Potty Training Regression: Why It Happens and How to Respond

Your toddler was doing so well. They were using the potty, staying dry for long stretches, maybe even telling you when they needed to go. You felt like you'd cracked it. But now, all of a sudden, you're back to wet pants, potty refusals, or complete meltdowns. It’s like everything’s gone backwards.

And it’s frustrating. You start questioning everything:
Did I start too soon? Did I mess this up? What changed?
Maybe you’re wondering if you need to go back to nappies, or whether this means your child wasn’t really ready.

Regressions don’t just test your patience — they can knock your confidence. And they often show up right when life already feels chaotic: a new baby, nursery starting, a house move, holidays, illness… All of it can disrupt your toddler’s rhythm and sense of control.

The truth is, potty training regressions are incredibly common. And it doesn't mean you've failed or that your child has. In fact, it’s a totally normal part of the learning process for many toddlers.

Let’s look at what’s really going on behind a regression — and how to respond in a way that supports your child and gets things back on track.

What Is a Potty Training Regression?

Potty training regression is when a child who was previously using the potty successfully begins to resist or avoid it, or has an increase in accidents. It might look like:

• Frequent wees or poos in their pants

• Refusing to sit on the potty

• Holding in wees or poos

• Wetting during the day after previously staying dry

This often throws parents off because it feels like backtracking — but in most cases, the skills are still there. It’s usually not about forgetting. It’s about something emotional or developmental getting in the way.

Why It Happens

There are several common triggers for potty regressions:

• Life changes or stress
  Starting nursery, moving house, a parent returning to work, or welcoming a new sibling can all throw your toddler’s emotional world off balance.

• Illness or pain
  A tummy bug or painful poo can make your child fearful of going again. They might start holding in their wee or poo to avoid discomfort.

• Boundary testing
  As toddlers grow in independence, they often push back against things that feel like demands - even things they were previously happy to do.

• Pressure
  If your child feels pushed, rushed, or overly praised for success, it can lead to anxiety around getting it “right” which in turn leads to resistance or avoidance.

• Switching back and forth
  Using nappies or pull-ups intermittently can confuse toddlers about what’s expected, leading to more accidents or hesitation.

How to Respond (Without Making It Worse)

Stay calm and neutral.
Even though it’s frustrating, reacting with disappointment or pressure can make the regression worse. Say something like, “Your pants are wet. Let’s get you dry,” without turning it into a big moment.

Don’t bribe or punish.
This teaches your child to focus on pleasing you, rather than tuning into their body cues. It also adds unnecessary pressure.

Take it back to basics.
If your child is suddenly having lots of accidents, try going back to the start — literally. Remove their underwear when you're at home for a few days. This removes the physical barrier and helps them reconnect with the sensation of needing to wee or poo. Many toddlers stop noticing the feeling once they’ve been in pants for a while. But being bare-bottomed can help “reboot” that body awareness and often gets things moving in the right direction again.

Stick with it (gently).
Unless the regression is very extreme or your child is clearly distressed, it’s usually better to stay consistent rather than going back to nappies. Returning to nappies can delay progress and confuse expectations.

Watch for signs of fear or pain.
If your child is withholding poos, straining, or seems scared of going, it’s worth checking for constipation or physical discomfort. Painful experiences can quickly lead to avoidance.

Remember regression isn’t failure. It’s not proof you started too soon or did it “wrong.” It’s simply a bump in the road, one that almost all toddlers experience in some form. Often, it’s a sign they’re coping with something big in their little world.

What matters most is how you respond. Gentle consistency, clear boundaries, and emotional safety will help them find their way back.