16mo–2.2y10 minToiletingSelf-careFamily time
Potty Ways: Sit or Stand Routine
A gentle, low-pressure toileting routine where you aligns cultural expectations (including sitting vs standing for boys) and helps your child notice body cues and communicate toileting needs with confidence.
What you'll need
Essentials
- access to your usual toilet/potty area
- toilet paper or wipes
- soap and a hand towel for handwashing
Nice to have
- a sturdy step stool or small box for foot support
- a favourite small book to look at while sitting
- spare clothes for accidents
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneShows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Body· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneStarts to communicate urination, bowel movement.Body· 8mo–20mo· core· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneSupported routine participationMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneClearly communicates wet or soiled nappy or pants.Body· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneHelps manage clothingBody· 21mo–3y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Discuss cultural expectations for toileting, since in some cultures young boys may be used to sitting rather than standing at the toilet.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)