Potty training a toddler is no small task. Add a newborn into the mix, and suddenly you’re juggling feedings, naps, diaper blowouts… and your toddler yelling they have to pee at the worst possible time.
If you’re in this season, first: take a breath. You’re doing an amazing job.
Whether your toddler has already started potty training or you’re wondering if now is the right time to begin, this post is for you. We’re covering real-life tips for navigating potty training with a newborn in tow while protecting your peace and your child’s progress.
When You Already Started Potty Training…
Maybe your toddler had started potty training before your newborn arrived, and now you’re trying to keep the momentum going. But you’re sleep-deprived, touched out, and just trying to survive the day. Sound familiar?
It’s completely okay to ease up without “giving up.” This phase is a huge adjustment for the entire family. Focus on maintaining what your toddler has already learned even if it’s just one small part of the process (like keeping a trip to the potty in the bedtime routine).
Keep in mind: You are allowed to take things slow. You don’t need to force progress while your family is adjusting to the new rhythm of life. Consistency and connection matter more than getting everything “perfect.”
If You’re Considering Beginning to Potty Train Your Toddler With a Newborn Around…
Maybe you haven’t started yet, but you’re wondering, Should I potty train now? Or wait until things settle?
The answer: it depends on your energy, your toddler’s readiness, and your support system.
A good time to begin (if you’re ready) may be around that 3-month mark with your baby. Their sleep is somewhat predictable and they’re not yet mobile. This can give you enough space to introduce potty training to your toddler with intention.
If that still feels like too much, you don’t have to rush. You can absolutely start with no-pressure prep: introducing the potty, talking about it, reading books, & “playing” potty with toys. In the free Potty Training Prep Playbook, you can learn tons of simple prep strategies (for you & your toddler) that can be easily incorporated into your day – yes, even with a newborn around.
Personal Experience With Potty Regression
When I had a newborn, my (then) toddler was fully potty trained but… we hit a regression. A random poop accident happened coincidentally at the same time as a toddler blowout. We were exhausted, and our response wasn’t our proudest parenting moment. That moment spiraled into months of poop withholding and constipation.
What helped? Getting back to the basics:
- No pressure
- Gentle, motivating strategies
- Hydration, fiber-rich foods, and movement
- Empathy over urgency
It was a reminder that kids need us to be calm, patient, and consistent – even when we’re running on empty. (Easier said than done, I know!)
Biggest Struggles Moms Face in This Newborn/Toddler Season
If you’re potty training a toddler while caring for a baby, you’re may be navigating:
- Outside pressure (family, daycare, school requirements)
- Being too tired to stay calm during setbacks
- Guilt about dividing attention between your children
- Timing – feeling like there’s never a “right” time to start
None of these make you a bad mom. They make you human. And when it comes to potty training, there is no perfect timeline.
Gentle Potty Training Tips to Help You Move Forward
Here are some ways to approach potty training with confidence during this wild season of life:
1. Make It Special for Your Toddler
With a new baby around, your toddler may crave that extra sense of ownership and excitement. Keep potty training about them – not about performance or pressure.
- Let them pick special undies with favorite characters
- Put a Bathroom Bin with special toys by the potty
- Decorate the bathroom together
- Use favorite toys or characters for pretend potty play
- Celebrate small wins (even if it’s just sitting on the potty)
2. Follow Their Lead & Be Flexible
If your toddler starts resisting or regressing, don’t panic. You can slow down without stopping completely or ease up on the exposure. Stick with no-pressure strategies like:
- Reading potty books
- Watching short potty videos
- Offering potty time during 1-2 routine times (like waking up, before bath)
- Letting them observe the bathroom routine (if you’re comfortable with it)
If your toddler’s potty skills don’t come together with a slow-and-steady approach, you can always revisit a more focused approach later when everyone feels more ready.
Ready to take the next step and actually learn the how behind potty training? Check out the Potty Training Power Hour — a 1-hour course that breaks down both gradual and focused approaches, so you can choose what works best for your child (and your capacity).
3. Be Kind to Yourself
Potty training with a newborn is next-level parenting. There will be accidents, setbacks, and days you want to give up. That doesn’t mean it’s not working – it means you’re learning together.
Remind yourself:
- Progress isn’t always linear.
- Your child is allowed to struggle.
- It’s okay to seek out support.
- Pausing is allowed.
- Everything doesn’t have to be done perfectly.
You can get your child potty trained!
You’re not alone in this messy, magical season of life.
Whether you’re easing into potty training or gearing up to go all in, trust your child, trust yourself, and trust the process.
💌 Start simple with the Potty Training Prep Playbook
🧠 Learn everything in 60-minutes with the Potty Training Power Hour
You’re navigating a huge transition, and your toddler is, too. Potty training will happen – in a way and time that works for your family. ❤️
You’ve got this!
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Sarah Mechling is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, mom of four, and the founder of Tinkle & Toot, where she helps parents ditch the diapers with a flexible, evidence-based approach to potty training. She’s the creator of The Potty Training Power Hour course and The Potty Hub community, offering real-life solutions (and a few fart jokes) for every potty training stage.
For more information, visit Sarah’s website: https://www.tinkleandtoot.com
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