Planning on potty training your little one? Potty training is an important milestone in a child's development, but it can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming process for both parents and children. To ensure a smooth and successful transition from diapers to using the toilet, it's crucial to have the right potty training essentials in place.
In this blog post, we will explore the best potty training tools, strategies, and tips that will make potty training a breeze for you and your little one.
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What do I need for Potty Training?
Potty Training Must Haves:
Potty Training Essentials
1. The Right Potty Chair
One of the first potty training essentials is finding the right potty chair. Look for a chair that is comfortable, sturdy, and child-friendly. It should be at the right height for your child to sit comfortably and have a secure base to prevent tipping over.
Consider choosing a chair with removable parts for easy cleaning and a splash guard for potty training boys. I personally chose the BabyBjörn Smart Potty chair due to it's minimalist design and easy to use. I always go with space saving products so this was not the exception.
Quick TIP: I personally decided to start with an "on the floor" potty chair since encourages the squatty position a bit more that jumping right into the toilet.
It helps achieve a more natural and comfortable position for bowel movements, which is believed to be the optimal posture for effortless elimination.
2. Training Pants and Underwear
Once your child is ready to transition from diapers to underwear, having the right training pants is essential. Training pants are designed to be more absorbent than regular underwear, helping to contain accidents while still allowing your child to feel wetness.
This sensation helps them become more aware of their bodily functions. Since we utilize cloth dippers for the first 2 years of life, we've seen this definitely helped to potty trained my daughter, however, if you are not using cloth diapers, look for training pants that are comfortable, easy to pull up and down, and have elastic waistbands.
Gradually transition your child from training pants to regular underwear once they show progress in their potty training journey.
We used the Baby Girls' Bloomers brand for when our daughter was ready to move over to training pants.
3. Potty Training Books and Resources
Engaging your child with potty training books and resources can be highly beneficial. Look for age-appropriate books that explain the process of using the toilet in a fun and interactive way.
These books can help your child understand the concept of potty training, learn about the importance of hygiene, and normalize the experience. You can also find online resources, such as videos and songs, that further reinforce the training process and keep your child motivated.
Best Potty Training Books
Here is a list in descending number of over 2K reviews, of best toddler books for potty training, that you don't want to miss:
Potty Time with Elmo by Play-A-Song
Daniel Tiger's Potty Time! Children's Toilet Training by Scarlett Wing, Cottage Door Press.
Potty by Leslie Patricelli
Let's Go to the Potty!: A Potty Training Book for Toddlers by Allison Jandu
Potty Superhero: Get Ready For Big Boy Pants! by Parragon Books
Big Girls Use the Potty! by DK
Cocomelon JJ's Potty Time 3-Button Potty Training Sound Board Book Scarlett Wing, Cottage Door
Potty Superhero: Get Ready For Big Girl Pants! by Parragon Books
Big Girl Panties by Fran Manushkin, Valeria Petrone
We Poop on the Potty! (Mom's Choice Awards Gold Award Recipient) by Little Grasshopper Books
4. Rewards and Incentives
Positive reinforcement is a crucial aspect of successful potty training. Introduce a reward system amongst your potty training tools to motivate your child and celebrate their progress. Consider using stickers, potty charts, or small treats as rewards for using the potty independently. Make sure the rewards are age-appropriate and align with your child's interests. Praise and encourage your child's efforts throughout the process, emphasizing their achievements rather than focusing on accidents. This positive approach will boost their confidence and make them more eager to continue their potty training journey.
Check out our free Printable Potty Chart here and how it can be an amazing potty training tool.
5. Consistency and Patience
Consistency and patience are key to successful potty training. Establish a routine and stick to it, making sure to set regular potty breaks. Encourage your child to use the potty after meals, before bedtime, and upon waking up.
Be patient with accidents and avoid punishing or shaming your child. Instead, provide gentle reminders, offer assistance, and clean up accidents calmly.
Remember, every child learns at their own pace, and setbacks are normal. Stay positive, maintain a calm demeanor, and provide constant support and encouragement.
Potty Training Essentials Must-Haves for Bedtime
Mastering nighttime potty training is an important part of the process. Bedtime can present unique challenges, but with the right potty training essentials in place, you can help your child have a successful and accident-free night.
With these must-haves in place, you can help your child feel confident and comfortable throughout the night, ensuring a restful sleep for everyone involved.
Here are my essential potty training items for bedtime:
Potty Chair
Wet Pad liner
Mattress waterproof protector sheet
Waterproof pants by MooMoo Baby Store
Easy to remove clothing PJs
Extra bed sheets
I do want to emphasis on these waterproof pants for potty training.
We used these at home and made a world difference when accidents happened. We avoid having to change as many sheets through the night.
Potty Training Essentials Must-Haves for Travel
Traveling with a potty-training child can be a daunting prospect, but with the right potty training supplies, it doesn't have to be a stressful experience.
Potty training essentials for travel are crucial to maintain consistency and ease the transition from home to unfamiliar surroundings. Below are the must-have items that make potty training on the go a breeze.
Here are my essential potty training items for travel:
Fold up seat for traveling
Wet bags
Travel size wipes
Spare clothing and underwear
Toilet paper
Disposable toilet covers for public toilets
Pee Pads for car seat
Highlighting this portable potty training seat for toddlers, which we love since it fits perfectly on my diaper bag.
Additional Potty Training Essentials and Hacks
Sink handle connectors and Faucet extender
Mattress protector sheet
Blowing out bubbles or a straw
Travel Size Wet Wipes
Yes! Blowing bubbles or a straw potty training hack: if it's taking your potty-training child a long time to try to go pee in the toilet, try having them practice blowing out bubbles or a straw for mess free. According to some Moms, they claim this would put pressure on the kid's bladder, making them want to to pee.
Encourage their sense of independence with this cute sink handle connectors and Faucet extender
Conclusion
Potty training is a significant milestone for your child, and having the right potty training essentials in place can greatly contribute to a successful experience.
From selecting the right potty chair to utilizing training pants, books, and rewards, these potty training tools and strategies will make the process smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child.
Remember to remain consistent, patient, and supportive throughout the journey. With the right tools and a positive attitude, you can help your child gain confidence and independence in using the toilet, setting them up for a successful transition from diapers to underwear.
Let us know in the comments what you think and if we miss anything that might be also helpful for other parents to ease in to this important transition.
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