How to Start Potty Training Your Toddler
Potty training is a major milestone for both parents and children, but it can also be a challenging and frustrating experience. It can be easier – I promise! Every child is different, and every experience is as well. However, with the right strategies and approach, you can make the process easier and more successful for everyone involved. Here are five proven tips to help you start potty training your child today.
How to Start Potty Training Your Toddler:
So we have four kids, and two were potty trained several years ago. Now that we have a two-year-old and a one-year-old, we find ourselves right back in the game. Only, it’s different now! We’re different, they’re different, and products are different too. For Scarlet, we did a three day method over a long holiday weekend. We kept her in underwear during the day and training pants during the nights, and just hovered around her for the whole weekend. Does it sound intense? It was. She had a good time, though, and seemed to really understand the concept after three days of us rushing her to the toilet when she had to pee. She learned her body signals. We learned her body signals. That was that. It was still rough after that because she was our first and I didn’t have a lot of confidence in sending her out in public – or knowing what to send her in – but somehow it worked out. With Des, it was both easier and harder.
Tips on How to Start Potty Training:
1 – Preparation Is Everything:
It’s never too early to start introducing the concept of using the toilet to your child. You can start by reading books about potty training, letting them watch you use the bathroom, and even letting them sit on a potty chair fully clothed to get used to the idea. This will help them become familiar with the concept and make the transition to actual potty training easier. We have our bathroom prepped with flushable wipes, underwear and training pants, reward stickers, and a NextStep2 Potty Training Seat! This innovative seat has a 2-in-1 design that will make potty training much easier, while also keeping your bathroom clutter-free. These are SO cool. They are made of 100% recycled wood, has a child seat magnet (which makes life so much easier), and never loosens (with Stay-tite technology).
2 – Create a Routine, and Make Sure it Works For You:
One of the most effective strategies for potty training is creating a routine and sticking to it. This means setting specific times for your child to sit on the potty, such as after meals or before bedtime, and consistently reminding them to use the potty throughout the day. It’s important to be patient and consistent, as it may take some time for your child to get the hang of it. However, with a routine in place, they will eventually learn to associate certain times with using the potty and the process will become easier for both of you.
3 – Don’t Be Afraid to Use Rewards/Positive Reinforcement (Most of Us Do!):
See, positive reinforcement and rewards can be powerful motivators for toddlers during this potty training process. This can include verbal praise, stickers, small treats, or even a special toy or activity as a reward for successful potty use. It’s important to make sure the rewards are age-appropriate and not too extravagant, as the goal is to encourage positive behavior without creating unrealistic expectations. Remember to praise and reward your child consistently, even for small successes, to keep them motivated and engaged in the process.
4 – Patience is Key:
This is a process that takes time and patience, more than most processes. It is important to be consistent with your approach and expectations, and to avoid getting frustrated or discouraged if your toddler has setbacks or accidents. Those will most likely happen. Remember that every child is different and will progress at their own pace. Stay positive and supportive, and celebrate each small step forward in the process. With patience and consistency, you can help your child successfully transition to using the potty.
Adjust Accordingly For Setbacks:
The thing is, potty training is not always a linear process. Setbacks are common, and even expected. Your child may have accidents or regress in their progress, especially during times of stress or change. It’s important to be prepared for these setbacks and adjust your approach accordingly. This may mean taking a break from potty training for a few days or weeks, or trying a different approach that better suits your child’s needs. Remember to stay positive and patient, and to avoid punishing or shaming your child for accidents or setbacks. With time and persistence, your child will eventually master the potty training process.
Obviously, these tips are largely focused on how you can support your child with potty training, but it’s also important to support yourself in the process. Our Bemis NextStep2 Potty Training Seat makes the process cleaner and more stress-free. There are so many wonderful benefits to it. It has a slow close so there’s no slamming (we all know how toddlers love to slam toilet seats). And it can be easily removed for cleaning, or to switch out different shapes and colors. We’ve used a lot of portable potty seats, and while they all have different benefits and drawbacks, having a toilet seat built right into our toilet has been the most stress-free on our family.
