Potty Training Tips and Tricks

Potty Training Hacks

Potty training is one of the biggest milestones in a child's early years, but it can be a challenging time for parents. However, with the right approach, it can be a fun and exciting experience for both you and your little one.

If you’re nervous and aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve got your back.

Like most parenting struggles, there is no single solution. Here are some tips and tricks to make the transition to using the potty as smooth as possible.

In this article:

How do I Know When my Child is Ready to Potty Train?
What Kind of Potty Should I Buy?
How to Make Potty Training Fun
How to Create a Potty Training Routine
How do I Encourage Independent Toileting
How Long Should it Take to Potty Train?

How do I Know When my Child is Ready to Potty Train?

As tempting as it may be to start as early as possible, potty training success is determined more on whether your child is physically and emotionally ready, and not necessarily a specific age. It's best to start potty training when your child shows an interest in the potty, and this usually occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old. Here are some signs to start potty training:

They start showing interest or curiosity in the toilet
They begin feeling uncomfortable or are aware of wearing a full/ used diaper
They stay dry for long periods, 2 hours or more
They’re able to pull their pants up and down by themselves
They can sit down on a potty chair and get up again without help
They’re able to follow basic directions
When they start letting you know they need to go

What Kind of Potty Should I Buy?

Having the right tools on hand can make the process much smoother and more comfortable for your child.

Potties:

Before starting with the actual toilet, many parents like to try a Potty Chair. Perfectly sized for toddlers, potty chairs are lightweight and moveable, so you can take it to any room once your little one is feeling the motions. Fair warning! Potty chairs have to be manually emptied on a regular basis, so this might not be the best option for squeamish parents.

Babybjörn Potty Chair - Sleek and covers all the basics, this potty chair is sturdy and rests firmly on the floor. A high backrest and comfy armrests make for comfortable sitting, even for prolonged periods of time. Very easy to empty and clean, and the splash guard prevents spills.
Skip Hop Modern Easy Clean Potty - This mini toilet looks and sounds like the real thing with a chrome-finish button that makes flushing sounds to add some fun and authenticity to the moment. Also comes with a removable wipes case that is great for home or on-the-go, and fits perfectly in the storage compartment at the back - which you can also use to store books or other potty time activities.
My Carry Potty - Great for travelling, a self-contained potty with a watertight seal. Lightweight, leak-proof and bag free. Unique design that makes it easy to grab and take with you wherever you go. You can personalize with different colour options or even prints of your little’s favourite animal.

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Toilet Trainers:

If you and your littles are feeling confident enough to try the real thing, you can try a toilet trainer. Toilet trainers are secondary seats that act as a booster on top of your actual toilet, and avoid accidentally falling in! While they are safe and easy to use once your child has had some practice, you should always help them climb up and down until it is safe for them to do so alone.

BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer - Adjustable dial allows it to fit almost any toilet, and you’ll only have to set it once for it to safely rest on the toilet seat every time. Lightweight enough that your child can easily use it and take it off themselves to hang away when they are done.
Skip Hop Easy Store Trainer - Unique go & stow design with a handy tab to keep it in place when the lid is lifted. Innovative hub that magnetically lifts and stores the training seat inside your toilet lid so you don’t have to remove it if adults have to go!
Bumbo Toilet Trainer - Ergonomically shaped to fit your baby's bottom, with extra cushioning to make for an even more comfortable sitting experience. The contoured seat is perfectly molded for tiny tushies and provides support in all the right places.

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Stools:

If you are planning on using a toilet trainer, or once your little is ready for the big kid toilet, you’ll need a step stool. Step stools give your littles a firm surface so that they can sit without their legs dangling and reach the toilet seat or sink on their own. A solid surface that supports their feet also helps to maintain proper bowel movements.

BabyBjörn Step Stool - Simple design that matches perfectly to the rest of BabyBörn’s bathroom collection. Wide rubber strips keep it firmly on the floor, and the non-slip rubber mat on top keeps your child’s feet firmly planted when used.
Skip Hop Double Up Step Stool - Interlocking steps that give you the option to have two steps up for an easier climb, or they can be used separately. The smaller step nests neatly beneath the larger one to save space when not in use.
Baby Works Folding Step Stool - Folds away for easy storage, but sturdy enough to support up to 176 lbs. Skid resistant grips on the bottom keep it securely in place.

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How to Make Potty Training Fun

Encouraging your child and celebrating their successes, no matter how small, is crucial in potty training. This will help build their confidence and keep them motivated to continue using the potty.

Be positive even if a trip to the toilet hasn’t been successful to encourage them to try again at a later date.
Letting them watch while you use the toilet can go a long way in helping your littles overcome any apprehension or reluctance. They usually want to do exactly what you do, so showing them that it is a natural part of life will only pique their curiosity and make them want to try for themselves.
Have their favourite game, books, or other activity on hand so that they can associate potty time with something enjoyable.
Using a reward system, such as stickers or small treats, can help motivate them. Different rewards can mark different steps of the training process. Once they’ve completed the whole process they get their final prize!

How to Create a Potty Training Routine

Establishing a regular schedule can help your child get used to the idea of using the potty and will allow them to gain confidence and independence with every new attempt.

Even if they aren’t ready to try yet, just getting into the habit of going to the potty at set times is a good place to start. You can even empty a used diaper into the toilet or potty (if possible) to show them what it’s used for.
Designate times throughout the day to use the potty, such as after meals and before bedtime.
Create a weekly chart that both you and your little can work on together. It’s important for your child to feel like this is something that they are actively participating in, and not something you control.
Don’t forget to wash your hands! A catchy song that explains how to wash up and for how long (at least 20 seconds) is a great tool that will also keep this step fun and memorable.

How do I encourage Independent Toileting

Allowing your child to take the lead in the potty training process can help build their confidence and independence.

Have them try sitting on the potty fully clothed first to get used to the idea.
Encourage your child to get dressed and undressed for potty breaks and even go diaperless when you feel they are ready.
Let them help with cleaning up with tasks like putting their footstool away and flushing the toilet.

How Long Should it Take to Potty Train

Potty training can take time, and every child is different. Don’t get discouraged and keep encouraging them – it’s essential to be patient.

Keep in mind, your littles can feel your emotions. If you’re stressed, they’ll be stressed about it too, which can make progress difficult.
If you’re not getting anywhere, taking some time and trying again later will help, and it might even yield results faster.
Try not to overwhelm them by attempting too many new things at once, and if you can, avoid potty training during transitional times.

Potty training can be a fun and exciting time for the whole family, just remember to take things one step at a time. Allow your littles to really get the hang of it by keeping it fun, lighthearted and stress-free, and as tempting as it may be, try not to rush through it. Once your child is done with diapers, it’ll all seem so worth it.