Potty Training Essentials: What You Actually Need
Potty training can feel like one of those parenting milestones that comes with a never-ending shopping list.
Before I started, I assumed there would be dozens of products I needed. In reality, most children only need a setup they're comfortable using, a few practical essentials, and plenty of time to learn.
The good news is that potty training doesn't have to be complicated.
If you're still wondering whether now is the right time to begin, it may be worth reading Potty Training Signs: Is Your Child Ready? first. Choosing the right setup is important, but recognising when your child is ready often makes a much bigger difference.
Choose A Setup That Works For Your Child
One of the first decisions you'll make is which potty training setup to use.
A potty chair is often the easiest place to start. It sits on the floor, feels less intimidating, and can be moved around the house if needed.
A toilet seat insert sits on your existing toilet and helps children feel secure while using a standard toilet. Many families pair this with a step stool for stability.
A seat and ladder combination allows children to climb up independently and gives them built-in foot support. These can work well for confident toddlers who are eager to do things themselves.
There isn't a perfect option. The best setup is usually the one your child is happy to use consistently.
Some parents also find it helpful to read Starting Nursery Soon? What To Actually Expect if potty training and nursery preparation are happening around the same time, as the two often overlap.
What You'll Actually Use Most Days
Once you've chosen a setup, there are only a handful of items that most families end up reaching for repeatedly.
The essentials I would prioritise are:
Plenty of underwear
Easy pull-down clothing
Waterproof mattress protectors
A step stool
Spare clothes
A travel potty for longer trips
Easy-to-remove clothes make a bigger difference than many people realise. Elastic waistbands are often much easier than buttons, belts, dungarees, or complicated outfits when a child suddenly decides they need the toilet.
Mattress protectors can also save a lot of stress during the early stages, especially if you're beginning to tackle naps or overnight dryness later on.
If your toddler enjoys learning through play, Types of Play Explained and Home Play Activities for Toddlers can also provide ideas for introducing potty routines through everyday play and role modelling.
What helps: Products I actually used
Waterproof Mattress Protectors. Makes clean-ups much easier during accidents.
Child-sized potty – Gives children an easy and familiar place to start.
Step stool – Helps children reach sinks and toilets independently.
Potty training ladder seat – Combines a toilet seat insert and steps, helping children climb up and use the toilet more independently.
Toilet seat reducer – Useful when transitioning from a potty to the main toilet.
What Nobody Tells You About Potty Training
This is the part I think more parents need to hear.
Accidents are normal.
Some children seem to understand the process very quickly. Others take much longer. Neither approach means you're doing anything wrong.
A few things that often surprise parents:
Poos are frequently harder than wees
Regression can happen after illness, holidays, big changes, or nursery transitions
Progress is rarely perfectly linear
Pressure usually makes the process harder, not easier
One of the biggest lessons many parents learn is that consistency matters more than speed.
You haven't failed if potty training takes longer than expected.
The same principle often applies across toddler development. Baby Personality Types Explained can be a useful reminder that children approach new skills very differently from one another.
Final thought
Potty training is often much less about buying the right products and much more about finding a setup that works for your child.
Start simple, expect a few accidents, and remember that most children get there in their own time.
This isn’t professional advice — just a simple breakdown of what I’ve found helpful.
Most of this is easier to understand visually.
I’ve put all my guides into one place so you can browse them properly.
FAQs
What is the best potty training setup?
There isn't one best option. Some children prefer a potty chair, while others are happy using a toilet seat insert from the start. Comfort and consistency matter most.
Do I need a potty chair and a toilet seat insert?
Not necessarily. Many families successfully use just one setup. Start with whichever option feels most practical for your child.
How many pairs of underwear do I need for potty training?
Usually more than you think. Accidents are common in the early stages, so having plenty of spare underwear can make life easier.
Are regressions normal during potty training?
Yes. Illness, travel, starting nursery, and other big changes can all cause temporary setbacks. Regression is very common.
What is the most important thing during potty training?
Patience. Most children learn at different speeds, and putting too much pressure on the process can sometimes make it harder rather than easier.