So your toddler is showing signs that they are done with diapers…or maybe you just are done with having to change them. Either way, here are the 5 must-haves for potty training your little tike the correct way:
1. The Right Potty
Picking the correct training potty isn’t as difficult as it seems.
Choosing a training toilet that is both “fun” and “functional” is the way to go. Think about your child’s interests, what is their favorite color? Do they like race cars? Do they like pressing buttons to make sounds constantly?
Also, think about where you will be potty training. Are you always on the go? Do you have a two story house? Does Gramma or someone else watch your little one while you work or run errands? If the answer is “yes”, then you might need multiple potties.
Originally, for my son, I got this super cool race car potty. He loves cars and the color red, and this training toilet was very affordable (less than 25 bucks!), so this was the perfect first choice for him. It’s also super portable so you can take it with if you have to run errands or go on vacation:
It’s such a fun little training toilet, you can check it out here:
We also ended up getting another toilet for when he was at Gramma’s. Now picture a plain white toilet, only smaller, doesn’t actually flush but makes flushing sounds and has a secret compartment!
If you pictured something like this, you would be right!
My son loves it and any chance he gets (even when he doesn’t have to potty), he flushes that training toilet!
For less than $30, it’s another affordable option. And because it looks very similar to a “grown up” toilet, it will be an easy transition for your child. You can check it out here:
Nothing is more exciting than something new! Especially something new that is fun! So either go with a potty based on your child’s likes/interests or a potty that makes fun sounds, you can’t go wrong!
2. Potty Training Book/Guide
Now every child is unique and learns differently. This is especially true when it comes to potty training. Sometimes, you can bribe your two year old with an M&M candy and they will just sit on the potty and go. Sometimes, you have to try three different technique over a 6 month period and ruin 17 pairs of underpants.
Hopefully, your child is easily bribed and trained, but more likely, they might need a little help. And that goes for you too. Parents need help during this process too.
Here are the Top 2 Potty Training Books/Guides:
This is a great book for first time parents or if your child is completely different than your other children. Also, this is the book you need to get if you aren’t expecting “immediate” results and are going for a “gradual” learning process. Or you might just work a ton and don’t have the time to commit to back to back days, that’s fine too.
It’s also great for people on a budget, it’s only $2.99 for the e-book version and $8.99 for the paperback version (if you are like me and need a physical copy to touch and look at).
You can check it out here:
Potty Training : The Complete Guide to Potty Training for First-time Parents and Each Unique Baby
This is the book for when you are just DONE with dirty diapers and have set aside some time in your family’s schedule to focus solely on potty training. So if you have a long weekend coming up or are just going to clear your schedule to get this done, this is for you.
I will say, out of the three books, this one is the most ambitious and requires a TON of pre-planning. So just don’t expect to open up the book and that’s day 1. I would suggest reading the first few sections and then quickly skim through the rest of the book so you can determine when you want to start your 3-day potty training extravaganza.
You can check it out here:
Potty Training in 3 Days: The Step-by-Step Plan for a Clean Break from Dirty Diapers
3. Training Pants/Underwear
Now if you have a daughter, maybe she’s like I was and all she needs is a pair of pink, frilly underwear to get excited about potty training…or maybe your toddler couldn’t care less about what they wear on their behind. Either way, you still need to be prepared.
I would suggest grabbing a small pack of training pants (I wouldn’t get multiple packs because your toddler might not be ready yet and then you are out all that money) at your local store (Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.)
There’s a several brands available, but Pull-ups, Easy-ups, or even a store brand will do just fine…especially at first. You can get some ideas by clicking one of these:
Now the fun part…underwear! Maybe have your child come with you to the store so they can pick our their favorite character underwear. Does your daughter like the movie Frozen? Does your son like PJ Masks? Do your twins like Sesame Street? Possibilities are endless.
Make sure to have them try on the first pack (after you wash the underwear) so you know they actually fit when potty training “class” starts. I would suggest not buying more than a couple of packs in case “now” isn’t the time your toddler wants to learn. You wouldn’t want to throw a ton of money out the window…although that’s kind of what diapers are: thousands of $$$ we spend on our babies that aren’t potty trained.
Walmart/Target/Kohl’s/Your Favorite Kid’s Clothing Store will all have them, but here’s a starting point if you don’t know what to get:
4. Cleaning Supplies (!!!)
You will need TONS of cleaning supplies. If you are a clean freak, this is your moment mama, seriously.
I’m not just talking about wipes to clean your child (that you probably already have, I’m talking about the insane messes you will be cleaning up in your bathroom, your living room, in your toddler’s bedroom, in your car, out in public…take a deep breath because you are going to need A LOT of supplies everywhere. Here are some ideas on items you need to stock up on and bring with you:
- Paper Towels
- Cleaning Spray (Lysol!!!!!)
- Baby Wipes for your baby’s behind
- Cleaning wipes for after you rinse out the training toilet
- Soap, Hand Sanitizer, and Water Bottles for when you are out on the road (you may have to stop on the side of the freeway)
- Carpet Cleaner and Baking Soda for your poor carpets
- Paper Coffee Filters (not for avoiding clean-up, but for making the solid waste clean ups a little easier), just set one down before #2
- Regular Towels to clean off your child in more extreme cases
- Trash Bags for your car and for when you are at a store or visiting family/friends
- Urine Spray – Probably originally made for pets but hey, you will need it for your toddler as well. You can find a few options here:
5. Patience
This honestly should be number one on this list because it really is the most important must-have for potty training. Your toddler is learning for the first time to do…everything. So to expect your toddler to learn what you want to on your terms and your time frame probably isn’t the most reasonable of mindsets.
I would suggest having a talk with your spouse (or anyone who watches your child on a regular basis) and really make sure they are on the same page as you and have a discussion that includes:
- Your child might not be ready this time. If this is the case, give yourselves an “emotional” timeframe for when you should stop trying.
- What time you will set aside to work on this, what your expectations are of the other parent/caregiver, and listen to their input too (especially if they have been a parent before).
- Make plans on how to reward your child when they go “potty” in their new potty chair (stickers, a handful of crackers, a trip to the park, a new toy at the store).
- Work on how to respond to your child when they have an accident. Make sure to keep the experience positive and pressure free.
- Make “potty packs” for traveling and decide what is in each one for each parent/caregiver.
If you set expectations for yourself on how you handle the potty training, it will become far easier mentally/emotionally for all involved, especially your child. Make it fun and be patient.
6. BONUS
Just a few honorable mentions of must-haves (that you might already have)
- Extra Changes of Clothes (especially pants/shorts) for whenever you are in the car
- Step Stool for your child to reach the sink to wash their hands (one for each bathroom in your house might be helpful too)
- Books or a Tablet to entertain your child while they “wait”
- A Potty Training Reward Chart — Literally a GAME CHANGER with my son. We paired the potty chart with consistent rewards (a chocolate hug every time we had a successful pee/poo). Click here for the one I used.
Good luck on this exciting new part of your parent journey! You will do great!
This site contains affiliate links and I might be compensated if you purchase from one of these links.