How to potty train
Did you ever think before you had kids you would ever celebrate the sight of some wee and poop in a toilet like it’s a Lotto winning ticket? Neither did I but it’s what becomes of us all when we learn how to potty train.
I had first dreaded doing it, thinking I would be waving goodbye to an easy life and hello to mystery puddles on the sofa or brown smears in the playpen. But it wasn’t actually my choice to begin with my eldest. I had become pregnant with my second and was suffering from the worst HG/ morning sickness. Even the smell of the milk she drank made me gag so sticky, poopy nappies were a no-go. My survival method was to put my toddler on the potty around the same time she pooped every day – before quickly rushing it out of the door before I gagged. And sure enough by the end of the week, my little 17 month old was potty trained with poos – and only ever used the toilet for them from that day forth.
Pleasantly surprised, we actually noticed she was holding in wees for the potty too but held up fully potty training her until she was two and a half. This took only four days – and not too many accidents. This might all sound like a humble-brag but what I’m trying to say is that potty training shouldn’t be scary – it’s exciting. And cleaner, cheaper and less stressful in the long run.
Now we’re going through it again with my one year old and I’ve definitely found the hacks, tricks and strategies that work. Here’s my advice to get your toddler happy on their bathroom throne…
1. Start early
Put your toddler on the potty the moment they can sit on it safely (normally 15-18 months). But be super chilled about it. Read them a book or put on their favourite TV show – with no pressure to use it properly. I used to get a whiteboard for us to practise our drawing. Make it a fun place to be.
2. Keep a routine
I’m sure you’ve noticed a bit of a pattern to your child’s bowel movements. Try to get your toddler on the potty at that same time each day – whether its after dinner or lunch or after downing a bottle of milk. I used to give my toddler a big drink the moment she sat on the potty to get the pipes kick-started.
3. Give lots of praise
Tell your toddler how clever they are when they poop in the potty. Offer a sticker chart if that works for your child.
4. Keep the pressure low
Never act frustrated if something doesn’t go to plan – like they poo the moment they’re off the potty. Just praise the good stuff that they’re getting right.
This is for when you want them trained for weeing on the potty….
5. Be prepared for leaks
Put blankets down everywhere!
6. Get at least 10 new pairs of pants to put on.
They will get soggy at first but every time that happens over the first couple of days, it’s a good thing – it means your toddler has had another learning experience.
7. Make an announcement
Announce to your toddler that they’re big now so will be weeing in the potty. Make a big point of putting pants – rather than a nappy – on them.
8. Regularly remind them to ‘Let me know if you need the potty/toilet’.
Some experts discourage asking outright ‘Do you need the toilet?’ but the directness helped my toddler communicate with me.
9. Reminders are needed!
If you see them with wet pants (or particularly in the middle of wetting their pants), put them immediately on the potty, reminding them ‘You wee in the potty now’.
10. Praise, praise and praise again!
Every time they wee in the potty act like they’ve broken the Guinness World Record for best toddler ever.
