Potty training is unpredictable and challenging, but it’s a necessary milestone for kids to learn. Spring is the time many families kick-off potty training so they are ready for summer fun and the upcoming preschool year. If you are in the midst of potty training or just beginning the journey, these potty training tips are sure to help.
Dr. Jana’s Potty Training Tips
1. Promote potty learning. Learning how to use the potty takes plenty of time and patience. It’s more than just training; it is a learning opportunity for toddlers and parents alike that should be enjoyable. After all, mastering this concept of “potty learning” with your little one is a big accomplishment and milestone.
2. Team Spirit. It is important to keep in mind that “teamwork makes the dream work,” especially in the case of potty training. You are not only your child’s biggest fan, but you are also their potty training coach. Remember to stay calm in the face of potty accidents and encourage your little one to not worry and try again!
3. Be Prepared. Potty training is an unpredictable adventure that you can best prepare for by ensuring you have all practical supplies on hand. These supplies will help you through any obstacle and can help foster your child’s interest and independence – from a step stool (to improve access to the toilet) or potty seat to training pants. That’s why I’m happy to partner with Pampers, whose Easy Ups training pants are designed to help the diaper-to-underwear transition by allowing potty-training toddlers to set aside their diapers and wear something with a more underwear-like look and feel that still helps contain accidental messes no matter wherever they happen: at home, on-the-go or overnight.
4. Celebrate every win. As with any learning experience, young children can learn a lot from both their potty successes and their setbacks. While potty accidents are an inevitable (and admittedly inconvenient) aspect of potty learning, they shouldn’t dominate your day-to-day discussions. Instead, simply help your child learn to cope with and clean up any messes, and focus your attention on celebrating your child’s efforts and successes with plenty of hugs and words of encouragement.
5. Watch for signs of readiness. Just about all children give subtle (and some not-so-subtle) signs that they are ready for potty training. These signs of readiness typically include using their words to express themselves, toddling their own way to the bathroom, pulling down their own pants, saying they want to use the “big potty,” and being aware of the sensation of peeing or pooping, characteristically noticeable when young children suddenly stop what they’re doing as they feel themselves start to go. It is also helpful and increases the likelihood of potty training interest when children start to be bothered by their messy diapers, as that can serve as a good motivation for using the potty instead!
6. Start making connections. There’s a lot that you can do to help your child be well prepared to successfully use the potty long before he or she actually starts doing it. Making up a fun song or reading engaging children’s books about potty training, such as You and Me Against the Pee! (which I co-authored) can go a long way towards making the idea of potty training a more welcome and eagerly anticipated activity. You can take this familiarity a step further by letting your toddler accompany you into the bathroom when you need to go so that he both becomes familiar with the routine and comfortable with the idea of using the toilet, rather than being afraid of or intimidated by it!
I learned early on that although I have two boys, they are very different kids. Each child had their own personalized path for potty training too. My oldest was potty trained in 3 days, literally. I know it’s hard to imagine. Once those signs were clearly there (around the age of 2) we took a long weekend to focus solely on the 3 day method. He wore only underwear and was placed on the potty every hour, whether he had to go or not. He was rewarded for a job well done, and when the minimal of accidents occurred, he was still encouraged to try again. With little night time accidents to follow, the 3 day potty training method truly worked for J.
Our son L was a stubborn child. He showed signs very early (age 16 months) and around 22 months we began the method. The 3 day system did not work for him at all. We chose a more traditional route with celebratory wins and gentle reminders when accidents occurred. It took roughly 2-3 months for him to be trained, and that was a-okay.
Potty training can feel like an overwhelming process, and when minor leaks or accidents occur, it can be a disappointment. Pampers Easy Ups helps make this journey a little easier by providing better leak protection than the leading competitor. It’s a product we used throughout L’s potty training journey with great success. Pampers Easy Ups work during the day AND night, enabling toddlers and moms to confidently and completely transition from diapers to underwear.
Here’s more information on Pampers Easy Ups:
- Fun Thomas & Friends® designs for boys and Dora the Explorer® designs for girls
- A more underwear-like design for growing toddlers
- Graphics that fade when wet to help little ones learn
- Super-stretchy sides to make them easy to pull up and down when using the potty
- Available for Boys and Girls sizes 2T/3T through 4T/5T
melissaandkeith miller says
Patience and consistency!
Janet Boyanton says
Wait until the child is ready!
Sarah Mayer says
I like the team spirit tip.
Sara A says
The tip I liked best was Celebrate every win! It seems like a good idea.
Bridgett Wilbur says
I used Cheerios for my boys for target practice. and little rewards.
tridingermckee says
I love the rewarding and celebrating. Make it fun. The child will want to succeed knowing there is so much celebration and excitement!
Aaron says
My favorite tip is “Celebrate every win!”
Carolyn Daley says
My favorite tips include being patient and using positive reinforcements.
amy pugmire says
making a fun potty chart and rewarding them when they do!
Kaitlin says
Be consistent and use a reward system.
courtney b says
I use the reward system too – candies or cookies work best
Patricia M says
I like that you should celebrate their achievements on the potty.
Ashley turicik says
I loved using the rewards system with both of my kids.
susitravl says
Rewards didn’t work so patience is the key.
Stephanie Larison says
I like to reward them when they go potty with a stamp on the hand. It works great.
susansmoaks says
using a rewards system works best for us.
Sarah Cool says
my fave tip is Celebrate every win
Em Robin says
Be patient and consistent while praising the successes.
Vera says
My favorite tip from the post is to Celebrate every win.
Gabrielly says
My favorite tip is Celebrate every win
Deanna says
My best tip is not to rush children with potty training- praise them for effort.
Sarah Oswald says
I love getting excited when they get it done right and not getting upset when they dont because you need patience to get through it.
Erica B. says
I like the tips to get it done in 3 days.
Seyma Shabbir says
I always sat with my sons and read a book when they pooped. Keep them distracted, and entertained.
Laura B. says
reading engaging children’s books about potty training – I agree!
Dawn Monroe says
I like to use their favorite characters on their potty or training pants and get everyone involved.
Austin Baroudi says
The reward system is the best potty training tip I have!
Elle says
Best tip is to use a rewards system.
Kyl Neusch says
give rewards
clynsg says
The reward system works, and many times it is as easy as praising them for doing well.
Mary Cloud says
I like a rewards system to encourage them in their potty habits
gina blades says
I’ve heard that using a reward system is the best way to motivate kids to want to use the potty. I have a 2-year old that we have tried potty training but she is resistant, so we haven’t pushed it.
Gina M (Wild Orchid) says
My tip is to make it fun, and not stressful. Provide rewards and prizes for kids.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Chelsea m says
My favorite tips are to celebrate every win and to be patient.
Amanda L. says
My best tip is to just be patient and don’t push your toddler to potty train if he/she isn’t ready.
Cheryl Billings says
Be patient, use a reward system.
slehan says
You need lots of patience and praise.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
Amy (@dropastitch) says
not rushing the process and using positive reinforcement is what worked for me
Amber Cheras (@shadow62310) says
My favorite tip is celebrating every win! It gives them something to look forward to and they know how proud the parents are of them!
Ellie Wright says
If you have older boys, let baby brother go with them or dad and see how big boys go to the bathroom with them. My youngest son potty trained himself by 18 months because he wanted to be just like them.
Brittney House says
We had good luck with using rewards for using the potty.
Allison Swain says
Always be patient with them 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win this!
Jennifer Marie says
I think being consistent and not getting frustrated are important tips.
Breanna Danielle Pollard says
Be patient and have a reward system.
Melanie Montgomery says
Celebrate the wins! I will be going through this before long!
Alejandra Carreno says
Bring fun things to distract the trainee while their on the potty. Use books, or tablet to help them not squirm or be afraid of sitting on the big potty.
Phylicia phillips says
Celebrating every win! Need to remember this. Time to potty train!
Keri Justice says
Have patience. I think that is key. The child will not learn In a day, so be patient and understanding with them. Also make sure to make it a positive experience for them as well.
Michelle Richardson says
Totally agree with Watching for signs of readiness!
Vicky D says
You really have to wait till you child is ready!
John Joseph says
I think looking for signs is best tip from dr laura tips because knowing your child makes it alot easier it seems to me
Allison Frederick says
Wait until the child is ready
Lisa says
My favorite tip is from the post and it’s that each child has their own personalized path for potty training. I think it’s important to remember that each child is different and some train faster than others and some take more time to train.
Rachel says
The best tip I ever got was to be patient and understanding.
Denise S says
Give a small reward each time they go successfully.
Cynthia says
I say don’t stress about potty training and have patience
Sheila says
Best tip: Patience and encouragement
aubrey says
My favorite tip is not to stress about potty training.
Allie E. says
Wait until they are ready, not when you are ready
MaryAnn says
Mine is to never get angry or frustrated at your child during the potty training process.
Catherine Hannan says
Using a comfortable toddler potty chair and reading books while child is on it.
Sheila K. says
Using Cheerios in the potty can be useful in training male children.
Barbara Brooks says
Celeb4ate every win tip and praise. Taking a weekend at home to work on it without leaving but very attentive to the win.
Birdiebee says
Use a reward system/chart as well as provide plenty of praise through the potty training process.
heather s says
Patience and rewards help
jalapenomamamn says
My own best tips is lots of praise – this worked so well for us.
form name Barbara Montag
thank you
Rosanne says
Keep the potty chair where you & your child are at such as the kitchen
Cassandra Eastman says
My daughter was a stubborn one to train as well. I finally realized I just needed to be patient and wait until she was ready, and not worry about everyone telling me she was “too old” to still be in diapers.
Tabathia B says
i like the promote potty training
willgriesmer says
My favorite is Watch for signs of readiness.
Kathryn N says
praise praise praise
Donna L says
My favorite tip is Team Spirit, Just be patient!
Ships says
celebrating every win is always important! big or small!
Diana Barlev says
Encourage don’t discourage. There will be times they don’t want to go, NEVER force it because they will become scared. Just try again later and be excited when they go in the potty. It should be fun not intimidating.
Sarah Hall says
My tip is to not get stressed if it doesn’t work the first time. Patience and rewards work wonders.
James Doyle says
ALWAYS reward <3 thx 😉 <3 treats!
steve weber says
I like the Celebrate Every Win tip in your post.
Joni Mason says
With my son I used Cheerios in the potty and he love “hitting” them when he went to potty. For the other side of potty training I found that a potty topper seat helped a lot.
brian daniel says
just make sure they are ready
Sarah Hayes says
mine is to make sure your child is ready when you start
Candace Galan-Calderon says
For my middle son the only thing that worked was getting a treasure box with small, cheap toys and stuff and every time he used the potty he would get to pick out something.
Darlene Carbajal says
I like the team spirit tip.
nickie says
Be patient and positive.
Sonya Sanderson says
“target practice” worked for my son. I like the cheerio idea.
jeremy mclaughlin says
We used a reward system
Debbie F says
My favorite would be celebrate every win – always make things positive, never negative.
thanks!
Char says
I like to include a song, thank you so much for this!
Meghan B says
Start when they’re ready, don’t force it!
Richard Hicks says
My tip is set up a reward system
Denise P says
Use a baby potty, and set your baby on it shortly after each feeding. They’ll get the idea in no time.
Lisa says
I like being prepared, it can go a long way just to be prepared!
Cynthia C says
I like the tip Celebrate every win. Nothing seems to work better than positive reinforcement.
Shannon says
Don’t give up! It may takes months, it may go great and then regress…but stick with it and one day it happens!
Ashley C says
Celebrate every win! I really believe praise and reward is the biggest way to make it happen for your child 🙂
Jack B says
I think that consistency is most important. Keep at it and always at least try to have the little one use the potty until it becomes a habit for them.
Maria C. says
Always be patient, understanding. Encourage them & give them rewards
L Carcaise says
Buying he or she ” big boy or big girl underwear “, and letting them know what a big deal it is that they are wearing them.
saegan anderson says
“Making up a fun song or reading engaging children’s books about potty training”
Kim Naumann says
Rewards are great! But only if they are ready.
Jessica Beard says
Rewards work when the child is ready. If they aren’t ready, then wait a little while and try again.
gloria says
praise and then a reward
Elizabeth J. says
I like the tip to celebrate the successes and give lots of encouragement. Keep it positive!
corinne gonz says
my grandson at almost 3 still has no interest in going on the pot. I take him in with me and occasionally he will sit on his pot but never use it.
Kathleen Mayer says
Have boys aim at Cheerios!
brittany marie thompson says
Watch for the signs is my fave tip. Every child will be ready at their own pace!
Thomas Murphy says
I like the Celebrate every win tip.
terrii bollin says
When my son goes on the potty we go to Dairy Queen and get an ice cream to celebrate. He loves it. So far so good.
teresa f says
The boys have always been easier because they want to be like Daddy.
Kristin Goodson says
My favorite tip is to celebrate every win! It really motivates them when they see how excited we get. It’s important to have some type of reward to motivate them. When they are truly ready they will be so successful!
sohamolina1969 says
Celebrate every win. That is an effective method for any milestone.
Ronda Patrick says
I love every little achievement! and not letting the mistakes get in the way. Celebrate it all!
latanya t says
Celebrate every win
Marichelle Claveria says
My favorite tip is Celebrate every win. I know potty training is not that esp so every achievement is worth celebrating
Jessica says
My best tip is to wait till your child is ready. My oldest daughter didn’t potty train till she was 3.5, but when she did it took a single day to be done with diapers.
Kelly D says
I like the tip to watch for signs of readiness, like being aware of the sensation they are going.
J.C. says
Definitely a big plus, being prepared with step-stools and pull-ups beforehand!
Lauren says
My favorite tip is to potty train during summer so less clothes are necessary.
Jessica To says
I like the Celebrate Every Win tip in your post.
Patricia says
For me waiting until they were ready worked.
Kristen says
My favorite is Celebrate every win.
kraftmaking says
We use sticker reward system, it works great for us.
harolde says
I like the Celebrate Every Win tip, that’s how we taught our first granddaughter.
Marty C. says
Don’t make it TOO much fun. My daughter got to the point where she expected attentive company, stories, stickers, a lap blanket, and all kinds of other bribes/rewards every single time she peed 🙂
Margaret Smith says
I like to keep some small toys or coloring books on hand and use them as rewards. It really seems to work.
Sandy Klocinski says
When I thought my daughter was ready (around 26 months), we went to the toilet every 10 minutes — even if we were out. We slowly worked up to 15 minutes, 20 minutes, etc., and after a day or two, she could pee on her own. Poop was a different story — I had to bribe her with M&M’s!
Natalie says
My tip is to always reward successes! We use Goldfish crackers as a reward.
Francine Anchondo says
Be consistent and have patience.
Adrienne Gordon says
the potty chair is an excellent device to help in training.
Janet W. says
Celebrate Every Win is my favorite tip you posted. Having a great reward system in place is really helpful and keeps your child motivated.
Elena says
My tip is to reward your child for using his potty
JIll Rivera says
Be patient and positive and praise.
Em Mahr says
My favorite tip is to Celebrate every win. My little ones seems to really respond well to positive reinforcement.
ColleenMarie says
My favorite tip is Celebrate every win.
Heather Hayes Panjon says
My Favorite Potty Training Tip Is To Make It Fun With A Chart Add Stickers And Goals To Make It Fun And Encouraging.
Karen Glatt says
I like using a Potty chair to help child feel more stable by having their feet on the ground when I begin potting training, then I move to a big toilet with a potty chair on top.
shelly peterson says
I find that using a reward system works really well.
Lisa Brown says
I found that using the right potty to train on, was highly beneficial, and using positive reinforcements made the effort less stressful.