Potty Training: 5 Tips and 5 Must Haves
Teaching your littles how to use the potty is a “big kid” milestone we - parents or guardians - have to experience. Whether your role is teaching them or reinforcing what they’ve learned, it’s a team effort.
In a previous post “Tiny Tot takes the pot”, I share our potty training journey (with my then 16 month old daughter). We based our journey off of Elimination Communication. There are several methods out there to try based on your child’s age. If your potty training method looks different from ours, it’s okay! Celebrate the fact your baby is becoming a big boy/big girl! And encourage them to be proud of themselves too.
A few tips to keep in mind when you start potty training:
1) Go at your child’s pace! Some children will grasp the concept of using the potty faster than others. Forcing them if they aren’t ready will only make life more difficult for you and them.
2) Pay attention to how they respond and interact with the potty, the process and what they’re learning. Are they intrigued or scared? Are they beginning to notice when the release themselves? Are they understanding how to communicate if they need to go?
3) Remain patient with your little one (and yourself) throughout this venture. Accidents will happen.
4) Don’t give up on your littles. They may be closer to getting it then you think.
5) Be consistent. Your discipline will eventually become their discipline.
As you are planning your potty training journey there are a few things you want to be sure to have before you start the process. Below I’ve populated 5 Must Haves for potty training. Let’s get to it!
(1) Several pair of big boy/girl undies
Transitioning to big boy/girl underwear is an exciting time for everyone. It’s something new for your little one to explore. And the amount your pockets will begin to save is a relief. Ofc course undies are an absolutely a must have however I’d advise you to order at least 7-10 pair. Again, accidents are bound to happen. Sometimes multiple times a day, especially when you first start. Having multiple pair will help reduce the amount of washing the same 1-2 pair every day. I’ve included a few links for cotton underwear as small as 18 months.
(2) Home Potty
Having a potty my daughter’s size helped introduce her to this new phenomenon. She was intrigued by her potty. Before we even started potty training I sat her potty near her play area so she could explore it. It gave me the opportunity to explain what it was, why we have it and how it works. By the time we started potty training she was very comfortable sitting on her potty and “flushing” her potty. This home toddler potty has helped build her independence. Now at 2 years old she is confident to use the potty, and oftentimes, prefers to go on her own. It’s safe for her to easily get on and off.
(3) Portable potty (for on the go)
Once your little one has gotten the basis of potty training and even using the potty on a regular basis, you’ll want to keep them on their routine no matter where you are. Having a portable potty available at all times will make your life so much easier. I kept our portable potty in the car. It was convenient, easy to transport and easy to sterilize. Eliminating the need for public bathrooms with a small child was quite important. Especially during a pandemic. Another great thing about the potty I linked below is how it allows you to remove the top cushion. If you’re in a restaurant, an airport or at church running to the car each time your little needs to potty will not always be accessible. Having a removable top cushion allows you to minimize how much your little one touches in public bathrooms. Whichever portable potty you chose their convenience is why it’s a must have.
(4) Lysol wipes
Lysol wipes are so essential for your home potty and portable potty. Keeping it clean and free of germs are a must. You should thoroughly clean your child’s potty however when you are on the move and need to quickly clean up, lysol wipes will get the job done. Keep these very close to your home potty and with your portable potty. Make it a habit to clean up immediately following your child’s successfully use of the potty.
(5) Onesie/dress/t-shirt
This must have is the most economical one because you can use something you already have. When preparing to potty train, you’ll want to make life easy on both you and your child. Simply putting on a onesie, t-shirt or dress leaving their little bottoms free is their only attire for several days (unless you’re planning to leave the house).
(6) BONUS: Potty Book or Toy
A designated book or toy for the potty comes in hand when encouraging your little one to booboo on the potty. It distracts them while increasing their tolerance to sit on the potty. This is not a must have however it can be convenient if your little is reluctant to boo-booing on the potty.
