Potty Trained Over the Summer? Here’s What to Expect as Daycare Starts Back
(Yes, even if they were doing great at home.)
You spent the summer potty training. And now—after all that progress—you’re sending your toddler back to daycare…
And wondering:
Will they remember what to do?
Will they have accidents?
Will everything fall apart?
First, deep breath: this is so normal. The return to daycare (or starting for the first time) is a big change—and big changes almost always shake up potty progress. But that doesn’t mean all is lost. Here’s what to expect—and how to help your toddler stay confident and consistent.
Expect a few accidents, even if they were doing great
Even kids who were totally dry at home can start having accidents at daycare—and not because they “forgot.”
It’s often a mix of:
A new environment
A different pace or schedule
Less 1:1 attention
Feeling shy asking for help
Sensory overwhelm (new bathrooms are loud, cold, echo-y!)
It’s not regression—it’s adjustment. And it doesn’t mean you need to start over.
Pack for confidence
Here’s what to include in their daycare bag to set them up for success:
Extra clothes (and socks!)
A familiar potty book or visual chart if allowed
Waterproof wet/dry bag
A note for their teacher about how you prompt or phrase things at home
This creates some continuity between the routines they’ve learned and the environment they’re adjusting to.
Talk to their teacher or caregiver ahead of time
Share how your child communicates when they need to go (or when they’re unsure). Let them know what’s worked well at home, and ask what support is available at daycare.
You’re not being overbearing—you’re being a team.
Prep your toddler for the change
Even just a few simple conversations before the transition can help:
“You’ve been doing such a great job using the potty at home. At daycare, the bathroom might look a little different—but you can still try when your body says it’s time.”
“It’s okay to tell your teacher if you need help. Everyone learns this in their own time.”
Most importantly: Stay calm, even if there are accidents
It’s hard when progress feels like it’s slipping. But the best thing you can do is stay consistent, stay neutral, and trust the process. Your toddler will adjust—especially with support, patience, and time.
You’ve already laid the foundation. Now it’s just about helping them use those skills in a new setting.
You’ve got this. And if you need a plan for what to do next when things feel shaky, I’ve got you there too.
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P.S. If you potty trained over the summer and want a gentle way to support your toddler through daycare transitions, my guide includes step-by-step strategies for real-life moments like this.
Grab it 👉 here