Potty Training is a crucial milestone in your child’s development, however for both parents and children it can be a tricky time with its own challenges. Whilst there isn’t one single approach that works for all children, understanding the basics and following a plan, can help make the process much easier for everyone!
In this guide you’ll find the most important steps of potty training and some helpful tips to support you on this journey.
1. Timing is key!
The most important factor of Potty Training is timing! It is essential to start when your child is ready. Many parents try and potty train around their own schedules and routines, just to find it unsuccessful and having to start over again. By waiting for your child’s cues that they are ready to start potty training, you’ll have much more luck. Some signs your child might be ready include, showing interest in the potty and toilet, staying dry for longer periods and letting you know when they need to go. Most children are ready between 18 months and 2 years old, but like all child development milestones this can vary.
2. Have everything at the ready!
To make Potty Training as easy as possible, make sure you have everything you need at the ready by investing in the right equipment. Buy a child potty in a design your child will love, or an appropriate-sized seat that fits securely on your regular toilet. You’ll also need to buy training pants, underwear and a step stool so your child can reach the sink.
3. Create a Potty Friendly Environment
Make the bathroom a friendly and welcoming place for your child that they are happy to go in to. Decorate the room with their favourite characters and let them chose their favourite soap or toilet paper. This will help your child to feel more comfortable and interested in using the potty.
4. Be a Role Model
Children learn by example, so it is important they see you or their siblings using the toilet. Talk through the process so your child understands what happening as this can help them feel less intimidated using the potty. Often Visual aids explaining the process can help as they give children visual images to support them.
You can find our own helpful Potty Training visuals here.
5. Establish a Routine
Establish a routine for when your child sits on the potty, for example after every meal or as part of their bedtime routine. Consistency is key in helping your child understand its time to use the potty or toilet.
6. Encourage Independence
Teach your child how to pull their own pants up and down, sit on the potty and wipe themselves independently. Encouraging your child to be independent is teaching them a lifelong skill, but it is important to be at the ready to supervise and help when needed.
7. Transition to Underwear
When you find your child has consistently used the potty for a few weeks, it will be time to transition to underwear. Give your child some ownership and reinforce the idea of staying dry by allowing them to choose their favourite underwear.
8. Moving to Nighttimes
Staying dry throughout the night, usually takes a little longer than daytime potty training. Limit drinks before bedtime and consider using waterproof mattress covers. We love these sustainable washable covers from Guarded Sleep, which are highly absorbent and cost effective.
9. Praise, Praise, Praise
Praise and positive reinforcement are crucial throughout the potty training stage. Offer praise and small rewards, like stickers, when your child successfully uses the potty including in the morning when they have had a dry night. It is important to also praise children even just for trying!
10. Patience is a Virtue
Above everything, it is important to remain patient with your child throughout their journey. There will of course be accidents, so support your child through these setbacks and avoid telling them off. Every child is different and some children may take longer to potty train than others. They will get there!
Potty Training can be a positive experience for both you and your child with the right approach. Stay patient and positive and your child will proudly be using the potty all on their own in no time!
