Potty training twins and triplets

Potty training when you have more than one toddler

Potty training twins, triplets or more can feel overwhelming. You may worry about mess, timing and watching more than one toddler at once. That feeling is very common.

Many parents discover it is less difficult than they feared. Some train their children together. Others notice that one child is ready earlier and start at different times. Both approaches can work.

Potty training means helping your children notice when they need a wee or poo, tell an adult, wait a short time, then use a potty or toilet. Over time they also learn to move clothes, wipe and wash their hands. It is a lot to master, so gentle expectations help everyone.

Signs your children are ready for potty training

Two things matter most before you begin: muscle control and mental readiness. If you start too early, you’ll usually see more accidents and more stress. Try to ignore pressure from friends, family or social media.

You can watch for small changes in how your child behaves with their nappy. Signs they may be ready include:

• Using your family word when they’ve filled their nappy
• Heading to a quiet spot when they want to poo
• Tugging at their nappy when it’s wet or dirty
• Holding themselves just before they wee or poo
• Shuddering slightly after a wee as they notice something feels different

Dry nappies for two or more hours in the day suggest that bladder control is developing. Disposable nappies can make this hard to spot, so you can tuck a small piece of kitchen roll inside to see whether it’s wet. This can also help your child feel the difference between wet and dry.

Before you start, each child needs to be able to sit down on a potty or toilet with a step and stand up again. They should also have regular soft poos, at least four times a week. If they’re not pooing this often, strain or seem uncomfortable, they may be constipated. Speak to your GP or health visitor for advice before starting potty training if you’re worried.

Most children are dry in the day by around the age of three. Night time dryness often takes longer. Morning nappies that are often dry are a good sign. Asking not to wear a nappy at night also shows they may be ready to try going without. If these signs aren’t there yet, it’s usually kinder to wait.

Different ways to approach potty training multiples

You can gently prepare your twins, triplets or more even before they are fully ready. Let them join you in the toilet if you are comfortable. A simple book about going to the toilet and role play with dolls or teddies on a potty can help them understand what happens.

You might also introduce short, relaxed potty times at predictable points in the day, such as before a bath or about thirty minutes after a meal. Use clear statements like ‘it is potty time now’ rather than frequent questions about whether they need a wee. Two to three minutes is usually long enough; a quick song or short story can help them stay still.

These simple ideas can make the process smoother:

• Have a potty for each child, kept easy to reach, not only in the bathroom
• Use loose, simple clothing and, once in pants, avoid going back to nappies except for naps and nights
• Encourage little boys to sit down for wees and offer drinks regularly to help prevent constipation
• Agree a consistent approach with all caregivers and avoid starting during big family changes such as moving home or a new baby

In the early days try to keep outings short. You can protect car seats and pushchairs with covers or towels. A portable potty can be very useful when you are away from home. Accidents will still happen, especially when you are watching more than one child. Try to stay calm, clean up with as little fuss as you can and gently remind them about the potty next time.

Staying positive while your children learn

Potty training can be messy and tiring, especially with twins, triplets or more. Even when things seem to be going well, you may still see accidents, particularly after big changes. This is normal and usually settles with time, practice and reassurance.

You might read lots of books and plan a method, then change it all within the first hour. That does not mean you are failing. It means you are responding to your real children. As long as you stay kind, consistent and open to small adjustments, you are doing well.

Remember that this is a short phase, even when it feels endless. Every small step counts, from sitting on the potty for the first time to proudly telling you they have done a wee. If you feel stuck or worried at any point, talk to your health visitor or GP. You do not have to manage this alone.