Should you go back to diapers after potty training setbacks?
If potty training was going okay and then suddenly… it wasn’t, you’re not alone.
You’ve cleaned up your third accident of the day, your toddler is yelling "no!" at the mention of the potty, and you're staring at the pack of diapers wondering, Do I just go back?
Let’s take a deep breath together.
Setbacks are super common—and they don’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. They also don’t mean potty training “didn’t work” or that you have to start completely over. In fact, there’s a lot you can do to move forward without going back to diapers.
Here’s how to think it through with clarity and confidence:
First: Accidents ≠ Failure
It’s easy to panic when things feel messier than they did last week. But toddlers aren’t machines. They’re little humans learning a big, complex skill. There will be dips and backslides—especially during big transitions (hello, travel, illness, daycare changes, new siblings…).
So if your toddler is having more accidents lately, it doesn’t mean potty training is broken. It usually just means their body or emotions are a little overwhelmed right now.
Why Diapers Might Seem Easier (But Often Add Confusion)
Here’s the deal: going back to diapers might feel like the easier option in the moment—and sometimes it’s the right call. But it’s worth considering the potential downsides:
It can send mixed signals that undo the progress your child has made.
It tells their brain, “Never mind, this skill isn’t for now,” which can make restarting even harder later.
It often turns into an emotional loop of stop-start potty training, which builds frustration for everyone.
That doesn’t mean you can never pause (more on that in a sec). It just means we want to be thoughtful about why and how.
What to Try Instead
If your toddler was doing well and now isn’t, here are two gentle pivots to try before defaulting to diapers:
1. Reduce the pressure.
Back off the frequent prompting, let go of performance-based praise, and focus on rebuilding connection and calm.
2. Go back to the potty with them.
This doesn’t mean going all the way back to square one—it means bringing a little more support without fully taking the reins. Sit near them, bring a book, play a silly game—whatever helps them feel safe and unpressured.
When a Pause Does Make Sense
There are moments when hitting pause is 100% the best choice:
Your toddler is extremely distressed or resistant
You’ve had a major life change (new baby, house move, etc.)
There’s a medical issue or chronic constipation making things harder
If that’s you, taking a few weeks off isn’t failure—it’s regulation. Just be sure to frame it clearly for your toddler:
“We’re going to take a little break and try again when your body feels ready. It’s okay to rest. We’ll learn again soon.”
The Bottom Line
Potty training isn’t a one-and-done event—it’s a process. And like all real learning, it includes mistakes, regressions, and do-overs.
So no, you probably don’t need to fully go back to diapers. What you do need is a little more support, a little more space to reset, and a reminder that your toddler is still learning. And so are you.
You’ve got this.
And I’ve got you.
—
Want more step-by-step support (without the overwhelm)? My potty training guide breaks it down into clear, doable phases—with playful strategies that actually work.