The Big Potty Reset

The transition process from early years setting to school continues to dominate discussions across the early years sector, with potty training emerging as one of the more pressing challenges. Recent research from Kindred2 ’s School Readiness Survey found that 26% of children started reception in 2025 not fully toilet trained.

To help address this issue, reusable nappies brand Bambino Mio has launched The Big Potty Reset, an initiative aimed at supporting early years settings with earlier, more confident potty training.

For many educators, supporting children who are not yet confidently potty trained requires additional time, careful communication with families and increased flexibility within already stretched daily routines. This places additional pressure on settings, while also increasing waste disposal costs and contributing to a growing environmental burden.

Bambino Mio believes part of the challenge lies in the widespread use of highly absorbent disposable pull-ups, which are designed to keep children feeling dry. While convenient, disposables can mask the sensory feedback children need to recognise when they need to use the potty, unintentionally delaying the learning process. 

At the centre of the initiative are Bambino Mio’s Elite Potty Training Pants: reusable pull-ups designed to help children develop awareness, build confidence and independence to transition faster and more confidently out of nappies. Unlike disposable alternatives, the pants have a breathable cotton core that allows children to experience important sensory wetness cues while still managing inevitable accidents.

The reusable pull-up design supports children to manage their own clothing and develop toileting independence, which aligns closely with the EYFS focus on self-care, personal development and ‘school-readiness’.

According to Lesley Beach, managing director of Bambino Mio, the aim of The Big Potty Reset is to support both children’s development and early years operations.

“For practitioners, successful toilet training is about more than reducing nappy changes, although this helps ease operational pressures, it also helps children develop confidence, self-esteem and independence, which in turn supports smoother transitions into school and encourages greater participation in daily nursery routines.”

Alongside developmental benefits, the initiative also highlights sustainability. Reusable potty-training products can significantly reduce the volume of disposable nappies and pull-ups sent to landfill – estimated to cost local authorities around £60 million annually – helping settings strengthen their environmental credentials while potentially lowering ongoing consumable costs.

As part of the initiative, Bambino Mio is working with early years settings through a pilot programme that aims to support a consistent approach between home and setting, recognising that successful potty training often relies on collaboration between educators and families. The programme doesn’t require settings to hold stock, making it a low-risk option for those interested in exploring alternative approaches to toilet training.

The Elite range, which is suitable for children from 18 months to five years, has been designed to withstand frequent washing and the demands of busy educational environments, making them a practical option for settings looking to support potty training while reducing waste.

Preparing young children for the transition to school remains a key focus for the sector. As such, initiatives that support children’s independence while reducing operational pressures are likely to attract growing interest from early years settings. The Big Potty Reset aims to contribute to this conversation, encouraging a fresh approach to toilet training that benefits children, educators and the environment alike.

To find out more about The Big Potty Reset and about how to partner with Bambino Mio visit bit.ly/U5-bambinomio.