7 Simple Potty Training Tips
Potty training is a natural step in your child’s development, yet it can seem so daunting, BUT I’m here to tell you that it does not have to be. Here is my 7 simple potty training tips! You don’t need to read a bunch of potty training books, or even go out and buy a bunch of things just to potty train your child. When I say simple, I mean it. I’m not a professional in potty training or even the development of children, but I’m a mom who has done this with three kids, simply going off of intuition, which has always worked for me. I hope you gain some value from these tips, and potty goes smoothly for you and your child!
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1. Don’t make it such a big deal
I feel like parents can make potty training such a big deal for their kids when it really doesn’t have to be. Making it just a normal thing that we do everyday (quite literally) is the best way to get your child potty trained. From what I’ve discovered through my own kids, is that if you want potty training success – talking to your child about what you expect from them while potty training has been a game changer for me. Kids will listen to you, and when you make it a casual thing instead of a huge event, you’re creating a safe place for them and it’s not such a stressful time.
2. Use a simple potty training seat
With my first son, I got him a fun potty training seat that had dogs on it. Every time I would sit him on the toilet he would get so distracted and wanting to point and talk about the dogs that he didn’t realize he was sitting there to use the restroom. I decided within a week of potty training him to get a plain and simple one, it helped so much and he was potty trained within that week of having the plain one. Since then, I’ve used the plain potty training seat for my other two children and we’ve had no problems! When you keep things simple (with most things in parenting) there is a lot more ease.
Here are two examples of what kind of potty seat(s) are helpful. I recommend getting one like these that can just go on a regular toilet, so that you do not have to go through another transition period from a small potty toilet to the regular toilet.
3. Have your child wear “big-kid” underwear
Once again, with my first child, I bought the disposable training pants, and to me, those are one of the biggest wastes of money. It was like my son still felt like he was wearing a diaper and could not differentiate between the two. After a couple of days of trying, I realized that it was not going to work. So I decided to go buy regular underwear and see if that could help get him excited. The first time he wore them he had an accident, which is good! He did not like being wet, and it made him think before he peed in his underwear the next time. For other two kids, this method worked just the same. I let them have an accident, so that they could know what it feels like in the underwear. I know for some kids it may take a little longer, but it worked extremely well!
4. Forget the sticker chart and potty snacks
To some people I always sound so mean for this, but it’s true, your kids do not need to be rewarded for using the restroom. I feel like if you want them to have success, lots of praise and rewards are not always the answer. With something like potty training, it is just something that they should do. Adding all of the extra stuff just adds more pressure to them. Then you also have your child only doing something for a reward, when it is something they need to learn how to do. I’ve seen it so many times with people I know and their kids. They offer rewards for using the restroom, and when they decide to take the rewards away, they have potty training regressions, and it creates a whole new problem. Kids are smart, and sometimes they feel rewarded just by learning a new skill, like potty training.
5. Give your child a week
Create a Routine:
- Regular potty breaks: Schedule regular potty breaks throughout the day, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.
- Consistent routine: Stick to a consistent potty training routine to help your child feel comfortable and predictable.
Listen to Your Child:
- Pay attention to cues: If your child seems uncomfortable or is fidgeting, they might need to go potty.
- Respect their pace: Allow your child to go at their own pace. Don’t force them to use the potty if they’re not ready.
To get your child started off on the right track, it is important to put them in an ideal situation. The week I decide to potty train, I plan to stay home that week. This doesn’t mean we don’t ever leave the house, but it does mean that a majority of the time will be spent at home. And sometimes they really only need the first couple of days, but I do like to stay home to prevent any accidents while we are out and about. A week gives them a proper amount of time to learn this new skill.
When we’ve decided that the child is properly potty trained, it’s always important to make sure the child uses the restroom before we leave the house, before bed, or any time we’ll have longer periods of time away from the restroom.
** It also may take your child longer than a week, and that is okay too **
6. Potty training for bedtime
A good rule of thumb when nighttime potty training is if they are sleeping through the night, then they are ready to be potty trained for the night. For me personally, I usually have my kids daytime potty trained by 18 months, but not completely night trained until they are done nursing at night. I don’t typically start to night wean until age 2 for my kids. So when I night wean and my kids sleep through the night, then they also get night potty trained. Which is really nothing significant, I just make sure that they use the restroom before bed and right when they wake up in the morning. That’s when they’re completely out of diapers!
7. Look for signs of readiness
Here are some key signs that your child might be ready to start potty training:
Physical Readiness:
- Regular bowel movements: If your child has a predictable bowel movement schedule, it’s a good sign.
- Dry diapers for extended periods: Can your child stay dry for at least two hours during the day?
- Interest in the toilet: Does your child show curiosity about the toilet or express a desire to use it?
Cognitive Readiness:
- Understanding: Can your child understand simple instructions like “go potty” or “pull up your pants”?
- Communication: Can your child communicate their needs, such as saying “I need to go potty”?
- Independence: Is your child showing signs of independence, like dressing themselves or feeding themselves?
Emotional Readiness:
- Willingness to try: Does your child seem open to trying new things, including potty training?
- Positive attitude: Is your child generally happy and cooperative?
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. It’s best to wait until your child shows multiple signs of readiness before starting potty training.
All kid’s are different, and some of these techniques may not work the best for your child. Just remember that there is no time limit on when your child needs to be potty trained. They will all get there eventually, so being patient and know that accidents will happen. It’s best to guide your child through this potty training journey and set them up for success and good habits. It’s a good idea to be able to adapt to what your child needs, and don’t be afraid to try new things while potty training, it’s not a one size fits all. The best approach is to always be there to support your child while they get the hang of potty training, even if it takes longer than you wanted. I really hope that at least one of these 7 potting training tips can be of help to you and your child. If so, let me know in the comments which ones worked for you! I would love to hear from you!
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