Potty Training Tips For Busy Moms

Potty training – a milestone that all parents eagerly anticipate, but it can be a challenging journey, especially for busy moms with toddlers who are a bit hesitant. Fear not! We've got you covered with these practical potty learning tips.

1. Timing is Key

At some point everyone asks themselves "When should we start potty training?" But as you know, each child is unique, so rather than a particular age it's good to look for readiness cues from your child. Look for signs like showing interest in the bathroom, staying dry longer between diaper changes, being uncomfortable in dirty diapers or being able to signal when they need a diaper change. When your toddler is starting to understand where to put things (ie. garbage goes in the trash can) and when they begin sorting toys or lining up items, these are developmental hints that your toddler might be ready to start potty training.

2. Keep it Engaging

Transform potty training into a fun adventure. Give the potty a catchy name, decorate it with stickers, make a potty learning chart or maybe introduce special potty-related books or songs. The aim is to create excitement and a goal around using the potty. Cheer when you use the bathroom yourself so your toddler is interested in what it's all about.

3. Reusable Cloth Training Pants: Your Super Tool

Say hello to your potty training ally – reusable cloth training pants. These gems blend the comfort of underwear with some absorbency, empowering your child while minimizing accidents and cleanup on couches, floors and carseats. And they're both eco and budget-friendly! Unlike disposable pull ups that look like diapers, cloth trainers help your child to feel wetness so they learn quicker while looking like they are wearing big kid underwear. 6-8 are all you need.

4. Be Consistent

Establish a routine and schedule regular potty breaks, especially after meals and naps. Consistency aids in building a habit, reinforcing the potty concept and reducing accidents. Setting an alarm on your phone for example with a favorite song as the ringer every 45min or so can really help. We did this with our toddler. Every time his favorite some song from the movie Cars came on, he knew it was time to run to the bathroom!

5. Celebrate Every Achievement

Small victories deserve big celebrations. Whether it's a full success or just a tiny step towards it, acknowledge and praise your child's efforts. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence. Even if they aren't actually using the potty yet, maybe just sitting on it patiently while you read them a book for 5min is a step on the right direction.

6. Patience is a Virtue

Reluctant toddlers might not be ready yet. Active kids might have trouble sitting still for long. Kids get easily distracted. Some are afraid of the toilet or potty. That's ok. Stay patient and understanding. If they resist, take a break and try again later in a few days or weeks. Potty training is a learning curve for both of you. One of our kids was afraid of the potty so we just left it in the living room for a few weeks and read some potty learning books from the library will he got used to the idea. No pressure, just support and encouragement.

7. Empower through Choices

Let your toddler choose their own underwear or cloth training pants. Maybe they do best with only underwear on and no pants. Sometimes even a shirt on top and nothing on the bottom makes it easier for them to run to the potty the first few days. One of our kids did best with pants but no underwear at all. It helped him be more aware and less distracted and it was also easier to pull pants up and down when he ran to the potty (although it was messier for me when he had pee accidents on the couch). Find what works for your child. Empowering them with choices and trying different things can help their confidence as they learn.

8. Create a Kid-Friendly Bathroom

Make the bathroom inviting. Stock it with their favorite toys or books. Step stools can make handwashing easier. Use a good fitting potty seat on the large toilet so they feel comfortable that they won't fall in or a small potty on the floor if that's easier for your child.

In the end, remember that every child's potty training journey is unique. Stay adaptable and open-minded as you navigate this milestone. Note that many children who are potty trained during the day might still wet at night. Staying dry at night is a developmental issue, not a potty learning issue and it comes in time. So if your little needs a night diaper, that's quite normal. Enjoy your time teaching your toddler how to be a big kid. It's a big milestone for both of you.