Potty training tips that work!
Looking for quick solutions that will help your child learn to love his potty and ditch those diapers? Bestselling author Stacy DeBroff feels your pain (she’s a mom of two herself) and has gathered these tips to help you and your child perfect potty training…
1 Link the potty with the poop!
Start changing your child’s diaper in the bathroom so he makes the association. When he has a bowel movement, have him watch you empty it into the toilet.
2 Try the potty at the right times
Put your child on the potty first thing after he wakes up, before a nap or bedtime, 10-15 minutes after snacks or meals and whenever you notice him tugging at his clothes or shifting from foot to foot.
3 Pay attention to timing
Note what times of day your child tends to have a bowel movement – if you know when to anticipate his needs you can help him make it to the potty or bathroom in time.
4 Make friends with the flush
Toddlers can be alarmed by the sound of the toilet flushing, so have your child flush the toilet a few times to get used to the sound.
5 Get to know the potty
To build comfort with the potty, have your child sit on it fully clothed so he can check it out.
6 Think of a name
If you haven’t done so already, give your child names to use for peeing and bowel movements so he can tell you what he needs to do (make sure they’re names you feel comfortable with him using in public!).
7 Let him choose underwear
Being able to wear underwear with his favorite cartoon character on it may offer powerful motivation for your child to stay dry.
8 Provide a prop
Set aside a book or toy that your child only gets to read or play with when he’s on the potty or toilet. If he doesn’t go within five minutes let him run off to play and try again later.
9 Help nature along…
Run water in the sink or bathtub for inspiration!
10 Make the cleanup easier
Put a little water in the potty before your child uses it to make cleanup easier.
11 Make peeing fun
Add a few drops of red or blue food coloring to the toilet bowl. Your child’s urine will change it to orange or green. Challenge him to see what happens when he pees into the water!
12 Practice night-time peeing
Show your child what to do at nighttime if he wakes and needs to go to the potty or bathroom. Leave a light on so he can make his way without being scared of the dark.
13 Bypass the wet-bed woes
Double up on sheets and waterproof covers when making your child’s bed for easy middle-of-the-nigh mopping up; or lay out clean PJs and a sleeping bag for the odd accident.
14 Dress for success
Avoid fiddly overalls and one-piece sleepers so it’s easier for your child to pull down his clothing when he needs to pee.
15 Show him it’s normal!
Make a habit of visiting the bathroom whenever you go out to familiarize your child with the concept that everyone uses the toilet and to help him feel comfortable about going to the bathroom in a public place.