In toddlerhood, diaper changes start to shift as your child begins learning to stay dry—usually between their second and third birthday. However, it can take some time for your child to become completely diaper-free: staying dry is a developmental process that your little explorer gradually works through. In this article, you'll learn how you can support them without applying pressure.

What changes when wrapping with a toddler?

You’ve probably already noticed how different diapering a toddler is compared to changing a baby: your child is now much more active, has a mind of their own, and may resist being diapered. By preparing them for the situation, you can raise awareness —for example, by announcing the diaper change ("I think your diaper is full; we should change it right away"). This shows that you take them seriously. You can also help actively by involving your toddler—for instance, asking them to bring the wet wipes or a fresh diaper. If your little explorer no longer wants to lie still on the changing table, you can simply move the changing area to the floor, where your child can stand if they wish. In this case, the LILLYDOO Kids Pants , which can be easily pulled up and down while standing or torn open at the sides when full, are especially practical.

If your toddler increasingly resists during diaper changes, this is often one of the signs that it may be time to gradually start potty training and reduce diaper use.

When is my child ready to be potty trained?

Bladder and bowel control matures between the second and fifth birthday, meaning your child is physically able to stay dry. However, the exact timing varies from child to child. In addition, there are a few other prerequisites for being ready to stop using diapers:

• Your child can pull down their pants independently

• Can sit on the potty or the toilet independently

• Your child is able to tell you when they need to go

• The diaper remains dry for extended periods of three to four hours

Whether your little explorer is also already so far along in their personal development can be indicated by the following signals, which suggest it may be time to begin the drying process:

• Your child is showing interest in the toilet or potty

• They withdraw when they do their business in the diaper

• No longer wants to be diapered

• Your child tells you when their diaper is full and wants it changed

• Will accompany you to the toilet

• Your child is becoming more independent and wants to do things on their own

The first time on the potty is an unforgettable moment for many parents. To help you capture this wonderful moment and other firsts, we have a Milestone Card Set for you: Simply download, print, take a photo, and enjoy!

How does the drying process work?

A baby empties their bladder about 20 times a day, without being able to consciously control it. From around the sixth month, the intervals gradually become longer, until the child consciously notices when their bladder is full at about two and a half years old. However, it takes a little longer for them to actually hold their urine. This requires tightening the sphincter muscles and the pelvic floor muscles. For about half of children, this works so well between their second and third birthday that they are dry during the day, and for the majority, by their fourth birthday. A few months later, your little explorer can usually control their bladder well at night, too. However, most children can control their bowel movements before their bladder. This is because this urge develops more slowly and can sometimes be delayed.

A child is considered "dry" when they have not had an accident for six months. Until then, the learning period can easily last 10 to 14 months. Even if your little explorer takes a bit longer, there is no need to worry: this is simply a guideline; ultimately, every child learns at their own pace.

How can I support my child in becoming dry?

Often, the terms "potty training" or "toilet training" are used in connection with becoming dry. However, these aren’t necessarily the best terms, because the transition away from diapers doesn’t need to be actively trained or taught. Perhaps you’ve heard from your parents that, in their generation, it was widely believed children should be potty trained as early as possible. Today, however, we know that the transition from diaper to toilet is a developmental step that every child reaches sooner or later—and that active training doesn’t necessarily speed up the process. Sitting your toddler on the potty for hours and encouraging them to go is not usually effective and can even have the opposite effect if it makes them feel pressured. Instead, as a parent, you can do a lot to support your child's natural learning process.

1. The right accessories

• A Pot can help make the transition from diaper to toilet easier. Alternatively, a toddler-friendly Toilet seat and a can help your child use the toilet at first. Feel free to involve your child in the selection and try out what they prefer.

• Sometimes there is only a short time between your little one announcing they need to go and the moment it’s too late. ;) When time is short, shirts and underwear are easier to put on than complicated bodysuits. Casual clothing without complicated fasteners—such as leggings—also helps, because your child can pull them up and down independently or with a little assistance when needed.

• LILLYDOO Training Pants are perfect for the transition. Your little explorer can pull them up and down like underwear, and they keep them dry if something accidentally happens.

• As soon as you start going without diapers on the go, it’s especially helpful at the beginning to always have Spare clothing with you.

• Even if your child sleeps without a diaper at night, it’s completely normal for it to take some time before they can control their bladder while sleeping. A washable Mattress protector can be cleaned easily and ensures that no urine gets into the Mattress sickert.

In this video, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi shows you which diaper is suitable for each phase of the drying process.

2. Generate interest

• Start by sparking your child's interest in the potty, for example by ... choosing a pleasant place to set it up. Explain to your child that they can sit on it whenever they want—even fully clothed.

• In the next step, you can place your little explorer on the potty at a specific time, for example before bathing, so they get used to a Routine .

• Once they’ve gotten used to the regularity, you can also sit your child on the potty without a diaper. However, don’t push them into anything and don’t pressure your child by making them stay seated until they’ve done their business. Otherwise, they may quickly lose interest in this new object.

3. Explain what happens

• Children usually learn best through Imitation : simply take your child with you to the toilet when you go, so they can see what happens there. At the same time, they’ll learn that going to the toilet is completely normal and nothing threatening or shameful. Explain that waste that previously ended up in the diaper belongs in the potty or the toilet, and let them flush it if they like.

4. Transition from diaper to potty/toilet

• When you recognize the signals that your child is ready to be potty trained, you can begin by Initially omitting diapers during the day for a few hours and offering the potty instead.

• Offer your child going to the toilet together when they really need to go. You should only omit the diaper completely once they feel ready and express the desire to do so.

• Ask your child from time to time—both at home and on the go—if they need to go. This helps them learn to assess and recognize for themselves when it’s time.

5. Stay dry at night

• Even if your child manages well without a diaper during the day, it usually takes a few months longer for your little explorer to be dry at night, as they first need to learn to control their bladder while sleeping. Therefore, only start removing the diaper at night once they are reliably dry during the day.

• To make nighttime waking easier, you can initially place the potty next to the bed or leave the light on in the toilet.

• It is completely normal for the occasional nighttime mishap to happen and is not a reason to worry. Even if the process takes a bit longer, you should not, as sometimes advised, stop giving your child anything to drink in the evening.

6. Stay patient

• Do not compare your child with other children and their progress. Every child has their own pace , and sooner or later the drying process will happen on its own.

• Be patient and don’t let your surroundings unsettle you. As with so many topics, almost everyone seems to have a supposedly great tip for potty training.

• Praise your little explorer for every step toward staying dry: if they can pull down their pants, stay dry for several hours, or make it through the first night, that’s a great reason for you to celebrate together with them.

• Don’t be disappointed or scold if something goes wrong. It’s completely natural and nothing your child should be ashamed of. Once you internalize this, it will be easier to approach the situation more calmly. If, on the other hand, your child senses that you are disappointed, it can create insecurity.

• Try not to focus too much on doing their business at the very beginning of the transition from diaper to potty, so you don’t put pressure on your child.

Even if becoming dry takes a little longer, every small step along the way is a sign of your child's tremendous development. No matter how long it takes, you can definitely be proud of your little explorer.

If you gradually need fewer and fewer diapers, you can easily extend the delivery interval of your LILLYDOO diaper subscription and adjust it to your needs. And when the time comes and you no longer need diapers, you can of course cancel the subscription at any time without any problems. We wish you all the best on your way there!