Parenting
Tips And Must-Have Items For Successful Potty Training
During our holiday break, my husband and I dedicated ourselves to potty training our son, a week we fondly call Holiday Hell Week. He had been demonstrating signs of readiness for quite some time—such as improved communication, curiosity about the toilet when we used it, and informing us when he soiled his diaper. Therefore, we figured that our work break would be the perfect time to introduce him to the potty. However, let’s just say that our at-home vacation was not particularly relaxing.
I tend to be the kind of mom who feels the need to be completely prepared for every new challenge, so I enrolled in a potty training course, printed out helpful resources, and purchased various necessary items ahead of time. I realized that our determined little boy would require a lot of preparation and patience from us if we were going to embark on this journey, especially given his past difficulties with significant changes in routine. While I anticipated some resistance, I was definitely not ready for the sheer force of his determination. The experience was indeed enlightening.
Now that I’ve emerged from the other side of this journey, I’ve acquired a wealth of insights on how to prepare for what lies ahead in potty training. Here are my essential potty training tips and recommended products.
Stock Up on Training Undies
Even if you start potty training using the naked method, your child won’t remain without pants indefinitely (though it may feel that way!). Be sure to pick up several packs of training undies (like Pampers Easy Ups) to help gently ease into the process. Even if you don’t use them during the day initially, they will still be useful for managing nighttime accidents. Once your child is fully potty trained during the day, you can then focus on nighttime training, but Easy Ups are an excellent solution for this transition.
My children adore Easy Ups because they are exceptionally soft and comfortable, and I appreciate that they are more budget-friendly than some other brands we have tried. Parents often notice that training pants can feel too much like diapers, but Easy Ups remediate this with their soft, cotton-like texture that closely resembles real underwear. With dual leak-guard barriers and maximum leakproof protection, they are ideal for overnight wear or any accidents while out and about. Easy Ups also come with a stretchy waistband that provides 360-degree elasticity, allowing kids to easily pull them up and down—essential for those urgent trips to the potty! And when accidents do occur, the easy-tear sides enable swift removal (which is an absolute lifesaver).
Featuring delightful Bluey designs, these training undies add a fun element to potty training. We recommend introducing Easy Ups before you officially start training to facilitate this significant transition for your child.
Find The Right Potty
Selecting the right potty can greatly influence the success of your potty training efforts. With a variety of styles and features available, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your child’s needs and your training method. For instance, if you plan on using the bare-bottom strategy, a lightweight, portable potty is great for easy access around the house to reduce accidents. Conversely, if you lean toward a more gradual approach, a potty seat that attaches to your regular toilet might be ideal. Additionally, for parents who want their children to lead the process, themed potties can serve as a fun and encouraging tool to foster excitement about using the potty. Regardless of your preferred method, there is a toilet training solution that fits your toddler’s requirements perfectly:
This potty’s realistic design gives children the feeling of using a real toilet. It features a practical flushing handle and a removable potty seat that transitions to a standard toilet, making it very versatile for long-term use.
If you prefer to skip the mini potty, this seat fits securely atop most adult toilets, eliminating the need for a separate potty.
This foldable potty seat is perfect for families on the move, easily fitting into a diaper bag while providing a clean and secure space for toddlers to use publicly available restrooms. Its lightweight yet durable design makes it ideal for traveling!
Make Potty Time Fun
Once you acquire your child’s potty, assemble a potty basket filled with interactive toys to keep them engaged and motivated. As we know, toddlers have notoriously brief attention spans, so it’s crucial to include a variety of items that can maintain their interest while seated for extended periods. Choose toys that are safe and easy to use during potty time to prevent accidents or excessive distraction.
Read Potty-Themed Books
We began reading potty-themed stories as soon as our son turned 2, and added a few more just before starting training. These books have been instrumental in helping him grasp his bodily functions and the process of using the potty. We also placed these books in his potty basket for easy access to help keep him calm while sitting. Here are some of our top potty book picks:
Be Prepared for Accidents
Accidents are a part of potty training—there’s simply no avoiding them. To minimize stress during these moments, keep your cleaning supplies in a portable caddy, making cleanup more straightforward with everything in one place. We also stored our primary rugs in the garage to prevent dealing with stains until our child mastered potty use.
When in Doubt, Get Creative
Although potty training is a natural step in a toddler’s development, it can still be daunting for them. Having relied on diapers throughout their lives, the transition can be quite challenging. This was the case for our son, who resisted the process at every turn. To encourage him, we needed to think outside the box. Instead of resorting to bribery, we devised various methods to spark his enthusiasm for potty use. We stocked his potty basket with bubbles, sprinkles, and stickers that he could enjoy while seated or after he successfully used the toilet.
That said, it’s crucial to remember that no matter how well you prepare both yourself and your toddler for this significant change, you can’t compel someone to do something they truly do not wish to do. This doesn’t reflect on you or your child; it’s simply part of the process.
Potty training can be a daunting experience; let’s avoid adding extra stress over something our children will ultimately master. Take a deep breath, mom, because they won’t be in diapers forever—we assure you.
