UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / March 18, 2025 / A landmark Toilet Training Census, conducted by Cheeky Wipes in collaboration with The Nappy Gurus and retailers My Carry Potty, The Nappy Lady, Bells Bumz, Bright Bots and Bambino Mio, has uncovered a dramatic shift in potty training trends over the past 20 years. 

The survey, which gathered data from 2,009 parents of 3,398 children, reveals that just 61% of children are potty trained by the age of 2 and a half today, compared with 95% of children in 2004. Alarmingly, 7% of children are now starting school while still in nappies.

The census findings suggest that nappy choice plays a key role in potty training success. Children who used reusable nappies were found to toilet train significantly earlier than those in disposables. By age 2 and a half, 72% of reusable nappy users were toilet trained, compared to just 54% of disposable nappy users. By age 4, the figures stood at 95% and 91% respectively.

Helen Rankin, Founder of the reusable wipes, nappies and period pants brand Cheeky Wipes said, “Our Toilet Training Census has revealed a staggering shift in potty training trends compared with a generation ago, with around 7% of children now starting school in nappies. 

“A key factor appears to be nappy choice, reinforcing that reusables help children make the connection between feeling wet and needing to go.”

The study also noted that government data on the age of potty training is outdated, failing to reflect the modern reality for parents and educators. With 72% of parents believing that teachers should not be responsible for toilet training, the census raises important questions about who is responsible for supporting young children who start school without being fully toilet trained.

Ms Rankin added, “Parents also highlighted the overwhelming marketing influence of disposable and eco nappy brands, which push the idea of later training and ‘readiness,’ despite evidence that children are capable of training much earlier. 

“With increasing concerns about the burden on schools and teachers, this data reinforces the benefits of reusable nappies - not just for sustainability and cost savings, but as a practical tool for earlier and easier potty training.”

Interestingly, while many parents believed that having both parents working delayed toilet training, the results showed no significant difference in potty training timelines based on parental employment status. 

Key findings

• In 2004, 95% of children were out of nappies by 2 and a half years old. In 2025, this figure declined to 61%
• 93% of children are potty trained by the age of four
• Children in disposable nappies take longer to potty train. 72% of 2 and a half year old children in reusable nappies are potty trained, compared to 54% of children wearing disposable nappies
• By age 4, 95% of children in reusable nappies were toilet trained, compared to 91% of children in disposables
• 57.62% of parents say they delay potty training due to both parents being busy
• 53.06% of parents say they are toilet training later because they are waiting for their child to initiate toilet training (child-led parenting)
• 28% of parents think that teachers should support their child with toilet training

The full survey results are available at: Toilet Training Census Results