Daycare
Potty trained at home, but accidents at daycare
At daycare there's more going on: exciting play, other kids, fewer reminders and a different bathroom. Your child may not notice the feeling in time, or may not want to ask a teacher.
What to do this week
- Ask daycare to use the same words and the same timing for a few weeks: sits at transitions, every 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Visit the daycare bathroom together. Practice asking the teacher at home: "I need to go potty.".
- Pack plenty of spare clothes and keep reactions to wet bags calm and neutral.
What to say
“At daycare you can tell your teacher: I need to go potty.”
Try not to say
“Why can you do it at home but not at school?”
When to call your pediatrician
- Pain when peeing or pooping
- Holding pee all day with belly pain or fever
- Sudden fear of the bathroom at daycare that you can't explain
More guides
- Getting startedSigns your toddler is ready for potty trainingRead the guide
- Getting startedWhat's the best age to start potty training?Read the guide
- First daysHow many accidents are normal in the first week of potty training?Read the guide
- First days3-day potty training not working? What to do on day 3Read the guide
Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Based on public guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) and the NHS. This is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child's health, talk to your pediatrician.