Your Readiness Checklist

Potty training is a huge milestone, and for parents who use cloth nappies, the transition is often smoother because the child is more aware of wetness. This guide is designed to help you recognize the signs and prepare your child (and your wash routine!) for success.

Phase 1: Recognizing the Readiness Signs

Switching to training pants too early can lead to frustration for both you and your child. We recommend looking for a combination of these behavioral and physical cues:

The Potty Training Readiness Checklist

• Physical Control:

[ ] Your child is staying dry for longer periods (2+ hours) during the day.

[ ] They are waking up dry from naps consistently.

[ ] They can pull their own pants/nappies up and down.

[ ] They show a consistent pattern of bowel movements (poo).

• Behavioral Awareness:

[ ] They show an interest in the toilet or potty, or in what adults/siblings do in the bathroom.

[ ] They verbally tell you they have a wet or dirty nappy after the event.

[ ] They start hiding or retreating when having a bowel movement.

[ ] They can follow simple two-step directions (e.g., "Go to the toilet," or "Take off your nappy").

Action Threshold: If your child meets 4 or more of these criteria consistently, they are likely ready to start the transition process.

Phase 2: Leveraging Cloth Nappies for Training Success

Cloth nappies are your biggest ally in this phase because they allow the child to feel wetness immediately, creating a stronger connection between the action and the result—something plastic disposables often mask.

Optimising Your Toddler Nappies During Prep

Before you switch to training pants, ensure your current [Link to Toddler Upgrade Bundle] is still performing optimally, as heavy leaks can derail confidence.

• Focus on the Feel: Use just the cotton insert without a liner for certain periods to enhance the wet feeling.

• Easy Access: Ensure your [Link to OSFM Nappy Cover] snaps are easy for the child to undo themselves, encouraging independence.

• Managing Night Leaks: If your child is dry all day but still soaking at night, keep them in their [Link to Toddler Nappy] with extra boosting until they achieve sustained overnight dryness. Night training is usually the final step.

Phase 3: The Transition Kit (Your Essential Products)

Your new products should be positioned as the necessary tools for this stage.

The Three Tools for Potty Success

1. Potty Training Pants:  Training pants are absorbent enough to catch minor accidents but thin enough to feel like real underwear. They are the ideal bridge between a nappy and undies.

2. Extra Toddler Inserts: Accidents happen! Keep a few high-absorbency [Link to Toddler Nappy Inserts] on hand for car journeys or prolonged outings where confidence is still low. They offer reassurance without reverting to full nappies.

3. The Ultimate Wipes Stash: You'll be cleaning hands, floors, and potties more than ever. Our durable [Link to Large Cloth Wipes - 30 pack] are perfect for these tasks and easy to toss in the wash after use.

Your Wash Routine for Accidents

Don't abandon your routine! Simply treat training pants with accidents exactly like a soiled nappy:

1. Flush solids into the toilet.

2. Run a Pre-Wash cycle.

3. Run a Main Wash cycle with the rest of your laundry.

Our [Link back to The Botanic Baby Wash Method Pillar Page] remains the gold standard for hygiene throughout the entire potty training process.