Are your kiddos ready to use the toilet? Follow my potty training tips!
Wondering how to potty train?
Maybe you’re in the thick of potty training your toddler right now. Or maybe you’re trying to soak up as much information as you can. Whether you’re wondering how or when to start potty training, you’ve come to the right place. As a mom of three potty-trained kiddos, here are all the potty training tips you need to stay sane.
My top potty training tips:
1. Know it’ll happen when it happens.
Potty training for the wrong reasons will lead to frustration and discouragement. Don’t rush to get your kids potty trained so you don’t have to buy diapers anymore, or because you know a mom who potty trained their 18-month-old and you don’t want your child “falling behind”.
What are some signs your child might be ready to potty train?
- They’re hiding when they do their business: Whether behind a curtain, squatting in a corner, or leaving the room to be alone, this is a strong indicator that they’re embarrassed or need privacy.
- They have a clear understanding: It’s important for your child to understand what the potty is for and the difference between wearing a diaper versus underwear.
- They’re waking up dry: If they’re waking up from naps and bedtime without a wet diaper, chances are they’re going to transition very well overnight and during naps.
- They show an interest: Yes, all kids normally follow you to the bathroom (and it’s always when they need a snack or a drink most), but if they’re following you and express curiosity, this is a great time to talk to them about the potty.
- They’re uncomfortable: If your child is telling you when they need to be changed, is getting their own diaper, or seems uncomfortable after they go, they’re more than likely at a good potty training age and ready for this big change.
2. Retire all the diapers.
When your child is ready, donate all your unused diapers to a local shelter. Don’t keep diapers to fall back on for convenience. That just confuses the kids and may make potty training take much longer.
3. Be patient when potty training.
- Know that accidents are normal and expected.
- Don’t yell at your child when things aren’t going to plan.
- Make them feel comfortable telling you when they do have to go, rather than being scared of having an accident.
- When an accident does happen, talk to them and tell them it’s okay and that these things happen.
- Use encouraging words. There’s nothing a little wash can’t fix.
4. Be homebodies for a while.
In the beginning, kids won’t give you much notice that they need the potty, so stay close, with a set, ongoing schedule. Consistency is key!
5. Spend time on the potty.
Put them on the potty training toilet frequently to become familiar with it. Knowing your child’s daily routine is also helpful, so you can catch them before they typically go in their diaper.
6. Ask them frequently.
To not get distracted, set a timer for regular, short intervals, all day, to ask if they needed to go potty. Your natural instincts will also kick in, and you’ll pick up on clues that they need to go.
7. Try the “over-under” trick.
Put a diaper OVER their underwear. That way when they have an accident, they still feel wet and uncomfortable. It was my saving grace because, after just a few days, we didn’t even need the diapers anymore! 🙌
8. Don’t give liquids before bedtime.
Eliminate sleeping accidents by nixing fluids about three hours before bedtime. Once you’re confident your child can go all night without accidents, you can introduce more fluids.
Hip Tip: Have them sit on the potty before bedtime. Even if they don’t go, they get into a a routine to use the bathroom before they sleep.
9. Make potty training FUN!
Here are three ways to make the process more fun:
- Use (or create) a potty training chart: Kids love stickers! On our potty training chart, my kids earned one sticker for peeing and two for going 💩. This also helps them visualize how well they’re doing!
- Take them shopping for underwear: I loved letting each of my kids choose their own underwear. This also adds to their excitement when wearing them.
- Scoop up some new books: Bathroom books are a great way to introduce potty training to your child.
I am loving these popular books right now:
For girls:
For boys:
For parents:
For everyone:
Some of my favorite highly-rated potty training toilets:
For more potty training tips, check out these highly-rated books:
If your older child is still wetting the bed, you need to read this!
