10 of the best potty training reward charts

As well as finding the best potty for your tot, a potty training reward chart is a great way to encourage your little one during the potty/toilet training process.

While there's no set time to potty train, it's recommended by the NHS that you should start introducing the potty when they're around the age of 2 to get them used to sitting on it. When toilet training, take the potty with you whenever you leave the house with your child so they understand that they need to use it every time they need a wee or a poo.

Many potty training experts hail the use of a reward chart as the key to a successful transition away from pull-ups and nappies. It acts a great incentive to keep them on track and you can even take it with you on the go (along with your travel potty of course).

The best at a glance:

We spoke to potty training expert, Amanda Jenner who told us that every child learns differently, so we've put together a list of the very best toilet training charts for you to peruse, including jars with tokens, sticker charts with different tasks on them and multipacks that come with rewards such as badges and certificates. Check them out below.

The best potty training reward charts

When to buy a potty

Every child learns at a different pace and most little ones should be able to control their bowels and bladder by the age of 3. However, you should introduce a potty earlier to get them familiar with how the potty works and when they should use it.

Many parents suggest starting in the warmer months as there are less layers of clothing to take off and any soiled clothes from accidents can be washed and dried quicker as the temperature is higher than the winter months. Plus, if they need to use the potty when they're outside, they can do so without getting cold.

Try not to begin the toilet training when there are major events happening (such as the introduction of a new baby or a house move) as this can already be a confusing time for your little one and they may regress.

If you feel like you have tried everything but they are not wanting to use the potty at all, don't force them - they'll learn when they're ready and as they start to get older most children won't want to wear nappies all of the time.

What to look for when buying a potty

According to our expert, Amanda Jenner, "Getting the right equipment for potty training is always a good start. A child-sized potty, a carry potty or a special seat to attach to your regular toilet is a must. Whichever you choose, make sure your child can sit comfortably."

Benefits of using a potty training chart

There are four main benefits of using potty training charts both for you and for your little one:

• The stickers could help your tot to get a bit more excited about the potty training process.

• A visual reward system motivates the trainee.

• It makes it easier for you to keep track of when your child last used the potty (therefore when they might be needing to go again).

•No dirty nappies to clean, even in the morning (a toilet night light is perfect for helping them to locate the potty at night time).

• It makes it more fun - who doesn't love an excuse to buy stickers!

Potty training expert Amanda Jenner says, "Every toddler loves to feel special and to please mummy and daddy, especially when it comes to potty training. Using rewards is a great way to encourage your toddler to sit on the potty or the toilet, this can be through a reward chart and stickers or even a magical star box. It is important to reward even if they try and do not perform, sometimes it can be difficult to get them sitting on the potty or the toilet and this needs a little extra encouragement. Make sure you reward them immediately so they get the instant gratification."

Downloadable Potty Training Chart

Here's our very own potty training chart for you to use with your tot. Just click on the chart to save and print out.

It's easy to implement into your potty training routine - simply add a sticker to the chart each time your child uses the potty.

The actions rewarded in most potty training charts are these:

• Doing a poo

• Doing a wee

• Washing their hands

• Wiping correctly

• Sitting in their potty for a bit

• Not having accidents at night

• Pulling their pants up and down themselves

Whether you decide to DIY or buy a ready-made chart, you can pick and choose from lots of different designs, whether your little one is into princesses, fairies, spaceships or pirates.

Potty training expert, Amanda Jenner, answers your potty training questions

Louella Berryman now works in Audience Development across Bauer’s lifestyle brands after training as a journalist at Cardiff University.