When to start potty training?

Summer is an ideal time to let your toddler go without a nappy for the first time.

Your child is likely to be wearing fewer layers (no complicated tights to wrestle with when the urge strikes) and you can encourage her to play outside.

There will be accidents, but the lawn will be more likely to get it than a favourite rug.

Stock up on a load of cheap pants and cotton shorts that are easy to wash and quick to dry in the sun.

Try to start potty training at a time when you can make sure you're at home for a lot of the time, not just before a weekend away. Friends and even close family do not generally appreciate the arrival of a toddler who's just started potty training and is still having a lot of little accidents.

Leaving behind the comforting security of nappies can be a testing time for both parents and toddlers so make sure there's no external stress.

Try to avoid starting during emotional and physical upheavals at home like moving house, a new baby or job, separation or illness in the family.

Make sure you don't need to pop out on emergency shopping trips during the first couple of days as the need to wee could strike your child at any time - usually just as you're far enough away from home that you can't whizz back to whip out the potty.

Investing in a portable potty can help here, but in the first few days your child may not even realise she needs to go until it's too late.

If you find you do have to go out, place an absorbent care mat or folded handtowel in the buggy or car seat.

And make sure you have a full change of clothes (plus footwear) on hand for your child in case of accidents.

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