Potty Training Your Toddler

SKILL LEVEL 2

by Robin Roenker

Helping your toddler make the “big kid” transition from diapers to the potty is often intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. With these potty training tips —and a little humor and patience for those inevitable accidents—potty training can be a breeze.

Robin Roenker, freelance writer and mother of three, has two sons potty trained and one more to go.

2 Skill level
2 out of 5
5 Steps
0 Materials

Step 1 Wait until Your Child is Ready

Does your child immediately tell you when she needs a diaper change? Is he showing interest in the bathroom and navigating how to use the potty? These are good signs your toddler may be ready for potty training.
There is no “magic age” to start. Some kids may be ready for the potty before they’re two, others not until later. You know that saying you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink? You can take a toddler to the potty — but you can’t make her use it until she’s ready. Follow your child’s lead. You’ll be glad you did.
Step 2 Get an Easy-to-Use Training Potty

Let your child pick out his or her own potty. The more they like it, the more likely they are to use it. There are potties that sing, potties that look like frogs, and potties fit for a princess. The basic plastic training potty works fine, too. Fit is important — your child should be able to sit comfortably without having to be lifted onto the seat. Also, look for a potty that is easy to clean. Those with a removable, easy-to-empty inner container work best.
Step 3 Introduce the Potty in Stages

Let your toddler explore the potty. Put the potty in an accessible spot where your toddler can sit and play on it — without the pressure of trying to make a deposit. Talk to your child about using the “big boy” or “big girl” potty just like you do. Read toddler-friendly books about potty training to reinforce the idea.
Let your child try to make his first potty deposits before bath time each night. This potty practice helps your child gain confidence before you begin the full-on potty training process.
Step 4 Create Your Own Potty Training “Boot Camp”
When you feel your child is ready, approach the potty-training process head-on. Dedicate a full week to potty training. Cancel other out-of-the house commitments, if possible. Training takes a lot of patience and attention, but pays off in the long run.
- Say goodbye to pull-ups during the day. Pull-ups are great for getting your toddler used to the idea of using the potty, but can hinder progress since many kids don’t feel wet in them. Use pull-ups at night until your child is able to stay dry while asleep.
- Put your child in underwear only during the daytime. Underwear helps your child know immediately when they’ve had an accident. Let your child pick their favorite underwear. They’ll be excited about the idea of wearing their “big kid” underpants. It’s a surprisingly effective motivator.
- Take your child to the potty every 15-20 minutes for the first few days of your potty-training week. Even if they say they don’t have to go, take them anyway. This gets them used to the idea of getting to the potty before they have an accident. They’ll be proud when they make a deposit.
- Gradually lengthen the time between potty visits. Take your child to the potty every 30 to 40 minutes for the latter part of your potty-training week. Slowly work up to letting them tell you when they need to go. This may take another week or so.
- Don’t be surprised if there are several accidents along the way—accidents are expected. Take the accidents in stride, and reassure your child that he will make it to the potty next time.
Step 5 Reward Potty Successes

Give your child a small reward every time she uses the potty successfully. Sticker charts work great or other small treats. Small tokens reinforce progress and encourage your child to keep up the good work.