When I told friends and family I was going to potty train Carson just after his 2nd birthday, a few of them laughed and said, “good luck.” A few told me flat out it was too early. Even my husband was skeptical.
But deep down, I’m his momma, and I knew he could do it.
I scoured the internet, read every blog post and every potty training book and guide I could get my hands on. I chose the information that worked best for us, and I went with it. Here’s what we did that was EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL FOR OUR FAMILY.
*I am not a doctor or a potty training expert. I can only speak from experience of what worked for me and my son. Use YOUR best judgement and always consult your pediatrician with medical concerns! *
STEP 1: ASSESS READINESS
Major signs of readiness:
- Has dry diapers for 1-2 hours at a time
- Diaper changes are stressful
- Eliminates in private or in corners (may ask you to look away)
- Has an understanding of order and where things go (cars in the basket, clothes in the closet, certain toys outside, etc.)
- Verbalizes when going to the bathroom
Other signs of readiness:
- Showing interest in the toilet or people and animals eliminating
- Enjoys reading books about the potty
- Incessant poop jokes (okay, okay… maybe that’s just my son!)
STEP 2: GET PREPARED
I took Carson shopping for all the potty training gear so he could be a part of the experience. You’ll need (depending on your house set-up):
1. A potty seat. This Elmo Potty Seat was right in our budget, but you can also find one at a second hand store. These are not necessary, but are helpful for those first couple of days. Some kids prefer to use these to start out with because they are less intimidating, they are quick to get on, and they are easy to have out in the open so you aren’t running to the bathroom. (Yes, a bit of running is involved 😉 )
2. A good stool. I love the fold up stools because they are easy to hide away, but allow for a lot of independence to wash your hands, and helping kids reach the toilet. They are also CRITICAL to rest their feet on when using the toilet, as they help stabilize. Imagine trying to go the bathroom without putting your feet on the ground. How uncomfortable!
3. Puppy pads. Buy a pack to put on the floor around the potty seat. There will be accidents and lots of them. These are helpful to keep in front of the big people toilet under your stool for accidents, too.
4. A toilet seat adapter. These are critical for the big potty and taking on the go when out and about. We have one for upstairs and one for downstairs.
5. Lots of paper towels and cleaners! I love Green Works because it is natural but tough. There will be a lot of accidents, and you need it at the ready.
6. Baby wipes at the ready for wiping their bum, especially for #2s
7. A baby gate to constrain their movements for at least a couple of days.
8. 10-15 pairs of children’s underwear in your child’s size.
9. Potty Books! Optional, but so helpful, especially in the weeks leading up to starting training. Carson’s favorites are Potty by Leslie Patricelli and P is for Potty.
GETTING STARTED:
DAY 1
- The night before, set up your potty area. Should be near a bathroom with an easy to clean floor, potty set up, and ready for the morning (puppy pads underneath.) Take out all your potty training books and fun toys to keep them entertained in a small space.
- Wake up, say goodbye to diapers and immediately take off all clothes. You child will be naked all day (or at least bottomless, naked is easier because you can see the beginning of pees more quickly.)
- Give your child LOTS OF CHANCES to get it right. Load up on water, juice (1/2 water 1/2 juice) and drink in fun cups.
- As soon as they start going to the bathroom (it will be on the floor), run to the potty! Try to get them to go!
- YOUR CHILD WILL MOSTLY PEE AND POO ON THE FLOOR. This is normal and important. When they eliminate on the floor, stay positive. “Oh, that’s too bad. That goes in the toilet. Where does the potty go?” Have them help you (but not so much they get dirty, be sure to wash your hands after!) by cleaning the floor. Talk about where pee and poo go.
- Set an alarm in 30 minute increments. After each 30 minutes, practice sitting on the potty. To encourage them, reward them with a small treat (marshmallow, raisin, etc.) for sitting for 10 seconds or longer.
- If they pee reward again with a prize or small Dollar Tree toy (although this is optional and motivational only).
- Don’t expect them to get it right much if at all. Encourage potty sitting, talk about where pee and poo go. Talk about how you are so proud of them for trying.
- All naps and nights time sleep in diapers or pull ups. IMMEDIATELY take off the diaper when they wake up.
- WASH YOUR HANDS A LOT!
- If they make anything in the potty, have a HUGE CELEBRATION! Dance, clap, and congratulate them. Use small prizes or treats to help if you would like.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
Expect some push-back maybe even some tears from the change of routine (or being extra toddler-y). Stay encouraging. Diapers are all they know. Don’t be frustrated or rush them. Try putting them in warm water in the tub with their little potty. Or, run the faucet while they are on the potty, watch videos on your phone on the potty to keep them there longer (withhold shows unless they are on the potty). They may hold back from eliminating, Carson did this, too. Eventually they will go, and it may be on the floor. That’s okay. Celebrate even the tiniest success. If they do a #2 on the floor, safely pick it up together and take it to the toilet! Remember, never force your child onto the toilet and never allow them to directly touch fecal matter or urine. They can safely help clean up by bringing you supplies, opening the trash can, wiping up AFTER you have, etc.
DAY 2 AND BEYOND
- You will be tired!! Keep going!
- Same as Day 1. Naked. Lots of chances to go to the bathroom.
- If they have one success, that is a win! CELEBRATE! Keep going if not. They can do it!
- Expect setbacks. They may have a great morning and HORRIBLE afternoon, or a great day and a horrible next day. This is normal, they are adjusting. So are you.
- As they become more confident, start opening up the house more. Go outside, get out for very short trips. A short walk, a 15 minute trip to a low-stress place like the park. Go commando under their pants, and if they have an accident there it’s okay.
- Once they have 70% success start having shirts and underwear on. Practice pulling down the underwear to go (this was day 3 or 4 for us, but it’s totally fine if it takes you longer).
- KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON. YOU CAN DO IT! If they are making any forward strides at all, DON’T GIVE UP.
- By the time they are done, you shouldn’t need pull ups during the day. This method teaches them how NOT to need them!
I truly hope these resources were helpful to you. What worked for you? I would love to know what you found success with! The more we share, the more we grow. Love you all <3 You’ve got this, momma!
*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are genuinely my own. Links contain affiliates.*
