This post may contain affiliate links to items I love, and I am confident you will too! All opinions are my own, however, I may receive a small commission on purchases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For any health advice I give on nutrition and weight loss, make sure you check with your doctor, as I am not a health professional.
Potty training is a significant milestone and the ultimate test of a parent’s patience. The potty training journey can be frustrating for both parents and toddlers. It takes a lot of consistency, determination, and positive reinforcement. Before you go covering your floors with puppy pads, please take a moment to read this article on the best-kept potty training secrets that parents have shared with their family and friends for years. These secrets will help you conquer potty training while also having some fun.
Preparation
There are many books, YouTube videos, and articles on potty training your toddler. Trust me, I’ve read them all and probably twice. Each kid is different; what worked with one kid may not work with the next. Be prepared to adjust your potty training method as you learn what works. Flexibility and preparation will be essential, especially when you start to experience the power struggle of a stubborn toddler.
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you are prepared with the appropriate supplies and rewards. There are several options when deciding what type of child potty or toilet seat to use. This will all depend on the layout of your house (location of bathrooms), budget, and age of your child. If you’re choosing to start your toilet training at a young age, purchasing a small potty chair is a good thing to try out. I still have mine in the back of our SUV for those ‘urgent’ bathroom breaks during a long car ride.
If you are past the stage of using a small potty or just tired of cleaning it out, you can opt for a step-stool potty seat on your existing toilet. They come with handles that help your little one climb up and sit down. If you’re on a budget, you can opt for a portable seat that folds neatly in a little bag. These are great for when your little one needs to use public restrooms when out and about.
The next thing you’ll want to decide is if you’ll use training pants or big kid underwear. There are a lot of varying opinions on whether or not you should use big kid undies or go cold turkey over a long weekend. There’s also the elimination communication method, which is popular in many countries.
There’s a good chance you will probably go the more traditional route, and the good news is that potty training today hasn’t changed much. It can feel overwhelming with the amount of information and products out there. There are many different methods, but at the end of the day, it is your potty training process, and you can take whatever route you like. The real secret to successful potty training is positivity and a loving relationship.
Okay, you have the potty seat of choice, training underwear or not. Next, you’ll want to get a good supply of rewards. Anything from sticker charts with your child’s favorite characters to ice cream, skittles, party favor toys, or a piece of chocolate—you know your child best. A potty chart is a great way to reward your child while also helping them learn to chart and count successes. It’s a fun activity and an easy way to track their potty training success.
Timing
Timing is everything when deciding when to start to potty train your little one. You’ll want to look for readiness signs like having a dry diaper for long periods of time, showing interest in going to the toilet, showing disgust when they have a dirty diaper, and communicating when they need to go (or do the potty dance). These are just a few of the signs to look for.
For more helpful tips, we recommend this super quick read, Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki. This book was recommended to me by several mothers and preschool teachers. Different kids show different signs; it’s ok to wait a little longer, especially if it’s your first time potty training or a significant change happens in the family, like a new sibling, school, or a move.
Environment
Creating a positive environment is essential when potty training starts. It’s a big deal, and you’ll want to spend as much time as you can to prepare for that first week of training. You can help your child get excited by reading books about potty training or watching their favorite shows that mention going on the potty.
Sesame Street’s ‘P is for Potty‘ is a fun book where your child can interact with each step by flipping the little peek-a-boo flaps. Bluey and Sesame Street also have television episodes that talk about potty training. Another great one to check out is the Daniel Tiger episode on potty training.
Another great tip is to make potty training fun. You can let your child decorate their potty with stickers, pick out their favorite big boy or big girl underwear, and, if you have the space, place some books or toys near their potty to help encourage them to sit a little longer during their potty breaks. You can even give them their tablet when it’s time to go number 2; just be conscious of the amount of screen time. Be sure to include visibility to their rewards by putting their sticker chart on the bathroom door or a jar of candy or small toys on the bathroom counter.
Routine
It is essential to set a routine for potty time. It helps if you take your child to the potty after meals, naps, and after they’ve consumed lots of liquid. Some parents opt to play the ‘naked game,’ which helps kids learn when it’s time to go to the bathroom. You can set up a baby gate or a large play pen area in your living room to help keep your little one from running all over the house.If you have a girl, you can dress her in a little dress and go ‘pantless.’
When it comes to little boys, just put on a long T-shirt, or you can have them wear shorts with no training undies. And like most routines, it’s best to stay consistent, even when going out or traveling. If your little one goes to daycare, be sure to talk with your daycare provider so you are both on the same page.
Accidents
Accidents will most definitely happen. Potty training is hard work and can feel even more challenging when you’re constantly cleaning up accidents. It’s important to stay positive and try not to put too much pressure on your little one. It’s okay to ask for extra help from a family member.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to take a break and have some free time. No one is a master potty trainer; some children take a long time to train, while others are trained by the end of the week. All young children are different, so take your time and continue to be flexible.
Additional Tips & Tricks
We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s important to reiterate: Make potty training fun and easy. If you can, have a step stool in every bathroom. Amazon has some affordable folding step stools that come in various colors. These are also great for having in the car, helping kids get in the car and car seat.
Toys! Put a bin of little toys and books next to the toilet or potty chair. This helps keep your child entertained while learning to go to the bathroom.
Learn your child’s queues. Do they do the potty dance or have that classic ‘uh oh’ face? Some children will get quiet and squeeze their legs together. Keep observing, and you will know when it’s time to go.
Lead by example. Next time you go to the bathroom, bring your child and show them how it’s done. No matter what month of age they are, you can help your child learn the desired behavior for potty time by showing them. Talking about it is an excellent way to help them learn. Say things like ‘Gracie went pee pee, yay!’ and get excited when celebrating. They will learn quickly that going potty is a great accomplishment!
Lean on your friends, family, and providers and ask them to share their success stories. No one knows better than a seasoned parent with multiple children. Even the best of the best probably felt like an abysmal failure at times, so sharing stories will help you feel less frustrated.
One final tip is that nap time and night training is a whole other ball game. We could write an entire full article on getting ready to night train your little one. Nighttime accidents will happen, but there are many ways to help ease the burden on you and your child.
As mentioned before, every child is different. Be patient and flexible, and adjust as needed. You will learn what the right thing is for your child. Some children will be fully daytime trained by the second week, while others may take longer. Good luck, and we hope this article gives you more confidence while you dive into this next major milestone with your child.
