Hey there! Let me start off by saying I have NOT started potty training yet, and I know we are all in different stages of our life… But after asking you guys for potty training tips I had a ton of requests to turn all of the amazing tips I received into a Potty Training Tips blog post for others to reference! I wasn’t planning on jumping on the potty training train yet, but Michael started asking to use the potty soo… here we are! (I’m still trying to postpone just a little bit longer.) We all know that every toddler is different, so I love how many different pieces of advice I received from all of you mamas out there. I would love to hear YOUR potty training tips, so if you don’t see it listed please leave a comment below! Don’t forget, you can pin this article to your Pinterest board to save it for another time!
Potty Training Tips:
Back off if it seems like they aren’t ready. It will be easier and less stressful for everyone involved! Wait until they are ready. Don’t get down if he decides he really doesn’t want to do it right now.
Stop using diapers and put him in underwear or let him be naked. This starts out a little insane, and you have to be 100% on top of it.
Take him to the toilet every 30 minutes religiously. Right after waking up, before a snack, after a snack, lunch, playtime, etc.
Consistency! It sucks at first and scary as hell taking them in public in underwear, but you have to stick with it!
Pay attention to cues of having to go and be very aware at all times in the beginning.
Put a toilet in your car, along with doggy bags, wipes, and hand sanitizer. “I LOVE this tip!” No need to deal with public restrooms if you don’t have to.
Never ask him if he needs to go. Instead, say “It’s time to go potty.
We did naked first and then moved to undies. We had way less accidents that way because undies felt too much like a diaper and he would forget.
I kept her in her undies the whole time except nap and bedtime. We didn’t get out of the house but she realized if she had an accident a pull up wasn’t there so she learned a lot quicker that she didn’t want to be wet.
Don’t be hard on yourself if it feels like they will never get it! They will eventually use the restroom and this time will pass.
Potty treats: you poop or pee you’re getting a treat! (Mini colorful marshmallows, chocolate kisses, skittles) something little!
Overtime when she went in the toilet she was able to pick out a prize. Stock up on a bunch of cheap toys from the Target dollar section. GENIUS.
Involve them in the accident clean up. Not as a punishment, but just as a part of the experience. When we took them to get big boy undies, we also got cleaning wipes which they helped us pick out to help clean up.
Boy tip: We told them to “make bubbles” in the toilet water in order to help with aiming into the toilet.
2 People recommended this list of tips!
*Scroll to the bottom for the most suggested method!*
Suggested Tools, Equipment & Resources:
The 3 day method
This was suggested by multiple people! I wanted to highlight this method because after so many recommendations, I’m pretty sure this is what we are going to do! You can purchase the book or ebook here. I just need to find the best time to commit to doing it since it’s not something you have to implement in full force. I still remember the first time I had heard of my sister in law doing this method and it sounded sort of odd and intense. Well, it worked with all three of their kids, and it has worked for so many of my friends and readers as well. You basically kiss diapers goodbye, and explain that since there are no more diapers they have to use the potty now. For the next three days, your toddler wears nothing but an oversized t-shirt that is long enough to cover their bum. I have yet to read the ebook, but the idea is that you want your toddler to see what happens when he/she has an accident.
I will be sure to update you guys on the process and to let you know what I think.
Not quite ready for potty training? Be sure to pin this article to your Pinterest board to save these potty training tips for later!
I hope all of the mamas out there found this article helpful! I’m going to be doing more posts like this where I include real tips from my readers so stay tuned! We’re all in this together!