Sarah Parker

Potty Training a Toddler is Tough: Here's What To Do

Do you think it’s time for your toddler to start potty training? Does your toddler happen to disagree? If that’s the case, then you’re in the right place. Potty training can be a stressful struggle for many families, but there is plenty you can do to make the learning process more enjoyable for everyone.

With that in mind, here are some insights on potty training and where to get help from the best baby subscription box.

The awesome part is that you will get your first box free of the 6 month or annual plan. 

Related: Why Does My Baby Cry So Much?

How Will I Know my Toddler is Ready for Potty Training?

If your toddler isn’t ready for potty training, then even the best toilet training tactics aren’t going to be effective. To know that your little one is finally ready to start the transition away from diapers, keep an eye out for these key behaviors:

  • Your little one notices (and doesn’t like) being in a dirty diaper.
  • You’re changing fewer diapers each day (this starts happening around 20 months).
  • Your toddler’s bowel movements have become more regular.
  • Your child uses facial expressions and has become more vocal about using the bathroom.

How Old Should my Toddler be When I Start Potty Training?

Before the age of two, children are generally not ready to start potty training, though some kids may end up waiting until they are about three and a half. It’s important to remember that all kids are different, and you should not push your child to start potty training before they are ready. You’re going to need to be patient with them and with yourself.

Related: How to Get a Baby to Sleep Through the Night

What Are Some Tips to Potty Training?

A mother sitting under a tree and holding up her young daughter.

Even if your little one is ready and happily willing to start their potty training journey (which isn’t something that happens often) you’re likely to encounter a few struggles along the way. To help you navigate your toddler’s potty training journey, make use of these helpful tips to encourage and reward their progress while getting them excited to become a big kid.

Singing a song 

Thankfully, since almost every parent has to go through potty training with their toddler, there is a massive abundance of resources that you can make use of. A quick online search will lead you to a long list of potty training videos, books, and songs that you can teach your child to make the experience more fun for them. This Sesame Street: Potty Time video is a beneficial resource for those with little ones who love Elmo.

Get rid of diapers

Aside from a small stock that you may want to keep handy for nighttime, it’s typically a good idea to get rid of your child’s diapers. Kids who are especially reluctant to start potty training may seek out their diapers if they know they are available. It’s a good idea to start transitioning them into pull-ups as they begin potty training.

Reward

Rewards are an effective way to motivate your child’s potty training efforts and to help them celebrate their successes along the way. A simple golden sticker may not be enough for such an important milestone, though. Always reward them with praise, and consider throwing around some treats, prizes, or special big kid privileges.

Is your fussy toddler resisting your potty training efforts no matter how fun you try to make the experience? Check out 123 Baby Box and see what the contents of their monthly gift boxes can do to help.

The awesome part is that you will get your first box free of the 6 month or annual plan. 


Get a potty schedule

Once your toddler starts potty training, it will be beneficial to establish a regular potty training schedule. For example, you can take your toddler to the bathroom and encourage them to potty after each mealtime and naptime to help them get used to regularly going by themselves. It’s important that your little one learns that going potty is going to be a routine thing.

Naked tIme

Many parents swear by this tactic as a part of their child’s early potty training routine. The purpose of this is to let your toddler go around naked at home (preferably in a room with a non-carpeted, easy-to-clean floor) to help them become more aware of their bodies and when they need to go to the bathroom. The idea is that being naked encourages your little one to go potty in the toilet since they won’t be wearing a diaper to go in. Not having a diaper on makes it very hard not to notice accidents, after all. This tactic can be especially beneficial for toddlers struggling with pulling down their training pants to use the bathroom.

Before bedtime and after waking

It’s a smart idea to get your little one used to going potty before bed and after waking up in the morning. You should also consider taking them to the bathroom during any instances of nighttime wakings as well. This will not only help your child to establish routine potty time habits but will also help to prevent nighttime accidents as well.

Use examples

It can be helpful to potty train your little one by example. Take them to the bathroom with you the next time you have to use the toilet to show them how easy it is to go potty on their own. Moms may find this easier to do with daughters, while fathers may have an easier time training their sons, but that isn’t a hard and fast rule. Try this out a few times and in a few different ways to see what works for your family.

Use magic tricks

You can add blue dye or blue toilet bowl cleaner to the water before your little one goes potty, and they will be fascinated with how the water will turn from blue to green after they go. Additionally, you can add some dish soap to the water so they can enjoy watching the bubbles foam up. 

Related: Baby Box Idea

Final Thoughts on Potty Training 

A toddler looking up at the camera.

Potty training can be a very difficult process for both parents and children alike, so make sure to maintain your patience and try to make the experience as fun as possible for your little one. Singing songs, giving them rewards and praise, and using magic tricks are only a small handful of ways to make the experience enjoyable for your toddler while encouraging them to keep potty training. If you find yourself struggling, though, feel free to try out a monthly baby box to learn how they might be able to help your toddler along their potty training journey.

Are you looking for some more help with getting your little ones potty trained but don’t know where to turn?  Reach out at info@123babybox.com or take a look at 123 Baby Box to learn about how their products may be able to help you.  

You will get your first box free if you choose the 6 month or annual plan.

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