Tips for Successful Potty Training

Potty training is a milestone that can seem both exciting and frustrating. If you want to help make the transition easier for both your child and yourself, try out these 8 tips for successful potty training:

  1. Make sure it’s the right time. There is no ideal time to begin potty training for every child, as each situation is different. However, there are several signs your child may be ready, including: they seem interested in the toilet, they are curious about wearing underwear, they tell you when they need to go, they stay dry for two hours or more, and they can follow basic directions.
  2. Start with the basics. You may have a potty chair, but your child will need help figuring things out. You can help get your child used to the potty chair by having them sit on it (with our without diapers), and you can help your child understand the toilet’s function by dumping out a dirty diaper into it.
  3. Be patient. Learning to understand your child’s cues and working potty training into your family schedule can feel like a lot of work, especially when your child doesn’t seem to be progressing in the way you’d envisioned. However, stay positive and be patient. Consistency and patience are key to helping your child understand this transition.
  4. Develop a schedule. “Potty training sessions” can be a good way to help your child adapt to a routine and make using the toilet a habit. Have your child sit on the potty for a few minutes at regular intervals, and help pass the time in a fun way with a book, a song, or a toy.
  5. Praise your child. Your child is looking to you for guidance to ensure they are doing the right thing in the transition to the toilet. Letting your child know when they have a successful potty experience, no matter how small, will help them feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not only will this help strengthen your bond, it’ll keep your child motivated too. Depending on your parenting style, tangible rewards can also encourage your child to keep going.
  6. Deal with setbacks positively. Even if your child has been doing well for a few days, they still could have an accident. If this happens, keep things positive. If your child is embarrassed or upset, comfort them and let them know everything is okay. There may have been a cause to this setback that you can fix, such as bottoms that are hard to quickly take off, or misreading their cues.
  7. Read books together. There are several books for children related to potty-training. Reading these together will help your child understand the potty, and you can discuss it together and answer any questions.
  8. Seek guidance at daycare or preschool. The caregivers at your child’s daycare or preschool are potty training experts. Not only do they help all kinds of children with this transition, but they know your child’s unique personality as well. At any stage in your child’s potty training transition, their caregivers can be a valuable source of information, suggestions, and moral support.

While you are in the midst of potty training your child, it can seem difficult for both of you. However, with our 8 tips for successful potty training, you may soon see that your child is ready to say goodbye to diapers.