Potty training can be challenging, but there is no reason it should be expensive. You already have the only piece of specialized equipment you'll need: a toilet. Books, videos and toddler-sized potty seats can't hurt, but the fact is that your child can learn to use the regular adult-sized toilet, and they won't be upset or confused when you take them to the bathroom at Grandma's house only to find that Grandma doesn't have a potty seat. Potty training just takes patience and a child who is ready to learn.
Find Right Time
Step 1
Watch for specific signs that your child is ready to potty train. His diaper will remain dry for two or three hours at a time, and he will be interested in what you do in the bathroom. He will be able to understand and repeat basic terms such as "potty" and "pee" or "poo."
Step 2
Plan to begin potty training on a weekend. Do not plan outings or other events with your child that weekend. This gives her a solid 48 hours to get the hang of going to the potty before her skills are tested during the week.
Step 3
Summer is a great time to begin potty training because your child will not get cold without pants on. If he is ready in the middle of winter, don't put off potty training for several months, just turn the heat up a few degrees.
Teach Toileting Skills
Step 1
Show your child the potty and invite her to try it out. If she is comfortable, remove her diaper and let her sit on the potty for a while. If she is nervous, let her sit fully clothed on the potty.
Step 2
Encourage your child to try to push out some urine. Praise him enthusiastically.
Step 3
When your child is finished, explain that they are going diaper free today and ask that they try to go to the potty if they need to.
Step 4
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. The more he drinks, the more he will need to urinate, giving him plenty of chances to try out the potty.
Step 5
Every hour or so, brightly announce "it's potty time!" and escort your child to the bathroom. Praise her enthusiastically if she urinates in the potty. Continue this process whenever she is awake.
Advanced Potty Training
Step 1
When your child knows how to use the toilet and can stay dry at home during the day with some periodic prompting to use the bathroom, he may be ready to try big kid underwear outside the house. Take him to the bathroom right before you leave, and remind him that he needs to tell you early if he needs to go potty, so you have enough time to find the restrooms.
Step 2
As soon as you arrive at your destination, show your child where the bathrooms are and ask if she needs to go. Try to encourage her to use the bathroom every hour or two while you are out, just as you would at home.
Step 3
Carry one or two spare sets of clothes in the diaper bag. If he has an accident, change his clothes without making too big a deal of it.
Step 4
When your child's diaper is dry after naptime, she may be ready to try going diaper free when she sleeps. Start with naptime, then try over night. Remember to eliminate liquids for an hour or two before putting your child to bed.
Tips and Warnings
- Potty training is a process. It will take time before your child is reliably potty trained all the time.
- Accidents will happen, and they are frustrating. Do not punish your child for accidents. Instead, involve him in cleaning up the mess, changing his clothes and washing his toys. Explain that if he had gotten up and used the potty, he could have been playing instead of cleaning up.
