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As much as parents might cherish those diaper-changing days (and all the surprise checks that come with them), there comes a time when it’s time to move on — to potty training. Helping your toddler make the leap from diapers to using the toilet is a big milestone, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start.
In today’s post, we’re sharing simple, supportive tips to help make potty training a smoother experience — for both you and your child. Whether you’re in the thick of toilet training or just starting to think about it, we’re here to guide you through this exciting stage of toddlerhood.
Have questions or success stories? Leave a comment or tag us on social media — we love hearing how things are going!
Preparing for Potty Training: What You Can Do Now
Fortune favors the prepared, and in this case it could not be more true. The road to potty training is long, even if your child gets the basic concept right away. The end goal of having them use the toilet independently or every time they need to, is a long way off. Here are some ways you can start to prepare your child (typically between the ages of 18 months to 3 years of age).
- Introduce the concept as early as possible
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- Read potty training themed books from day one, and especially as they get closer to potty training age
- Let your child observe yourself or older potty trained siblings use the toilet, and narrate the process to help them connect words with actions
- Talk about going potty and what that means on a regular basis
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- Choose the right equipment
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- Pick out a few different sizes and styles of little training potty chairs and let your child explore, play with and of course, use when needed.
- During the daytime, let them go bottomless or have on “big kid” style underwear to help them be more aware of their body’s evacuation routines
- Some kids don’t like using the smaller potties and want to use the “real toilet” from the start. That’s ok! There are tons of great seat additions that can help with this. That way they can use the big potty and stay safe and comfortable while doing so
Keep It Positive!
Potty training is a marathon, not a sprint. Keeping that perspective helps when you feel yourself hitting what you may feel is a brick wall. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
- Keep a routine: You should be pretty in tune with your child’s bathroom schedule by now. Keep an eye on the clock and help place them on the training potty at regular intervals throughout the day to get them in the habit of using the potty instead of just going on the ground or in their drawers.
- Celebrate small wins: Every win is a win! Even the small ones. Help them stay excited about wanting to use the potty by going big on your celebrations when they successfully use it, even if it is only the one time in days they were able to do so. Use stickers, small toys like cars, small candy treats, or anything else that you can use as a prize to help them stay motivated.
- Skip punishment: Remember to tackle this like a PR campaign for a celebrity: emphasize the wins and quickly move past the failures.
- Be prepared when out and about: If you haven’t already, pack a few extra changes of clothing in your diaper bag for when you’re on the go and also keep a few large (gallon sized) zip up disposable bags as well to keep soiled clothing or diapers in for when there isn’t a trash can immediately available. You’ll thank us later.
Before You Go
We hope these potty training prep tips were helpful! If you’re looking for expert support with sleep — whether for your baby, infant, or toddler — we’d love to help.
From sleep consulting to in-home sleep training and overnight newborn care or in-home newborn care services, we offer personalized guidance to help your little one (and you!) get the rest you need.
Have questions? Let’s Chat — we’re here when you’re ready.
Katie B.
Expertise You Need:
- Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant
- Certified Advanced Newborn Care Specialist (2016-2022)
- Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner
- 16 years professional childcare experience
- Certified Postpartum Doula (2015-2022)
- Travel & ROTA Nanny
Katie has over 16 years experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Specialist, she has professionally supported families and babies worldwide over the last 10 years. Her mission is to help the entire family unit get better sleep, utilizing a holistic approach that supports the baby or child’s natural biologic drive to sleep. She has personally served hundreds of families, holds 20,000+ hours exclusively caring for infants & babies and has 69+ 5-⭐️ Google reviews.
The content contained in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace the advice of any medical professional. It is based on our opinions and experience working with newborns and their families. Other’s opinions may vary. It does not represent the views of any affiliated organizations. The reader understands that the term “Babynurse” is often a word used to describe a newborn caregiver. However, unless otherwise disclosed, we are not licensed nurses in any state. By reading and/or utilizing any information or suggestions contained in this blog, the reader acknowledges that we are not medical professionals and agrees to and waives any claim, known or unknown, past, present or future. This blog may contain affiliate links.
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