After working in childcare for over 13 years I have potty trained many toddlers, both boys and girls, and have picked up some useful potty training tips along the way that I thought I’d share x
Don’t rush potty training your toddler
You need to wait until your toddler is ready, and this isn’t a number or age it’s about your child.
There is no point attempting to potty train a child that still can’t say the words wee, and poo (or whatever your preferred terms are).
I tend to start from a young age talking to the child whilst changing their nappy, saying which it is they’ve done, children then pick up the words and begin to tell you when they have done something in their nappy and this is the first sign they are getting ready for potty training.
Other signs of readiness include being capable of dressing and undressing their bottom half at least, being dry for longer periods during the day and taking a general interest in the potty and toilet.
I wouldn’t suggest attempting potty training before 18 months though as a general rule, 2.5-3 seems to be the best time these days but remember there’s no race, listen to your child.
Forget nappies
If you want your toddler potty trained you have to step away from the nappies, they don’t see or understand a difference just by showing them a potty.
The nappy feels like it’s always felt so they will do what they’ve always done.
I recommend decent disposable training pants, Huggies do some that are less absorbent, so your child can actually feel when they’ve done something, i highly recommend these, plus they come in great designs that kids really enjoy.
Boys potty training pants (paid link)
Girls potty training pants (paid link)
or failing this move straight into pants.
Plan Ahead
Before beginning toilet training it’s a good idea to be prepared.
Do you want to use a portable potty chair that you can have in your living room or will you go straight to the toilet? In which case you may need a potty seat and small step ready for your child.
Stock up on pull ups as mentioned above.
A reward chart with a small reward is also a good idea.
In the weeks before starting potty training a good idea is to let your child visit the toilet with you or an older sibling to make their potty training journey less daunting.
There are also some nice picture books focused around potty training that you could share as a fun way to introduce the potty, my son enjoyed this one Pirate Pete’s Potty.
Talk to other family members too so they know about this big change that your child is going through.
If your child attends child care it’s also worth speaking with them, they might have a policy you will want to be aware of, or be able to advise you of the potty-training process they use.
Think about what language you will use with your child, the best way is to use nice simple instructions that your child will clearly understand.
Accidents happen
Be prepared for accidents, like learning any new skill potty training doesn’t happen overnight!
If you have hard floors then it doesn’t take long to clean up a little puddle, and if you don’t I recommend getting outside as much as possible so any accidents happen there.
Spring and summer are a good time of year for potty training, as well as the weather allowing you to be outside more it also means your child wont wet or spoil as many clothes, and any extra washing you do end up with can dry on the washing line!
Don’t be cross with your child if they have an accident and try your hardest to not revert back to nappies (unless you genuinely think the child isn’t ready)
Going out can also be difficult, always keep an eye out for public restrooms and give your child as many opportunities to go as possible to minimise the risk of accidents.
The potty or the toilet is also a big question we hear a lot, I don’t think it matters, I potty trained my daughters using a potty in the living room, my son a plastic urinal upstairs and most childminded children now straight to the toilet.
Do what feels right for you, experiment and see where your child seems more comfortable, and go with that.
Routine
It helps to have some routine in your child’s life.
Often even when children are still in nappies they become regular, make a mental note of when your child most often has their soiled nappies and remember this when moving into pants, get them to try the potty/toilet around this time.
I also suggest always asking them to try the toilet at regular intervals and times such as after a meal and before leaving the house, everyone at my setting tries the toilet before leaving the house, even myself!
If you’re at home, just you and your child I recommend encouraging them to mirror you, so every time you need the loo, you take them along and ask them to try, this is a great way of turning potty training into a joint experience that they want to share with you, but don’t push it.
Be proud
Children love to feel they’ve pleased you so offer lots of praise, tell them they’re clever, that you’re proud of them, that they’re doing a great job, they’re really growing up!
Sticker charts are known to work well but more than anything they’ll benefit by knowing that they are making you happy!
Using positive reinforcement to celebrate your child’s potty training success will be far more effective than focusing on any accidents that may occur.
New pants
Make a big deal about going out and choosing new pants, look out for your child’s favourite characters such as Peppa Pig or Spiderman, something your toddler is really going to like, the more special the new pants feel, the less likely they are going to want to have an accident in them
Dry nights
Being dry during the night is another big step so again don’t rush this, wait until you’ve got daytime fully dry and you’re confident that your toddler has cracked it them move on to nights.
My favourite tip for nighttime training is to ‘double bag’ you’re child’s mattress.
What this means is layer it up, a waterproof mattress protector, followed by a sheet, followed by a waterproof mattress protector then another sheet.
This way if they happen to wet the bed you can normally just whip off the first sheet and protector, throw them in your bathtub in you’re half asleep mode and your child already has a fresh set on the bed to continue their nights sleep!
A quick change and wipe of your child is much easier than making the entire bed!
Just don’t forget to wash those sheets the next morning!
Generally a child will become night trained between 18 months and 8 years, so please don’t worry if it takes a little time each child will do it at their own pace.
Thanks for reading, I hope this is of some use, if anyone has any tips of their own please add them in the comments
GOOD LUCK!
