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Bottom Wiping
Bottom wiping is complex and requires children to have lots of skills such as sitting or standing balance and the ability to be able to reach around their body to an area they cannot see.
It is important to consider your child’s age and stage of development when supporting toileting and wiping skills.
Children should be able to recognise the need to go to the toilet and be able to communicate this to an adult. Modern nappies and pads do not allow children to feel the experience of being wet or uncomfortable so may not be motivated by this to learn to toilet train. Wearing pants or a piece of material inside their nappy can help with this.
Different children will need different strategies to support them with developing toileting. There are many books with fun stories around toileting training at local libraries which may be useful.
ERIC The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity- has lots of self help guides, fun activities and printables: https:/
Before you start - consider the environment
Children need to be sitting comfortably to be able to use the toilet effectively. They may need a ring reducer insert on the toilet seat or a step to support their feet. These can be purchased from many high street retailers.
When your child is at the stage to start wiping independently ensure that the toilet paper is within easy reach.
Be mindful of the bathroom environment, some children are more sensitive than others and may find smells or sounds particularly challenging. Tune in to your child’s preferences and adapt the environment accordingly.
Underlying wiping skills
When your child is toilet trained and the time comes for them to become more independent with wiping there are lots of fun ways to develop these skills away from the bathroom. For younger children, everyday activities such as wiping from a chalk board, folding napkins, wiping surfaces or windows can help develop those skills.
When broken down into smaller steps there are many stages involved in the wiping process. Have a look at this checklist which breaks down the process and may help you identify which parts your child is having difficulty with. It also gives you some fun activity ideas to help develop your child’s skills in that area.
Stages of wiping
When supporting your child with the process begin by you doing the first wipes and allowing you child to perform just the last wipe. By doing this your child is likely to gain a sense of achievement from completing the task rather than having a go and struggling then requiring help. They are also avoiding any mess by an adult doing the first wipes. When your child is more confident with completing the last wipe allow them to do the last two wipes and so on. This approach is known as backward chaining.
Some children will need more support to develop independent wiping than others and may need to practice again and again to become more confident and successful.
Many children learn through having a visual or step by step reminder. Pictures and / or key words can help support your child with what comes next. It may be useful to put this up on your bathroom wall so it is visible to your child.
Visual sequencing chart for bottom wiping
Washing Hands
Washing your hands after using the toilet and wiping is just as important as all the stages within the toileting process. Below are some links to some fun rhymes to encourage hand washing:
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