Potty training has been the worst part of my parenting experience so far. Until my 3rd kid started potty training. It was almost a breath of fresh air for me. She picked it up quickly and easily and I realized that this was probably the experience most parents have who write about potty training in 3 or 5 or 7 days.
But for those of us who have more “difficult” children, potty training can literally last years. No matter how “easy” or “difficult” your child is, these are tried and true necessities for ensuring your kiddo eventually doesn’t wear diapers.
Related: Potty Training Struggles
Potty
You technically don’t need a little potty, but it helps. Some sort of toilet is all that is absolutely necessary for your kiddo to get all the poop and pee out. A little potty can be helpful when your kid is starting out. They’re portable and can be closer than your bathroom or in a room or floor of your house that there isn’t a toilet.
Stickers/M&M’s/chart
Some sort of reward is necessary when starting out. But at some point you just expect them to get all their pee and poop in the potty without rewards. My kids love M&M’s as their rewards. Charts never really worked and stickers somehow didn’t connect that they got it for going in the potty. But if it works for your kiddo go for it!
Books about potty training
You don’t need too many, but at least 3 books are helpful. It’s also great to have gender specific potty books. You don’t have to buy them, your local library probably has a supply of potty books for your kiddo to check out. We keep our potty training books next to our little potty.
Loose pants or dresses
I’ve found that when their pants are loose they don’t feel like they have a diaper on so they go in the potty. For girls dress’ can be very helpful for the to feel like they don’t have a diaper on.
Underwear
When they get the hang of getting all their waste in the potty, get them used to wearing underwear. They’ll be wearing it the rest of their life, so it becomes essential.
Love, support, and lots of cheering
This is a huge transition for your kiddo. They’re used to diapers, they’re comfortable with them, but they are learning a new skill so encourage them with love and high fives. Cheer them on for even sitting on the potty to begin with.
Good luck!
