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esn’t matter if it’s your first child or your tenth, I think I can speak for all moms when I say we dread potty training. However, I have some tips to share that will make the process go better. Start by checking frustration and negativity at the bathroom door and put on your happiest face and patience hat.
Kids love structure. Make a routine and start teaching them independence as soon as possible. It takes a bit longer, but let your toddler turn on the light, open the toilet, flush, wash their hands, etc. You are investing in your future when you don’t have to do all those things for them because they expect you to.
To build excitement when you begin potty training, let them pick out a bottle of hand soap with their favorite character. Take them with you to get their first pack of disposable pull-ups too. We even added built in potty seats to each of our toilets because it is convenient, cleaner, and it beats cleaning out a potty chair. Don’t forget to grab a few new books to read to your child too!
Here are a few items you can add to your bathroom when you are in full potty training mode:
- built in potty seat (best prices on Amazon) $42.00
- soft potty seat (more affordable and designs kids love) $7-$16 at Walmart
- ikea kid’s stool (to reach toilet and sink) $4.99 – encourages independence
- potty target (for boys) 12 pack for $9.99
- pull-up’s (adorable girl and boy themes)
- conni kids underwear (my favorite underwear EVER)
- books (preferably ones you can wipe down with a disinfectant wipe occasionally)
- flushable wipes (these are necessary for proper hygiene when learning to wipe)
- kid’s hand soap (to encourage hand washing every time)
- disinfectant wipes (while your child washes their hands, give the toilet, stepping stool, and toilet handle a quick wipe)