A good friend and mom of three once told me that there's a potty training window, and if you miss it, the whole process is harder. While I think this is true to some extent, I know now that setting up potty training correctly helps widen the window.
Once you've decided potty training is coming soon (one to three months before), start gathering the necessary potty training essentials. Let's call it, our poop training arsenal.
Poop Training Arsenal
- You need a book like "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan On how to Break Free from Dirty Diapers" by Brandi Brucks. The author's method is hands down smart, easy to follow, and a sure fire way to succeed. It's a short read with big font and quick and dirty tips that make potty training easier.
- Next, invest in a couple of toilet options for your kiddo. What worked for me was the Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer and the Summer Infant My Size Potty. Some parents prefer a toilet seat that converts to a toddler seat. You also might consider a travel potty for the car to cover potty emergencies on the go. An excellent choice is the Summer Infant My Fun Sticker Potty.
- Set up your reward system with stickers, candy, or toys. The Potty Training Chart comes with an easy to hang sticker chart and star stickers. Each kid likes different kinds of rewards. I rewarded my son with his own Halloween candy (yes, yes, I did) while my daughter preferred chocolate-covered cherries. Find what motivates your child and prepare ahead of time.
- Pull-ups for naptime and overnight. Huggies Nighttime Pull-ups work great.
- Tons of drink options for your kiddo to choose. Try not to worry about sugar when stocking your cupboards with drinks. You want your kid to drink a lot during the process. Honest Kids Pouches have less sugar.
- Order big kid underpants or panties from a source you trust. When it comes to underwear, I found Gap Kids underwear to be the best quality. You want loose underwear to make pulling up and down easy for your potty training toddler.
- Potty books for kiddos to read in the weeks leading up to potty training. Read to them a few minutes each day to help prepare them to take the plunge. While there are a lot of children's books dealing with potty training, some of my favorites include:
Once you've read the potty training book, ordered the necessary essentials, then begin planting the potty training seeds. Every time you change a diaper, say things like, "Oh, your diaper is dirty. Let's put on a nice, fresh, clean one," or "I can't wait until you're a big kid and go in the potty."
Let them watch you go to the bathroom and try to make the prospect fun and easy. But be clear, potty training is coming. I had difficulty with my son, who told me that he wanted to keep his diapers because he thought stopping to pee in the potty was a stupid idea. I bought him the Daniel Tiger Potty Time Toy as an incentive.
Buy "Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-By-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers" on Amazon for $10.19
Buy the Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer on Amazon for $34.99
Buy the Summer Infant My Size Potty on Amazon for $26.78