tonies® launches a poo emoji character to help toddlers get ready for school
tonies® teams up with a UK expert to launch their first ever potty training character, designed to support parents and help solve the classroom toilet troubles teachers are reporting
There’s a new helper in town for toilet training toddlers – and it comes in the form of a pocket-sized audio friend. tonies®, the much-loved screen-free audio player for kids, has just launched a Potty Training Tonie – and it’s got expert backing.
This marks the first time tonies® has worked directly with a UK child development expert to create content specifically designed to help children tackle the potty with confidence. The launch also comes as schools and parents face increasing concerns over school readiness, with teachers reporting rising numbers of reception-aged children starting school without being fully toilet trained.
A playful solution to a serious issue
According to a 2024 poll via the Teacher Tapp app for Kindred Squared, nearly half (44%) of primary school teachers have at least one child in their class who isn’t reliably toilet trained – and a quarter have two or more. Even more worrying, one in 10 say there are three or more children in their class who aren’t yet toilet trained.
The same survey found teachers are losing an average of 2.4 hours of learning time every day helping pupils catch up on developmental milestones – a significant issue as schools juggle stretched resources and rising classroom demands.
tonies® believes the answer might just lie in playful, expert-led storytelling.
Created with a potty training expert
The new Potty Training Tonie was developed in collaboration with Amanda Jenner, founder of The Potty Training Academy and one of the UK’s leading toilet training experts. Together with the tonies® team, she’s created a fun character and script that speaks directly to children in a positive, age-appropriate way.
For lots of children, potty training can be daunting, especially when there are fears or anxieties involved. We wanted to create something that feels friendly, reassuring and genuinely fun – and most importantly, something that actually works.
The tonies® figure – which plays on the Toniebox audio player – features upbeat songs, silly facts, engaging stories, and even interactive quizzes to help toddlers get used to the idea of using the potty. It's designed to encourage independence and reduce the pressure for both parents and little ones. Plus the character is in the shape of the Emoji brand's signature poo emoji – which as all parents know is a favourite with kids!
Tackling toilet training fears head-on
The idea for the new Tonie came after tonies® ran a community survey with UK parents – and found that many little ones were scared of what they might see in the potty.
“Fear of poo is real,” says a tonies® spokesperson. “It’s something lots of parents shared in our survey – but it’s not always talked about. We knew we had to create something that normalises those fears and helps children feel confident, curious and proud of their progress.”
Packed with play-based learning and child-friendly language, the Potty Training Tonie is designed to be a reassuring presence in the home, whether you're just starting out or hitting a training roadblock.
Part of a growing tonies® toolkit for early years
This launch builds on tonies'® reputation for offering developmentally supportive audio for preschoolers and toddlers. From bedtime routines to emotional regulation, the brand has built a library of character-led Tonies that guide little ones through big moments – and now, the potty is part of that journey.
If you’re deep in the potty training trenches or wondering when to start, this new Tonie could offer the gentle nudge your child needs – and maybe even save a few hours of teaching time down the line.
Pics: tonies®