The day has finally come — your child has expressed interest in using the toilet for the first time. Take a deep breath as you begin buying potty training accessories, searching for tips and getting excited about the money you’ll be saving on diapers.
Potty training is a major milestone, and it’s easy to get excited. However, it’s also helpful to have a plan. It’s important to do everything in your power to make the process of potty training go smoothly for you and for your child.
Here are 8 steps to master potty training and say goodbye to diapers for good.
1. Wait until your child is ready to begin potty training.
Before doing anything, make sure your child is ready to start potty training. This depends on your child’s individual needs and development.
Take note of all areas of development, including if they are ready:
- Physiologically: Is their bladder and digestive system mature enough to make it to a toilet? Are their motor skills developed enough to manage their clothing and sit still on the potty?
- Cognitively: Can they connect having to use the toilet with actually using it? Can they remember to do so? Can they avoid distraction long enough to complete the process?
- Socially: Are they aware of how others use the toilet? Do they seem to want to imitate that behavior?
- Verbally: Do they understand when you explain how a toilet works? Can they ask questions about using the toilet?
- Emotionally: Are they working on their independence? Do they seem to want to use the toilet?
2. Talk with your child about using the potty.
Once you’ve determined your child is ready for potty training, start (or continue) having conversations about using the toilet. Talk about the process. Read books about using the toilet. Ask if they have questions, and answer them clearly.
Decide on the vocabulary you want to use, then stay consistent. While you can choose how to refer to a bowel movement or urine, always use proper names for body parts. This helps promote a more positive body image and sense of self as they grow and develop.
4. Gather your potty training gear.
Start finding your potty training accessories, such as:
- A floor-level potty with a back. You may want to consider getting one with a flusher that makes noise to mimic the real thing.
- Rewards, such as stickers, small treats, or small toys
- A reminder watch
- Color-changing stickers, which change color when they come into contact with urine
You may also want to create a potty training chart to help your child visually keep track of their progress.
5. Do some practice runs.
Encourage your child to try to use the potty at frequent intervals, including when they are showing signs such as:
- Facial expressions
- Noises, like grunting
- Body language, like holding their genitals
- Movement, like pacing
Also, have them use the toilet after naps, 20 minutes after meals, and after 2 hours.
6. Praise any success.
The goal of the practice runs is to eventually find success. Praise them for trying (“You’re trying so hard to go pee in the potty!”) and when they succeed (“Great job going pee in the potty!”). Be timely and consistent with rewards for using the toilet, whether you’re using a sticker chart, small toys, hugs, or a dance party to celebrate.
7. Ditch the diapers.
You can usually — for the most part — say goodbye to diapers after about ten successful potty trips with urine or a bowel movement.
While switching to underwear will help your child continue to use the toilet, you can keep diapers around for naps and bedtimes. The goal is to master daytime potty training before nighttime. You can also use diapers for any travel outside the home as necessary.
8. Stay consistent and flexible.
Be consistent about your process, reminders, and praise so your child will know exactly what to expect.
At the same time, stay flexible. While accidents are inevitable, they will start to subside a few months after your child is considered mostly potty trained. If you run into roadblocks — such as your child suddenly refusing to use the toilet — take a step back and reset. Go back to diapers for a week, and restart when you’re both ready.
Support for Successful Potty Training
Potty training is one of many ways you can support your child as they gain independence and confidence. It isn’t easy, but you’re not alone in this process.
If you have questions about how to approach potty training or feel that you’ve hit a speed bump, talk to your child’s pediatrician.
Do you have questions about starting potty training with your child? Reach out to one of our pediatricians for support, resources, and more.