Potty Regression After a New Baby: Why It Happens and What Helps

Short answer: Potty regression after a new baby is common and usually short-lived. The AAP lists the birth of a sibling as one of the classic triggers, and says regression usually doesn’t last long, often a few days or weeks. First, check with your pediatrician that there’s no physical cause such as constipation or a urinary tract infection. Then respond calmly, skip punishment, keep the potty routine going, give your older child regular one-on-one time, and praise “big kid” moments. Avoid going back to diapers full-time if you can.

Why does my toddler have potty accidents after the new baby?

Because a new baby is a huge change, even when your toddler is excited about it. The AAP lists the mother’s pregnancy or the birth of a new sibling among the common causes of toilet training regression, along with changes in childcare, moves, illness, and family stress. It notes that even happy events can be hard for young children.

The AAP’s guide to preparing an older child for a new baby puts it plainly: expect your child to regress a little. Children who were toilet trained may start having accidents or ask for a bottle again. It describes this as normal and as your older child’s way of making sure they still have your love and attention.

Some common reasons behind the accidents:

• Seeking attention. The baby gets diaper changes and cuddles, and your toddler notices.
• Disrupted routines. Different caregivers, visitors, and missed potty reminders all add up.
• Stress and big feelings. Toddlers often show worry through their bodies and behavior rather than words.
• Skills that were still new. Recently trained children are more likely to slip, because the habit hasn’t fully set.

Could it be something medical?

Sometimes, so check that first. The AAP says regression sometimes signals an infection or other disorder that needs treatment, and suggests having your child seen by their pediatrician to be sure the cause isn’t physical. The two most common culprits are constipation and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Clue	More likely emotional	Worth checking with your pediatrician
Timing	Started around the baby’s arrival	Started suddenly with no clear trigger
Peeing	Accidents when busy, upset, or wanting attention	Pain or burning, going much more often, urgency, or blood in the urine
Pooping	Occasional poop accident	Hard, painful, or infrequent poops; holding it in; smearing in underwear
General health	Otherwise well and playing	Fever, vomiting, tummy pain, or seeming unwell
Night	Some nighttime wetting	Sudden new bedwetting after months of being dry, with other symptoms

Constipation deserves a special mention. The AAP explains that children may hold in poop because it hurts to pass a hard stool, and that children aged 2 to 5 may also hold back to show they can decide things for themselves. A big change at home can set that cycle off. Liquid poop leaking into underwear can actually be a sign of constipation, not diarrhea. If you suspect withholding, see toddler withholding poop and talk to your pediatrician before using any remedies.

How do I handle potty regression after a new baby?

Stay calm, keep the routine, and fill your toddler’s attention tank. The AAP’s suggestions boil down to identifying the problem, fixing what you can, and setting clear but kind expectations:

1. Respond to accidents calmly. The AAP suggests gently telling your child you know they had an accident, that it’s okay, and that you know they’ll do better next time. Have them help with the cleanup in a matter-of-fact way.
2. Name the feeling. “It’s a big change having a baby in the house. Sometimes that feels hard.” The AAP recommends helping your child identify the problem and sympathizing with their feelings.
3. Bring back potty reminders. Offer the potty at likely times, such as after waking, after meals, and before going out, especially during busy baby moments like feeds.
4. Schedule one-on-one time. The AAP suggests setting aside special time for reading, games, music, or talking. Even a short, predictable daily slot where the baby isn’t the focus can help.
5. Praise “big kid” moments. Notice successes on the potty and other grown-up behavior, with hugs, praise, or a simple sticker chart, as the AAP suggests.
6. Compromise, don’t backtrack. The AAP advises avoiding major concessions like returning to diapers, but suggests small ones while your child feels insecure, such as training pants under underwear or keeping a potty in their room.

Involving your toddler with the baby can help too. The AAP suggests letting your older child cuddle next to you during feedings so they feel included. Our guide to preparing a toddler for a new baby has more ideas for the weeks before and after the birth.

What should I avoid?

Punishment, shaming, and comparisons. The AAP says there’s no cause to criticize or punish a child for accidents, even when they try to hide them, which some children do around age 3. Telling your child to “act their age” tends to backfire; the AAP suggests giving them the attention they need instead.

• Don’t compare with the baby. “Only babies wear diapers” can make being a baby look even more appealing.
• Don’t make accidents a big event. Lots of attention for accidents, even negative attention, can keep them going.
• Don’t start new big changes now. The AAP suggests finishing toilet training or a move to a big bed before the baby arrives, or putting it off until the baby is settled.

How long does potty regression last?

Usually a few days to a few weeks. The AAP says regression usually doesn’t last very long, and that children often resume training after a few days or weeks. If it lasts a month or more and your child seems relieved by a break, the AAP says a short pause in training can be considered as an exception, though moving forward gradually is usually best.

Nighttime wetting is a separate issue. Staying dry at night depends on bladder maturity and often comes much later than daytime training; see night-time potty training age. If regression is part of a wider wobble, with more tantrums or hitting, it often settles as your family finds its new rhythm. Our posts on daily tantrums and toddler hitting may help.

Frequently asked questions