routine, what to do about accidents, and when to ask your clinic for help.
When should you start potty training?
You can start any time from around 18 months. The NHS says almost all children can be potty trained between 18 months and two and a half years old, and that you do not need to wait for signs of readiness before you begin.
Some children do show they are aware, for example by:
- telling you when they are wet or need changing;
- showing you when they are doing a wee or a poo;
- fidgeting or going quiet just before they go.
Pick a settled time. Try not to start during a big change, such as a move, a new baby or starting day care.
Is a potty or a toilet training seat better?
Both work. A potty is a small bowl that sits on the floor, so a toddler can use it alone. A toilet needs a training seat and a step so your child can climb up safely; starting on the toilet means there is no second change to make later.
| Type | What it is | At Zawadi (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Potty with removable bowl | A floor potty; the inner bowl lifts out to empty and wash | Classic potty KES 3,700; potty for toddlers KES 3,500 |
| Toilet-style potty | Looks like a small toilet, to ease the move to the real one | Toilet-like potty trainer KES 3,000 |
| 3-in-1 system | A potty, a toilet seat and a step in one | 3-in-1 potty with music KES 2,500 |
| Toilet seat with ladder | A child seat for the family toilet, with steps up | Training seat and ladder KES 3,000; ladder toilet seat KES 3,200 |
How do you potty train a toddler, step by step?
Keep it simple and positive, and build a routine. These steps follow the NHS advice:
- Put the potty where your child can see it, and let them sit on it in their clothes to get used to it.
- Encourage a try at the same times each day: after waking up, after meals and before bed.
- Dress your child in clothes they can pull up and down easily. Avoid buttons, zips and tights.
- Watch for signs such as fidgeting or going quiet, and gently guide them to the potty.
- Praise every try, whether or not anything happens: clapping, stickers or a reward chart all work.
- Help your child wash their hands every time.
Every child learns at their own pace. If your child is upset or refuses, take a break for a week or two and try again.
What should you do when your child has an accident?
Stay calm. The NHS advises not getting angry or upset when accidents happen: clean up together and move on. Accidents are a normal part of learning, and making a fuss can make a child anxious about the potty.
Keep spare clothes, wipes and a bag in your diaper bag while you are out. Many parents use diaper pants for outings and naps in the early weeks; our diaper guide explains the sizes.
When will your child be dry at night?
Night-time dryness usually comes after a child is dry in the day, and it happens on its own, without any special training. Until then, keep using a diaper or diaper pants at night and let your child use the potty just before bed and first thing in the morning.
When should you ask your clinic for help?
Talk to your clinic if your child has hard or painful poos, often holds on and will not go, is not making progress after several months, or if you have any other worries. Constipation can make potty training harder, and your clinic can advise.
3 in 1 Potty Training Seat and Ladder
Toilet training seat with a sturdy ladder that folds for storage.
KSh 3,000
Lipa na M-Pesa Delivery across Kenya
Where can you buy a potty in Nairobi?
You can see every potty and training seat at Zawadi Baby Shop, Shop F12, IBEA Building, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. We are open Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 7pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Call or WhatsApp 0706 561 855 before you visit.
You can also order online, pay with Lipa na M-Pesa, and we deliver across Kenya. Browse our full potty training range.
Frequently asked questions
What age should a child be potty trained?
The UK National Health Service says almost all children can be potty trained between 18 months and two and a half years old. You do not need to wait for signs of readiness before you start, but pick a calm time.
Is a potty or a toilet seat better for potty training?
Both work. A potty sits on the floor, so a toddler can use it alone. A toilet training seat with a step means there is no second change to make later. Many families use a potty at first and a toilet seat later.
How long does potty training take?
Every child is different. Some learn in a few weeks, others take longer. Keep a routine, praise every try and stay calm about accidents. If your child is upset, take a short break and try again.
What should I do if my child refuses the potty?
Do not force it. Take a break for a week or two, then try again with a routine: after waking, after meals and before bed. If your child has hard or painful poos, talk to your clinic.
When will my child stay dry at night?
Night-time dryness usually comes after a child is dry in the day, and it happens on its own. Keep using a diaper or diaper pants at night until then, and use the potty just before bed.
