The best tip shared has been to "wait until your child is ready". Trying to force using the potty on a child who is not ready may make the entire process take longer and may even backfire on you. Here are the key readiness signs to look for in your child:
Signs of Readiness
- Shows interest in the potty
- Wants to wear "big kid" underwear
- Wants to sit on the toilet
- Stays dry for at least two hours
- Does not want to wear a wet or dirty diaper
- Regularly has a bowel movement at the same time or in the same area
- Wants to wear "big kid" underwear
- Wants to sit on the toilet
- Stays dry for at least two hours
- Does not want to wear a wet or dirty diaper
- Regularly has a bowel movement at the same time or in the same area
How To Start Potty Training
We decided to use the adult toilet for three reasons: it was cleaner (flush and go), our daycare had mini porcelain toilets and we could eliminate the extra step of transitioning from a child-size potty chair to a grown up toilet. If you choose to potty train using an adult toilet, purchase a sturdy step stool to help your child safely position himself on the seat. You may also want to get a removable seat insert if your child is anxious about slipping through.
Our moms who have opted for the mini child-size potty chair and love the flexibility of taking it around the house, outdoors and even on the road with them. There are several models on the market that will "grow" with your child, converting from a potty chair into a step stool and a toilet seat insert. Some potty training chairs also have built-in gadgets that reward your child with music or flashing lights when they successfully use the potty.
We decided to use the adult toilet for three reasons: it was cleaner (flush and go), our daycare had mini porcelain toilets and we could eliminate the extra step of transitioning from a child-size potty chair to a grown up toilet. If you choose to potty train using an adult toilet, purchase a sturdy step stool to help your child safely position himself on the seat. You may also want to get a removable seat insert if your child is anxious about slipping through.
Our moms who have opted for the mini child-size potty chair and love the flexibility of taking it around the house, outdoors and even on the road with them. There are several models on the market that will "grow" with your child, converting from a potty chair into a step stool and a toilet seat insert. Some potty training chairs also have built-in gadgets that reward your child with music or flashing lights when they successfully use the potty.
Transitioning From Potty Chair To Grown-Up Toilet
To transition your child from the potty chair to the grown-up toilet, start by placing the potty chair next to the toilet. Build familiarity with the grown-up toilet noise and water action by having him flush the toilet. Once your child is comfortable, have him sit on the toilet, use a child-sized toilet seat if desired and position a stool so he can climb up easily. Encourage him to start using the "big kid" toilet. When he begins using it regularly, remove the potty chair from view.
To transition your child from the potty chair to the grown-up toilet, start by placing the potty chair next to the toilet. Build familiarity with the grown-up toilet noise and water action by having him flush the toilet. Once your child is comfortable, have him sit on the toilet, use a child-sized toilet seat if desired and position a stool so he can climb up easily. Encourage him to start using the "big kid" toilet. When he begins using it regularly, remove the potty chair from view.
Positive Reinforcements And Rewards For Potty Training
Once our child decided he was ready to use the potty, he was trained within a week. One of his teachers swore by the reward system and it worked! Every time he went pee pee the first week, he received a little piece of sugar-free candy. When he went poo poo - which for him was a bigger accomplishment - he would get a tiny piece of chocolate. We used a lot of praise, hugs and kisses and were shocked at how quickly he was totally trained. By watching him closely and reminding him to use the potty, we've had only a few accidents and he is extremely proud about wearing big boy underwear all the time!
Once our child decided he was ready to use the potty, he was trained within a week. One of his teachers swore by the reward system and it worked! Every time he went pee pee the first week, he received a little piece of sugar-free candy. When he went poo poo - which for him was a bigger accomplishment - he would get a tiny piece of chocolate. We used a lot of praise, hugs and kisses and were shocked at how quickly he was totally trained. By watching him closely and reminding him to use the potty, we've had only a few accidents and he is extremely proud about wearing big boy underwear all the time!
Books and DVDs About Potty Training
Too Big For Diapers by John Barrett. Sesame Street's Ernie talks about using the potty in this board book.
My Big Boy Potty/My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole. Two great books to introduce your toddler to potty training. They offer positive reinforcement and are instructional for the child, showing the purpose of the potty, defining bodily function, talking about the transition from diapers to big kid underwear and explaining that it's okay to have an accident.
You Can Go to the Potty by Martha Sears. This child-friendly book talks about how potty training is another way babies grow up. There are sidebars for adults that answer all of the "why" questions your child may ask and includes a poster with 7 simple steps to hang in the bathroom.
Potty Power DVD. This DVD is an Oppenheim Toy winner and you'll see why with the quality child actors and catchy songs. It's super enthusiastic about potty training and will have your child yelling "Potty Power!" over and over again.
Too Big For Diapers by John Barrett. Sesame Street's Ernie talks about using the potty in this board book.
My Big Boy Potty/My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole. Two great books to introduce your toddler to potty training. They offer positive reinforcement and are instructional for the child, showing the purpose of the potty, defining bodily function, talking about the transition from diapers to big kid underwear and explaining that it's okay to have an accident.
You Can Go to the Potty by Martha Sears. This child-friendly book talks about how potty training is another way babies grow up. There are sidebars for adults that answer all of the "why" questions your child may ask and includes a poster with 7 simple steps to hang in the bathroom.
Potty Power DVD. This DVD is an Oppenheim Toy winner and you'll see why with the quality child actors and catchy songs. It's super enthusiastic about potty training and will have your child yelling "Potty Power!" over and over again.
Potty training does take some time to complete, usually a few months of reminding and occasional accidents. During this time, it's important to support your child and show him that you will always love him, even with accidents. The key is to remind him to use the potty, particularly when he is caught up in activities or out of his normal routine.
