Potty Training Regression: What Causes It and How to Bounce Back

Your child was doing great. They were dry all day, excited about the potty, proud of their progress. Then suddenly—accidents. Requests for diapers. Regression. And you're wondering: Did I do something wrong? Is my child not actually ready? Will we ever get back on track?

Take a breath. Potty training regression is one of the most common—and most normal—parts of the process. It's not a sign of failure. It's not a sign your child isn't ready. It's a sign that something in their world has shifted, and they need support to navigate it.

In this guide, we'll walk through what causes regression, why it happens, and most importantly, how to help your child bounce back without shame or pressure.

What Is Potty Training Regression?

Potty training regression is when a child who was previously trained—or making solid progress—suddenly starts having accidents, asking for diapers, or losing interest in the potty. It can happen after weeks or months of success, and it can feel like you're starting from scratch.

Common signs of regression:

• Frequent accidents (pee or poop) after a period of dryness
• Asking to go back to diapers or pull-ups
• Refusing to sit on the potty
• Increased anxiety or fear around the bathroom
• Bedwetting after being dry at night
• Loss of interest in potty training

Here's what's important to know: Regression is not permanent. It's a temporary response to change or stress. With the right approach, most children bounce back within days or weeks.

The 7 Most Common Causes of Potty Training Regression

Cause 1: A New Sibling

One of the biggest triggers for regression is a new baby in the house. Your child's world just got turned upside down. They're no longer the center of attention, and suddenly there's this tiny human taking up all your time.

What happens: Your child may regress to get attention—even negative attention (accidents) feels better than being ignored. Or they may regress unconsciously because their nervous system is stressed.

How to handle it:

• Acknowledge the big change: "I know things are different now. That's hard."
• Maintain potty training routines even with a new baby (consistency matters)
• Give your older child special one-on-one time daily, separate from potty training
• Don't shame accidents: "Accidents happen when we're adjusting to big changes."
• Consider pausing training temporarily if regression is severe

The Painful Cycle: How Withholding Leads to Constipation

Here's why poop withholding is more than just an inconvenience:

Day 1-2: Your child holds in stool. You might not even notice yet.

Day 3-4: Stool accumulates in the colon. Your child might seem uncomfortable, have a distended belly, or complain of tummy pain.

Day 5+: When they finally do poop, it's large and hard—and it hurts. A lot.

The aftermath: That painful experience confirms their fear. "Pooping on the potty hurts." So next time, they hold it again.

If pooping is painful, children may avoid it, leading to larger, harder stools and even more pain the next time, reinforcing the fear and continuing the cycle.

The complications:

If withholding continues, it can lead to chronic constipation, accidental leakage (called encopresis), loss of bowel control, and significant distress for both child and parents. This is why addressing it early matters.

Signs Your Child Is Withholding

• Passing large, hard stools or small hard pellets
• Abdominal discomfort or a "full" feeling
• Avoiding the potty, hiding to poop, or requesting a diaper to poop in
• Occasional soiling or leakage due to overflow around impacted stool
• Going 3+ days without a bowel movement
• Straining or seeming in pain when they do go

If you see these signs, it's time to intervene—not with pressure, but with strategy.

Strategy 1: Scheduled sits (with flexibility)

• Try sits after wake, after meals, mid‑morning, mid‑afternoon, and before bed
• Keep them short: 3–5 minutes, pressure‑free
• Track times and successes to spot patterns

Strategy 2: Smart clothing choices (no bottomless needed)

• Elastic waistbands; skip snaps, zips, and overalls
• Consider daytime pull-ups as a bridge while you build skills
• Invite choice: "Which big-kid pants today?"

Strategy 3: Portable potty station

• Child-size potty in the main living area
• Mini caddy: wipes, hand sanitizer, lidded trash, waterproof mat
• Make emptying part of the routine

Strategy 4: Accident-proof your space

• Waterproof pads under the potty and favorite seats
• Keep enzyme cleaner, paper towels, spare clothes handy
• Treat accidents as data, not disasters

Strategy 5: Consistency across caregivers

• Share a one-page plan: schedule, language, what works/doesn't
• Use the same phrases: "potty time," "try first, then play"

The challenge with all these strategies? Staying consistent

The methods work—the hard part is remembering sits, logging accidents, and adjusting based on patterns when life is hectic in a small space.

Making It All Work: Your Potty Training Partner

The strategies above work. What makes the difference is having a system that keeps you consistent and adapts to your reality.

• Real-time reminders for scheduled sits — never miss a potty time
• Accident tracking that reveals patterns — adjust based on real data
• Personalized guidance for small-space training — not generic tips
• Shareable plans for caregivers — keep daycare and family aligned
• 24/7 support — instant answers when you're stuck