All Aboard! Get Ready for the Potty Train

Potty Training Toddlers Newsletter

Welcome aboard The Potty-Training Toddlers Newsletter!  

We’re excited to help you navigate this potty-training journey with practical guidance, expert advice, and a bit of encouragement. Let’s make potty-training a positive experience for both you and your little one! 

We are guiding you to a positive experience in potty-training your child in just 3 days.  

Who are “we”? We are a group of moms who run the popular Facebook Group: Potty Training Toddlers - Real Tips from Real Parents. You can find us HERE. We have teamed up with experts, parents, and creators of products & reinforcement tools to bring you the best information.  

What you can expect from this newsletter:  

  1. The method emphasizes positive reinforcement, patience, and consistent reminders. Key steps include:

    1. Preparation: Ensure the child is ready, gather necessary supplies, and create a bathroom-friendly environment.

    2. Diaper Farewell: Replace diapers with underwear and dispose of diapers to avoid temptation.

    3. Potty Introduction: Introduce the potty chair, explain its use, and offer positive reinforcement for understanding.

    4. Frequent Reminders: Constantly remind the child to communicate their needs and praise dryness.

    5. Accident Handling: Respond calmly to accidents, redirect to the potty, and offer praise for any progress.

    6. Observation and Timing: Watch for subtle cues indicating the need to use the potty and avoid prolonged sitting.

    We stress the importance of patience, positive reinforcement, and consistent communication throughout the three-day process.

Signs of Readiness: Is your child ready to start potty training?  

Your child may already be showing signs of readiness.  

Look for these signs:  

  • Interest in the Bathroom, i.e. mommy is in there, the flush, washing hands, etc.  

  • Staying Dry for Longer Periods of Time 

  • Communicating when they have gone, i.e. “I pee pee” or “I pooped”  

  • Communicating with sign or gestures.  

  • Remove / Attempting to Remove Diaper Frequently 

  • An Understanding of What it Means to Go Potty 

Remember, every child’s journey will be different.  

Quick Tips to Get You Ready for Potty-Training: 

  • Consistency is key to the process. Get ready to take your little to the potty in intervals throughout the day.  

  • Make it fun! Use stickers, charts, rewards, books, or even a fun potty-training song. 

  • Stay calm: Accidents will happen, and that’s okay! Focus on progress, not perfection. 

Keep your eye on the prize, the reward is worth it for you and your child!

It’s Time to Plan Ahead

  • Choose your consecutive three days. Maybe a Friday, Saturday, Sunday to make more time with your child (this is great if your little is in daycare or with a babysitter).  

  • Review your schedule so you don’t need to take time away from your little. If there is no one to step in sometimes you may need to meal prep or order take out so you're not distracted cooking.  

  • Try not to travel anywhere. A great time is a time with no extra activities.  

  • A week or two before your planning to start, communicate in a serious tone that poop is yucky or stinky and should go in the potty. Encourage them to repeat that it’s yucky.  

  • Be prepared with activities for yourself that don’t require a lot of attention, such as, books, coloring, light cleaning, games with your child, etc.  

  • Make sure that there are clean clothes, sheets, pajamas – as accidents will happen.  

  • You will want to have foods high in fiber on hand for your child to help avoid constipation during the three-days.  

  • Make sure to have all rewards, books, and charts ready to go before your starting day. We will help you with ideas on this as well.  

What items do you need before starting?

Potty Chair or Potty Seat: A potty seat can be a great option, especially if you have a smaller space. It provides a sense of familiarity and comfort for your child. Let them choose their own seat to foster independence and excitement. While a step stool can be helpful, it's not essential. The main goal is to create a safe and comfortable potty training experience. Click below to see the products that have been parent tested and approved!

For the boys they do have practice urinals: some parents find that a step stool can help boys feel more grown-up as they transition to standing to urinate. However, it's important to prioritize safety and comfort. It's recommended to start with sitting and gradually introduce standing as your child becomes more coordinated and confident.

Underwear / Boxers: To maximize your child's success during potty training, it's crucial to avoid using diapers or pull-ups, even at night. This includes padded underwear, as it can mimic the feeling of a diaper, however we are going to give options because each child is unique.

Stock Up on Underwear Prepare for accidents by having a good supply of underwear on hand. Aim for 10-20 pairs to avoid constant laundry during the training period.

Involve Your Child in the Process Let your child be part of the decision-making process by choosing their own underwear. This can help them feel more invested in the process and less likely to want to ruin their new favorite pair.

Flushable Wipes: While not necessary, using specific "big kid" wipes can make cleanup easier and reinforce positive associations with potty training. Avoid using baby wipes and instead opt for wipes labeled for big kids. This subtle change can help your child feel more grown-up and motivated.

Favorite Drink: You need to have plenty of fluids on hand that your child likes to drink. You will be giving them more to drink than usual. Make it fun buy getting silly straws or adding ice so they can hear the ice more when they drink. Water is always the best option; more milk than usual is not recommended for potty-training.  

Rewards: The best reward system is one that motivates your child. Here are some ideas:

  • Small Rewards: Stickers, small toys, or special privileges like extra screen time.

  • Bigger Rewards: Larger rewards for significant milestones like staying dry overnight or completing the three-day training.

  • Potty Chart: Use a chart to track progress and reward achievements.

Remember, while rewards can be a great motivator, it's important to gradually phase them out as your child becomes more independent.

We hope that the first newsletter in our series has been a helpful guide to get you started. Keep an eye out for our second newsletter where we will jump into potty-training your toddler in 3-days!  Remember, you are not alone in this!

 

Thank you,  

It’s time for the Potty-Train!

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