5 Ways to Prepare for Potty Training

Okay moms, ready to potty train your toddler? Awesome, I’ll show you how to prepare!

Are you tired of buying pampers? Is your toddler taking off their dirty diaper and running around the house naked? (*raises hand*) Well, it’s time to get that kid potty trained!

My youngest son is two and we’ve reached the stage where he HAS to start going to the potty. I try not to compare my two boys, but the oldest was potty trained and vacuuming his bedroom when he was two and a half. It’s time for the little one to pick it up. So as I enlist my son into Potty Training Boot Camp, there’s a few things that you can do as a parent to prepare for potty training and I’m going to share it with you.

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1. COMMIT

Before you even begin, you have to be committed to the process and have patience. Accidents will happen. It will be frustrating. Your couch will get peed on. You may find poopy underwear in the corner. (Hopefully you’ll find it sooner rather than later). Don’t give up!!! Stay consistent and have patience. An actionable step you can take to commit to this process is by refusing to buy diapers OR pulls-up. Also, make sure your spouse, partner, daycare, family and friends know that your child is being potty trained. You will need all the support you can get. Hey, you could even get them a potty training shirt like this or like this, so everyone is on the same page.

2. SPEAK THE LANGUAGE

If you’re not already doing this, have the potty talk while you change their diaper. Let the child know that “poopy” is stinky and nasty and that they should go “pot-pot”. Or say that “pee-pee” is wet and cold and they should go “pot-pot”. Or if you don’t do the baby talk, by all means inform them “bowel movements” are to be done in the “lavatory” not in their pantaloons.

3. GIVE THEM THE GRAND TOUR

Show them around in the bathroom. Show them the toilet and tissue. Let them practice flushing and washing their hands. Make them feel comfortable and at ease.

4. QUESTION THEM

After you’ve eaten, say that “Mommy drank so much juice, I have to go to the potty. Do you have to go potty?” Don’t force them to go, just start asking questions.

5. GO SHOPPING

Now, it’s time to take your child shopping. Make it a big deal and let them get excited about becoming a “big boy” or “big girl”. Below is a list of recommendations.

UNDERWEAR

Don’t be boring. You want to get them excited. You can buy the tightey-whities later. Start off with some fun character themed underwear. 

JUICE

Buy plenty of juice boxes. You want your child to be well hydrated if they’re going to fill up that potty.

POTTY

We used this Fisher-Price potty with my first son. With my second, I think we’re going to skip the “toddler potty” and go straight to a potty seat like these. We’ll be trying this to eliminate the transition from toddler potty to regular bathroom.

 

BOOKS AND CRAYONS

To keep your kid busy while on the potty or passing the time until they have to go, grab some potty books for toddlers and crayons. 

 

Sesame Street and Elmo anything is always a hit in our house.

This book was a favorite for my friend’s daughter.

REWARDS 

Each time your child successfully uses the potty, offer them an immediate reward. It could be a sticker, lollipop, a cookie, a fruit snack, or anything small that you know they will enjoy. For days that they remain dry, offer something bigger, like a trip to an ice-cream shop or small toy. (You could even create a treasure chest and fill it with trinkets for them to grab).

POTTY WATCH

This is completely optional, but I’ve seen these potty time watches that light up and plays music to let your child know it’s time to go potty. You can set it for 30, 60 or 90 minute intervals. Something I’m considering picking up this time around.

CLEANING SUPPLIES 

Remember that pee I said that would get on your couch or that poop that will be hiding in the corner? I wasn’t lying. Get disinfectant, carpet cleaner, hand sanitizer and clothes detergent. 

 

6. CHART PROGRESS

 As you’re potty training, you’ll definitely want to chart their progress. Whether it’s the time of day they usually go or how often, be prepared to keep track.

You can show their successful progression towards being totally potty trained. Instead of buying a potty training chart, I designed this Teen Titans GO! Potty Time chart specifically for my son. If you like it, check out this post to grab it as a freebie. 

Good luck on your potty training adventure. Let me know how your training goes. Finished in a weekend? In a week? Gave up and starting over? Gave up and you’ll let them teach themselves? Have tips that worked for you? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS.

 

 

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