How to Use the Montessori Method for Toilet Learning

Are you ready for your child to start potty training? Transitioning from wearing diapers to using the toilet is a big step for the whole family. Dr. Montessori recognized that children are on a constant journey toward independence, including learning to use the toilet. 

How can you do potty training the Montessori way? Here are some tips and strategies you can use to help your child reach the next goal of achieving independence. 

Why Toilet Learning and Not Potty Training?

In the Montessori world, many educators and parents talk about “toilet learning” instead of potty training. Why? It may seem insignificant, but this change in term creates a perspective shift for everyone involved. 

Toilet learning focuses on the child’s process of learning, while potty training focuses more on the parents’ experience. In the Montessori classroom, the child is at the center. The same is true for toilet learning.

By calling this process toilet learning, we can all focus on the child’s experience and progress. Plus, it helps everyone remember that learning is something that takes time and effort. 

Tips for Toilet Learning from Birth

You can start toilet learning from birth. If you weren’t aware, that’s ok, too! You can still work on toilet learning with your toddler.

For those with infants, you can start toilet learning in several ways. One popular way is to use cloth diapers. This helps your child notice when they are wet. Change your baby as soon as possible when they’re wet or have had a bowel movement. This can help your child get used to being clean and dry and truly notice when they are not.

Montessori Toilet Learning in 5 Steps

Children are naturally curious and are driven to become independent. These five steps can help guide you and your child through the toilet learning process. As with other areas of the Montessori approach, it’s important to follow your child. They will show you when they are ready to learn. 

1. Getting Comfortable with Toilet Learning

When your child can walk, consider getting a small potty chair to keep in the bathroom. Your child will likely ask you about it or show curiosity. You can explain what the potty chair is for and invite your child to sit on it whenever they want. 

The goal is to help your child feel comfortable with the potty chair. So, if your child just wants to sit on the chair with their pants on, that’s also ok. 

A good time to invite your child to sit on the potty chair is after a diaper change. Before putting on a clean diaper, invite them to sit on the chair. If they don’t want to, you can simply move on and put the diaper on. Eventually, your child will be ready to try sitting on the chair.

2. Reading the Signs Your Child is Ready for Potty Training

According to the University of British Columbia’s Early Childhood Intervention Learning, “The ability to hold one’s bowel and bladder is largely a biological/physiological function…and cannot be rushed.” 

This means that you can help provide support and cues for your little one to learn to use the toilet. However, they will only succeed when their body is also ready. You can look for signs that your child is ready to start using the toilet. The Canadian Paediatric Society lists the signs of readiness as:

• Showing interest in using the potty. Your child might enjoy sitting on the potty chair or follow you to the bathroom.
• Your child may stay dry for several hours or wake up dry after a nap. 
• Your child may show awareness during a bowel movement by hiding or squatting. 
• Having enough balance to sit on the potty.
• Can follow simple instructions.
• Can communicate that they want to use the potty.
• Showing interest in being independent. 

3. Introducing Underwear and Using the Potty

When your child shows signs of readiness, introduce underwear. Invite your child to wear cotton underwear instead of a diaper during the day. 

Sometimes, it’s easier to introduce underwear on a weekend or a day when you don’t have any plans. That way, your child can spend the day in just their underwear, making it easier to use the potty.

Explain to your child that now, they can use the potty when they need to. Invite your child to sit on the potty several times during the day, such as after waking up and after meals. If your child takes a nap, you can invite them to use the potty before napping. 

When your child uses the potty, give positive feedback and praise. This can help your child feel more confident about using the potty. You can say, “You did it!” or “You used the potty!” with a smile. Avoid using a reward system such as a sticker chart or prizes. Your child’s independence and self-confidence is the best reward there is. 

Also, remind your child to wash their hands after using, or trying to use the potty. Keep a step stool in the bathroom so they can do this independently.