The Potty
It might seem obvious, but choosing the right potty seat for your child is an important first step. You have a few options at your disposal, including:
A toilet trainer that fits on your toilet, making the opening smaller for little bums. These typically also have side handles for extra support.
An all-in-one toilet seat for both children and adults. This built-in potty seat replaces the existing seat on your toilet and includes two seats (one child-sized and one for adults) and a lid.
Kid-sized potty chair, separate from your regular toilet. These come with a potty basin that can be easily removed, emptied into the toilet for flushing and cleaned for the next use. (We love the Go Time 3-in-1 Potty from Skip Hop® for its compact nesting and unique design as an on-the-go potty, stand-alone potty and toilet trainer all in one.)
The secret is to choose the potty training seat that will make your toddler feel most comfortable and confident when it’s time to go potty.
Training Pants and Big Kid Underwear
Wearing big kid underwear is an exciting milestone for your child. Increase the fun and have them help pick out their own toddler underwear. Many parents find their children to be more aware of their own potty needs when they make the transition directly from diapers to underwear, while others may need training pants or pull-ups as an in-between stage. Be sure to get plenty of pairs of underwear, or you might find yourself doing laundry more often than you’d like.
Rewards
Positive reinforcement in the form of stickers or other small rewards can be very helpful when you begin potty training your child. Find the reward system that works best to motivate your little one and be sure to offer plenty of praise with every success, no matter how big or how small. Consider a larger reward, such as a new toy, for big potty training milestones like the first time they poop in the toilet or the first time to go a full day without an accident.
Progress Chart
Using a chart can help your little one see just how much progress they’re making. A simple hand-drawn chart will do, or search online for a chart you can purchase or print. The goal of a potty training progress chart is to help your child visualize their successes.
Potty Training Books
Reading children’s books about potty training to your child is a great way to introduce the idea of potty training.
Easy On-Off Clothing
Don’t let clothing get in the way of potty training success. Dress your child in clothes that are easy to get on and off without assistance from an adult. Choose from toddler clothes like pull-on shorts or casual dresses, made to stand the test of toddlers… and potty training your toddler. Shop Carter’s® Daycare Essentials edit for hundreds of easy-on toddler basics in one spot.
Timer or Potty Training Watch
When they first begin potty training, toddlers need plenty of reminders to use the bathroom. Set a timer during the day for every 20 to 30 minutes to help them (and you) get into a potty training schedule. A specially designed potty training watch ensures your child hears the alarm, no matter where they may be playing at the time. As your child progresses, gradually extend the time until going to the bathroom in the potty becomes a habit and they no longer need a reminder or cue to do.
Step Stool
If you opt for a training set on your regular toilet, a step stool will help your toddler onto the toilet. A stool in front of the sink will also help them reach the sink when it’s time to wash their hands. This nesting step stool with non-slip bases will give your little one a big boost to independence in the bathroom.
Waterproof Mattress Pad
If you don’t already own one, now’s the time to purchase a waterproof mattress cover (or two!). A protective mattress cover will help extend the life of your child’s mattress and make cleanup a little bit easier.
Extra Bed Sheets
Nighttime accidents commonly continue even after your child masters going potty during the daytime. Extra sheets are a potty-training must. Save yourself some headache and purchase several additional bed sheets so you can quickly change the sheets after an accident and get everyone back to sleep.
Waterproof Shoes
Accidents happen, and there’s nothing worse than a puddle of pee in your kid’s shoes. The smell of urine can be difficult to get out of shoes that aren’t washable, so a pair of water shoes that can easily be washed in the sink or tossed in the washer is great to have when starting your potty training journey. Be sure to keep a wet bag in your car, stroller or diaper bag for easy, no-smell storage of any wet items you may accumulate while on the go.
Toilet Targets
Some parents choose to teach their little boys to pee sitting down at first, but if you prefer to teach your son to urinate while standing, toilet targets can come in handy. Toilet targets are placed inside the bowl of the toilet and give your little guy something to aim other than your bathroom walls.
You can’t buy it, but one of the best tips every parent needs to hear when it’s time to potty train is to have patience. There’s nothing quite like potty training to test your limits. Stock up on plenty of patience, grace, love and praise. At the end of your potty training journey, you’ll be glad you did!
