Firstly, give yourself a pat on the back.
Choosing cloth nappies means you’re already on the fast track to toilet training. I’ve spoken to many parents and educators, read extensively, and washed literally tonnes of cloth nappies. I’m a bit of an expert—and the evidence is clear: kids in cloth nappies spend less time in nappies.
One year less.
Research, feedback from families and educators, and our own Little Droppings customers all show that kids in reusable nappies toilet train about a year earlier. Why? Because they feel when they’ve done a wee or poo. Disposables are designed to feel dry, which delays awareness—and training. In fact, toilet training age has gone up since disposables became commonplace in the late 80's.
Take their cues.
It can be hard to admit your baby’s growing up. But some kids show interest in toilet training as early as one. Go with it! Educators often say parents wait too long and miss that window of interest—making it harder later.
Open door policy.
Let them see you use the toilet. It’s natural for kids to copy what they see.
Keep the potty visible.
Get it early and keep it out. If they show signs, you can suggest trying it.
No pressure.
Start early, take your time. Without pressure, training becomes less stressful for everyone.
Be brave.
Yes, it’s daunting. The mess, the effort—it’s easy to delay. But it’s worth starting.
Adjustable nappies.
Reusable nappies can be resized so kids can pull them up and down like undies. They still provide a safety net—no need for extra “training” products.
Nappy-free time.
Letting them go without nappies helps them learn. Don’t wait for summer—you might miss the moment. One customer kept her house warm during Winter time so she wouldn't miss her child's window of interest.
Night-time wins.
Cloth nappies help here too. After weeks of dry nights, I took the plunge. We used an absorbent mattress cover, but ditched it after a week. Four years on, no bed-wetting.
Cloth nappies are your secret weapon.
Toilet training doesn’t have to be a battle. Embrace the cues, go nappy-free, and see the pride on your child's face when they achieve their goal!