How to Deal With Potty-Training Regression

Potty training is rarely a straight path for kids (and parents!). There are ups, downs, and sometimes more setbacks than you’d like. When a kid who’s been using the potty starts having accidents again—maybe even refusing the toilet altogether—it’s often called potty-training regression. If your 2-, 3-, or 4-year-old suddenly seems to forget everything they’ve learned, don’t worry, you’re far from alone. Let’s explore why potty-training regression happens and how you can gently help your child move forward again.

What Is Potty-Training Regression?

After you spot those classic signs that your child is ready for potty training and they start making progress, you might suddenly face a step (or three) backward. Maybe your child starts having frequent accidents at home or day care, or simply wants nothing to do with the potty anymore.

This setback, marked by avoiding the potty, repeated messes, or wanting to go back to diapers, is known as potty-training regression.

What Factors Can Lead to Potty-Training Regression?

Lots of things can contribute to potty-training regression. Little ones learn at their own pace, with skills coming and going in phases. Children learn and acquire new skills differently from adults, as they’re still developing cognitively and emotionally. For parents, a setback can feel frustrating, but for kids it’s usually a normal part of the learning curve.

Accidents Happen!

Toddlers and young kids may not always notice when they need to go or make it in time. Every child will have an accident or two—that’s just part of learning. If accidents become frequent after a long stretch of dry days, though, it’s usually considered regression.

Causes of Potty-Training Regression

Potty-training setbacks can happen for medical reasons—like urinary tract infections, constipation, or painful poops—so it’s worth checking with your child's healthcare provider. But more often, regression shows up after big changes or stress, like a new sibling, a move, or shifts at home or daycare.

Some common triggers for potty-training regression include:

• Switching babysitters or daycare centres

• The arrival of a new baby or sibling

• Family tension, separation, or divorce

• Arguments or conflict in the family

• The recent loss of a family member

• A big move to a new place.

When life feels overwhelming for your toddler or preschooler, it’s natural for them to pause on new skills. Taking a break is totally okay. Try viewing regression as a coping strategy, not a failure—kids sometimes just need time to adjust.

Why Your Toddler May Be Having Potty-Training Accidents

The occasional accident is normal, but if they’re piling up, even after you’ve ruled out health or lifestyle issues, it may help to see things from your child’s perspective. Here are a few reasons kids who seemed potty-trained might start having trouble:

• They want extra attention (not necessarily on purpose!)

• Potty training feels too strict or controlled for their independence, sparking resistance

• They simply forgot or got too distracted

• Busy in play, they delay washroom breaks until it’s too late

• They waited too long before trying

• Fears can develop—sometimes imaginative kids worry about the potty or toilet

• Your child might be copying another child who isn’t toilet-trained yet

• Longing for baby days, they ask to go back to diapers for comfort.

Shame After Accidents

At potty-training age, many kids start feeling embarrassment and shame but don’t know what to do with those emotions. After an accident or breaking a rule, some kids pretend nothing happened—hoping for your approval or just avoiding trouble.

Other signs of shame after a potty accident might be:

• Saying they used the potty even when they didn’t

• Hiding or tossing their soiled underwear

• Cleaning up in secret before anyone notices.

3 Steps for Handling Potty-Training Regression

If you’re dealing with regression, these steps can help you and your child work through it together:

1. Identify the Problem

Start by figuring out what might be behind your child’s setbacks. Depending on your child’s age and communication skills, try gently asking what’s up. Mention what you’ve noticed—like more accidents or requests for diapers—and see if your child will share how they’re feeling.

2. Attempt to Fix the Issue

• If your child has trouble reaching the bathroom or getting undressed, try moving the potty to a more convenient spot and dress them in easy-off clothes (skip the overalls and belts!)

• If a new sibling is upsetting them, carve out one-on-one time with your toddler without the baby

• If something happened at daycare, collaborate with caregivers so your child feels safe and confident at potty time.

Sometimes, your child might have their own great ideas—ask for their input, too! For more fun ways to help toddlers develop confidence and independence, discover games and pastimes that promote fun and learning.

3. Be Clear About What You Expect

How to Deal With Regression and Accidents During Potty Training

If (or when) accidents happen, handle them with care:

If your child helps clean up, keep it positive—it’s about learning self-care, not punishment. Avoid scolding or other negative reactions; it won’t speed up their progress and can make regression worse.

When you’re out, always pack a spare set of clothes, and keep an extra outfit tucked in their daycare cubby or backpack—just in case.

An Alternative to Returning to Diapers

If you’re considering going back to diapers, consider trying training pants first. They’re a handy solution for kids with several accidents or those asking for diapers again.

Training pants offer confidence and absorb small accidents, without fully reverting to diapers. Many kids feel more grown-up when wearing them under undies, giving them a gentle nudge toward being a "big kid." Pampers Easy Ups offer fun designs and up to 100% leakproof protection, Day OR Night.

Just make sure your little one can pull them up and down by themselves, and keep the potty close at hand. In time, your child will get back on track—no training pants needed.

Managing Your Own Expectations

When your child is going through potty-training regression or frequent accidents, remember to:

• Let go of perfection and keep your expectations in check

• Stay calm and try not to react emotionally

• Don’t stress about what others might think about an accident.

If you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, ask a partner, friend, or another caregiver to lend a hand until you’ve cooled off. Most importantly, avoid punishing your child for accidents. Every child grows at their own pace—learn more about developmental milestones and the value of patience.

Focus on supporting your child and giving them the tools they need to succeed next time. And if the struggles continue, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider for advice. Parent groups or classes can also give you comfort and practical tips. Other parents have been there and are usually glad to share what’s worked for them.

The Bottom Line

Your child can experience potty-training regression at any time, sometimes with no warning. Big changes, like moving, family conflict, or welcoming a new sibling, can make accidents happen again. But with the right approach, lots of support, and some go-to strategies, you and your child will soon be moving forward again. For more helpful guidance, check out these potty-training tips. Offer solutions, adjust to your child’s needs, and remind them (and yourself!) that success is right around the corner.

Before long, you’ll have a potty-trained kid who’s ready to explore the world!

And while we're on the topic of potty training, you can still get rewards for those diapers or potty training pants you purchase. Simply download the Pamper Club app and start earning today.

_{How We Wrote This Article The advice in this article comes from trusted medical and government sources, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Check out the list of sources used below. Always speak with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment; this content does not replace medical advice.}