Potty Training Regression: When a Trained Child Has Accidents Again

They were doing so well. Days, maybe weeks of dry pants. And now... accidents everywhere. Potty training regression is frustrating, but it's common and usually temporary. Here's what's happening and how to handle it.

What Is Regression?

Regression is when a child who was reliably using the potty starts having frequent accidents again. They've demonstrated they can do it—and now they're not.

This is different from a child who was never fully trained. Regression is a step backward from established progress.

Why Regression Happens

Stress and Change

The most common cause. Major life changes disrupt routines and emotional regulation: - New sibling - Move to a new home - Starting daycare or new school - Parents' divorce or separation - Death in the family - Parent traveling - Any major transition

Stress uses up mental resources. Something has to give—and potty training is often it.

Illness

Being sick is distracting and exhausting. Kids may not notice body signals as well, or may not want to get up when they feel bad. Regression during illness usually resolves when they recover.

Constipation

This is sneaky and common. When kids are constipated, poop can press on the bladder, causing pee accidents. Or they may avoid the potty entirely because pooping has become painful.

Too Much Pressure

If potty training became a power struggle, regression can be a form of resistance. Backing off the pressure often helps.

Developmental Leap

When kids are mastering something new (language explosion, physical milestone), other skills can temporarily slip. The brain is busy elsewhere.

Attention-Seeking

Sometimes accidents get attention, and attention—even negative attention—is reinforcing. This is usually a sign they need more connection.

Incomplete Training

Sometimes what looks like regression is actually incomplete training. They weren't as reliable as you thought, especially in certain contexts (distracted play, away from home).

Urinary Tract Infection

If regression is sudden with no obvious cause, especially with frequent urination, discomfort, or fever, see a doctor. UTIs cause accidents and are easily treated.

How to Handle Regression

Stay Calm

Your frustration will make it worse. Regression is already stressful for them—don't add to it.

Don't Punish

Punishment doesn't help and can prolong regression. Accidents aren't willful defiance—something is going on.

Go Back to Basics

Return to what worked before: - More frequent potty reminders - Praise for success - Calm cleanup for accidents - Maybe more structure (scheduled sits)

Address the Underlying Cause

If stress is the cause, address the stress (or provide extra support during unavoidable transitions). If constipation, address that. If illness, wait it out.

Increase Connection

Spend extra one-on-one time. Fill their emotional tank. Sometimes regression is a signal that they need more of you.

Consider Pull-Ups Temporarily

This is controversial, but for some situations (stress, illness), temporarily returning to pull-ups reduces pressure and gives everyone breathing room. It doesn't mean starting over.

Don't Make It a Big Deal

The less attention accidents get, the better. Clean up matter-of-factly. Don't talk about it at length. Don't compare to before.

Rule Out Medical Issues

If regression is persistent or accompanied by physical symptoms, see your pediatrician.

How Long Does Regression Last?

Typically days to a few weeks, especially if you handle it calmly and address underlying causes. If it's been over a month with no improvement, consult your pediatrician.

Preventing Regression

You can't always prevent it, but you can reduce risk: - Maintain routines during transitions - Provide extra support during stressful times - Don't declare victory too soon - Keep potty training low-pressure - Watch for constipation

When to Be Concerned

Seek professional guidance if: - Regression lasts more than a month - There are physical symptoms (pain, frequent urination, fever) - Regression is severe (complete return to no potty use) - You suspect emotional trauma or abuse - Nothing you try helps

Remember

Regression doesn't mean failure—theirs or yours. Development isn't linear. Most kids who regress return to being fully trained, especially with patient, calm support.

They did it before. They'll do it again.