Hi there! This blog post will contain helpful potty training tips that have helped me throughout the years. As a mother of boys I know the struggle and pressure that goes into this phase. I will also share my YouTube video “Potty Training 101 & 2in1 Potette Plus Review” that I made years ago at the bottom of this post.
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At what age to start potty training?
This varies from child to child, it is not a one fits all.
So instead look for hints such as, do they follow you to the bathroom more than usual? Are they watching you go potty and asking questions? Do they dislike the feeling of having a wet or dirty diaper? Are they removing their own diapers? These are all signs to pay attention to when determining if they are ready to be potty trained.
Now speaking from my own experience I began potty training each of my sons at around 2 and 2.5 years old. It did not work. I decided to wait a few months before starting again. This time it was so much easier and my oldest learned at 3 years old and within days!
My youngest, however learned closer to the end of 3 years old. This was due to our wedding planning and a lot going on at the time. He was fully potty trained within days as well.
When I say “Fully potty trained” I mean peeing and popping without assistance and going through the whole night without having any accidents.
Each child as I mentioned before is different and you never want to compare or force them. Instead, you want to make the experience of learning to potty train fun and exciting.
What to buy
Once you’ve explained it to them that they will begin potty training you’ll want to go shopping with them. Visit your favorite store and have them choose a few packs of their favorite Cartoon Character Underwear $12.99.
I love this part because they get super excited about it. I must say It’s a bittersweet moment because your child is growing up and will soon stop using diapers.
Next, you will want to pick up: Learn-to-Flush Potty or something similar.
I personally love this one because it makes flush sounds, talks, and light up. I’ve purchased it in the past for both of my kids.
I also suggest to buy a pack of Pampers Pull-Ups because accidents are unavoidable at this age. My youngest was the only one who used pull-ups.
I remember explaining to him that the pull-ups were like underwear for bedtime only. And, that he still needed to wake me up if he needed to use the potty.
My advice is to keep reminding them to go to the potty at night and/or to wake you up. Leaving a hallway light on at night can be helpful.
My son used pull-ups for about 5 days. I would check first thing in the morning and it would be dry. If you notice this happening it is a sign they are ready to sleep with regular underwear. Yay!
In addition, having a Bath Step Stool is extremely helpful if you plan to teach them to use the regular toilet. Children are small so they have trouble getting seated correctly and this helps them.
If your toilet seat is too big or you fear them failing in get this Sit Right Potty Seat. I love this! It is comfortable, sits perfectly on our toilet when being used, does not slip, easy to clean, and has handles for them.
Oh and it stands up for easy storage.
If you drive I recommend having a Portable Travel Potty in your car. They come in different colors too.
I really love their Portable Potty Liners.
These potty liners come in handy especially during those long car rides. If you have a boy these disposable portable liners can be solely used without the actual travel potty.
A lifesaver! Just make sure to hold the bag securely for them while they go.
If you need a timer because you will need to monitor their bathroom breaks this one is simple and has great reviews. But you can always use your cellphone instead.
Potty training chart is optional. Many pull-ups have them inside their bags. Kids love these and look forward to adding a sticker to their chart. Some parents will in return give a reward for going potty. This can be a candy, toy, chocolate, etc. But don’t feel pressured to give an item because a simple high-five or hug can be as special.
All of these are great potty training products to think about. They can make potty training easier for you and child. I consider them part of my potty training tips for parents.
First time pooping
Going to the bathroom to do number 2 is scary for some toddlers. They can’t really explain it to us but they get nervous about it.
Don’t be alarmed if you catch them hiding while they go on their underwear. Some will hide behind the couch or go under a table and do their business. This can be stressful and sad at the same time.
One way to help is by quickly carrying or walking them to the potty at the first sign. In addition, don’t leave them alone instead sit on the floor while they go but avoid making eye contact. This allows them some privacy and comfort in knowing you are by their side.
Best toilet seats
Whenever our boys went potty on their Learn-to-Flush Potty we always made it a big deal. My husband and I would dance and cheer (sometimes they would get M&Ms candy). This in return made them feel proud of themselves.
As time passes kids will begin to feel comfortable going to the potty alone. Just remind them to tell you when finished so you can clean them.
I recommend the Sit Right Potty Seat for when they need to poop. It is lightweight and comes with handles on both sides. Toddlers can easily put it on top of a toilet, use their stepping stool and go potty.
In addition, it helps a lot when children see parents and young siblings use the toilet. Remember, toddlers learn fast and they are so smart at absorbing new knowledge.
Check out the 2-in-1 Potty Training Seat because they work great too. These come with two seats: one for adults to use and another for toddlers. I used the one by summer Infant down below.
It worked well too. It’s all about preference.
When to start potty training
Another potty training tip is to begin potty training on a weekend or days you will be home.
Do not begin potty training if you have something or somewhere important to attend. I say it because you need to be paying attention to the timer (frequent bathroom trips) and staying alert for any potty accidents.
So it’s best to start when you are completely free from any special upcoming events or obligations. However, if you must leave the house, have them use the restroom right before and have a portable potty in the car.
Be consistent
Staying consistent is extremely important when potty training your child. It requires you to be focused and calm. One of the many potty training tips of mine is do not start potty training your child and then stop. This is why picking a weekend that allows for you to be fully committed is encouraged.
Cheer them on!
Whenever your child goes to the potty and eliminates be ready to cheer and dance like never before. Remember to make it a big deal every time! Get up and show your silly dances to them. Trust me they will love it and more than likely do it again.
Some parents like to give treats, candy, or stickers as a reward for going potty.
I’ve tried it all and noticed that a simple dance from the parent does the trick 🙂 This is another of my potty training tips to consider next time you feel the need to buy treats or candies.
Bedtime routine
While potty training limit their liquids (water, milk, juice, etc) right before bedtime. This will help with the process. Encourage them to empty their bladder as well. Going to sleep with an empty bladder will help tremendously when potty training your child.
However, if they do have something to drink, just give them about 10-15 minutes extra and remind them to use the restroom.
As I mentioned earlier in my post I would use pull-ups for bedtime only. This was only temporary. Once you begin to notice the pull-ups dry in the morning you can switch to regular underwear at night.
I think my youngest used them for about 5 days before we stopped putting them on him. He did have an accident one time. But we kept reminding him every night to wake us up whenever he had to go.
A quicker potty training tips method
Have them go bottomless from the waist down! Yup I said that right. If you feel like you are running out of time this method might be for you.
I did this when I taught my first born to potty train. He learned this way because he kept going on his pull-ups. To my son the pull-ups served as a diaper. If your child is doing the same don’t feel bad I was there too. Use this quicker potty training tips method if all others are not working, follow my steps down below which include more of my potty training tips.
Quick potty training tips- steps to follow:
Plan to stay home for the weekend or few days. You will need to be home for this to allow your child to stay bottom-less. Don’t put any underwears or pull-ups. Have them wear a shirt/top of course.
Make sure the indoor temperature is safe for them as well. Lay a towel for them to sit on while they watch cartoons.
Next, during the day give them plenty of liquids and move the learn-to-flush potty to the living room or wherever they will be most of time.
Put a timer for every 20min or 30min or 40 minutes. You decide depending on how long it takes them to go. Afterwards, once it beeps, have them sit on the potty and watch them go. They may not always eliminate and that’s okay. Try again in 15 minutes until they do.
Once they pee or poop restart the timer again. This is all about waiting and you must be patient.
If you rather take them straight to the adult toilet go ahead. Whatever works for you and your child. Keep doing this all weekend and watch them learn.
Don’t forget to celebrate with them every time they go. This is everything! Remember to make it fun.
Quick potty training tips-Night routine
For night time, have them put on underwear and add a folded flat towel on top of their bed from waist down. The towel serves as a means to capture urine only.
Pull-ups are great too. Use them as underwear until you begin to notice them being dry in the morning.
Conclusion
In the end, you know what is best for your child and remember that they are not all the same. Some learn faster while others might need a little more time and that’s okay.
I hope my potty training tips were helpful for you and your family. Please don’t forget to share this with any other moms or parents that you think would benefit from my blog post. It would mean so much to me 🙂
Thank you!