Potty Training Regression: What Parents Should Know

Making Sure Your Toddler Is Ready 

Before starting the potty training journey, it’s important to ensure your toddler is showing signs of readiness. One of the clearest indicators is staying dry for longer stretches of time. Many pediatricians note that if a child is still wetting their diaper more than once an hour, they likely haven’t developed the bladder control needed to stay dry in underwear. They also must have the ability to follow directions, pull their pants up and down, and know when they are wet. 

Coordinate With School or Daycare 

If your child attends daycare or preschool, communication with their teachers is key. Most early-childhood programs follow consistent potty schedules and can document bathroom times and any accidents. Keeping the same schedule at home helps reduce confusion and supports faster success. 

Research shows toddlers do best when routines are predictable. Most children need toilet reminders every 1–2 hours, and consistency across environments greatly reduces regression. 

Stay Consistent and Stay Calm 

Even when you’re consistent, regression can (and does) happen. The most important thing is to stay calm and avoid any shame or punishment. Negative emotions around toileting are linked to delays and increased resistance. 

Stick to your routine, even when progress seems minimal. Children learn through repetition and structure, especially during emotionally charged transitions. If you recently increased the time between potty breaks, consider returning to shorter intervals (such as every hour) until your child regains confidence. (Pro tip: Choose a silly song or chant to use each time your child goes to the bathroom. Making the process fun reduces anxiety and power struggles.) 

Identify the Pattern 

If accidents seem to happen at specific times of day or during certain activities, look for a pattern. 

During Play: If your child is “too busy” to stop playing, try taking them to the potty before starting an exciting activity. Use a simple phrase like: “First potty, then play.” Research shows that transitions framed positively help reduce resistance. 

Bedtime Accidents

Nighttime dryness develops much later than daytime dryness and is considered normal up to age 5–7. Limiting drinks 1–2 hours before bedtime and ensuring your child uses the bathroom right before sleeping. Use a waterproof mattress protector to reduce stress and cleanup. If your child regresses during periods of stress (a new sibling, illness, starting school), remember this is extremely common and usually temporary. 

Be Cognizant of Special Needs 

If you’ve been consistent for several months, your child is over 3.5–4 years old, or you suspect sensory, developmental, or medical challenges, consult your pediatrician. Some children benefit from individualized strategies, and conditions like constipation, anxiety, or neuro developmental differences can affect toilet training.