PECS Potty Cards for Toilet and Bathroom Training
A small set of toilet and bathroom PECS cards so your child can ask to use the toilet and follow the potty steps, a gentle support for potty training without words.
- 2 cards
- Free printable PDF
- Editable in browser
A toilet PECS card gives your child a clear way to tell you they need the bathroom and to follow the steps once they are there. This set covers toilet and wash hands, the two that matter most for getting started. A child who cannot yet say I need to go can hand you the toilet card instead.
Print the cards on cardstock if you have it, cut them apart, and laminate each one or cover it with clear tape, because the bathroom is wet and these cards will get handled often. A hook-and-loop dot on the back lets you keep them on a board by the toilet or by the sink.
Keep the cards somewhere your child can always reach them, and respond every single time they hand you the toilet card, even if it turns out to be a false alarm. Taking every request seriously is what teaches them the card works and keeps them trying.
When to use this template
Best when you are starting potty training and want your child to have a way to ask for the toilet, or to follow the bathroom steps in the right order.
How to customize this template
- Add the steps your bathroom needs, like pull down pants, flush, or dry hands, so the whole routine is on the board.
- Swap a symbol for a photo of your own toilet and sink so the cards match the room your child actually uses.
- Keep a small set by the toilet and a matching card your child can carry, so a request is always within reach.
A board to put these cards on
Cards need somewhere to live. The free Choice Board Maker prints a blank Velcro board with slots at the same 1.5, 2, and 3 inch sizes these cards cut to, so a card from this set drops straight into a slot. Use it when you want your child to pick from a small set of options rather than bring you one card.
Frequently asked questions
- How do PECS cards help with potty training?
- They give a child who is not yet talking a way to ask for the toilet, and a clear picture of the steps once they are in the bathroom. Asking with a card can lower the stress and guesswork that often come with potty training.
- What potty cards should I start with?
- Start small with toilet and wash hands, then add the steps your routine needs like pulling down pants, flushing, and drying hands. A short, clear sequence is easier for a child to follow than a long one.
- Are these potty PECS cards free?
- Yes. Download the print-ready PDF with no email required, or open the set in the free editor to add your bathroom's exact steps, reorder them, or swap in photos of your own toilet and sink.
Related templates
Daily Routine PECS Cards
Cards for everyday steps your child can follow and request: wake up, brush teeth, and wash hands.
Core Request Cards
The first eight PECS cards most children need: want, more, help, break, stop, all done, yes, and no.
Feelings PECS Cards
Five picture cards for naming big emotions: happy, sad, angry, scared, and calm.